New releases last two weeks: All genres

Review: Budde & Osti of 100 Records presents an experimental "playground" that offers listeners a unique perspective on their work. The sizzling six-track EP blends jazz and house and features experimental highlights from the Trash Archives, which is a collection of 99 tracks available for free on Bandcamp. All pieces were recorded live in the studio utilising, on the whole, analogue gear that best shows off the duo's raw and unfiltered creativity. From the opening jazz dance of '40' to the closing jazz-funk-techno of '57' this is a beguiling collection.

Review: This vibrant 1969 release captures the raw energy of Latin soul and funk, a perfect snapshot of Spanish Harlem's musical melting pot. With tight grooves and infectious percussion, the ensemble delivers tracks that feel alive with cultural and rhythmic vitality. Each arrangement draws from the boogaloo era's creativity, blending soulful melodies with sharp, danceable rhythms. This reissue offers a chance to experience a key moment in New York's Latin music history with its unmistakable blend of genres.

Review: Released 35 years ago, The Cactus Album marked a significant moment in hip-hop, presenting a unique blend of styles from its members, Pete Nice and MC Serch. Unlike their contemporaries, the duo expressed their identity authentically, sidestepping exaggerated stereotypes often associated with white rappers. Their chemistry is palpable in tracks like 'Steppin' To The A.M' and 'Words Of Wisdom', where intricate samples and sharp lyricism shine through. The album's standout, 'The Gas Face', shows their ability to tackle complex social issues, addressing racism in a way rarely seen among white emcees at the time. Tracks such as 'Brooklyn Queens' and 'Monte Hall' illustrate their knack for catchy yet thoughtful content, while DJ Richie Rich's contributions on the turntables enhance the album's overall sound. Despite the group's eventual split due to personal differences, their influence remains significant. The lasting legacy of The Cactus Album lies in its authentic representation of hip-hop culture, paving the way for future artists like Eminem. Even amid interpersonal strife, the duo's collaboration produced a timeless work that resonates even today.

Review: Collecting together most of their 7" releases onto this, their first album, 45Trio's keyboardist Swing-O/45, bassist Sunapanng and drummer Masahiko Kubo provide fans with not only their sold-out singles on the same label but new tracks too. So, enjoy their version of Patrice Rushen's 'Remind Me' that pares back the original, sweetening further this already sweet composition by marrying Fender Rhodes with vocoder, or relish Irvine Weldon's 'I Love You', as the sensitive keyboard again takes centre stage. Get lost in Loose Ends' 'A Little Spice' which is fairly true to the original but more synthesised with a jazzy hip hop break and the jerky more downbeat version of Gary Davis' 2006 track 'Gee Dee' reflecting the trio's love of paying homage but creating a different and slower groove. On Bloom Music, a label under the Japanese Flower Records 'Soul Review' soulfully reviews Trio 45s work to date, a must for fans disappointed not to have got in quick enough when tracks were first available on 7" and also for those newly initiated. You're all in for a treat.

Review: Heavyweight quattro-techno from A Paul, DJ Dextro, Red Rooms, Ramon Tapia and Arkvs for Planet Rhythm. Each track serving as merciless hoisters in the vein of 'Rough' techno, the A1 is deserving of the name, bringing scraping hi-hat blurs and gulping knocks to a mean mix. Deadened, unfeeling, callous calculation follows on the follower 'Binary Codes', while Tapia tabulates a 'Ratio' on the algo-rhythmic bleeper that ensues on the B1. Finally, 'Decoration Drugs' brings a prime movement, its facelessly numbered breakdowns and shuffles assuring us that there is indeed no end to off-planet production processes such as these.

Review: Portuguese producer A Thousand Details is back on Hayes four years after his 'Mirage' EP and shows a smart evolution in his sound. With releases on labels like Knotweed 51, Tar Hallow and EarToGround, he's built a reputation for blending technique with creative vision and his decade of techno expertise is evident in his production here. He uses hardware like the Digitakt, TR-909 and modular systems to cook up emotive, chord-driven motifs that balance harmony with techno's raw energy. The 'Unrestful Mind' EP blends nostalgia and innovation and draws from Detroit's heritage while introducing fresh, glowy textures to melt body and soul.

Review: A² was the electro, breaks and tech house duo Andy Panayi and Alec Stone, and this outing on R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings is a four-track collection that comes years after the tragic passing of Panayi so serves as a poignant tribute from his close friends and family. Honouring Andy's legacy, the release captures the duo's innovative electronic spirit and is both a celebration of their work and a touching farewell. Musically 'Street Renegade' is a lithe breakbeat sound, 'Upton Park Breaks' is more dark and textured and 'Electro Boogie' is just that while 'Reckless' closes on a more spaced out and cosmic tip.

Review: Acoustic Vision crafts an exceptional EP bursting with rich techno personality. The opening track, 'Peyote Country Club' grabs attention immediately with its infectious rhythm, sharp percussion, and irresistible flow. A light yet captivating melody hovers over deep, bouncing basslines, building into a perfect storm of dancefloor energy. It's a standout cut that seamlessly blends a cool vibe with driving momentum. 'Human Endeavour' ventures into darker territory, offering a tribal groove layered with eerie, hypnotic elements. The haunting melodies create a sense of being swept into a deep, mystical rave, where the rhythm pulls you in. Subtle house influences sneak in as the track progresses, with distant keys adding a sophisticated touch that leaves an impression on you.
'Every Pleasure, Every Sin' shifts gears, delivering a refreshing blend of ambient house that feels like a breezy summer afternoon. The track is pure elegance that harkens back to the vintage early 90s. The remix of the same track turns things on their head, adding a wicked bassline, playful breakbeat, and a more ominous vibe. The inclusion of an acid line gives it a nostalgic, classic feel, ensuring this version stands out with its playful edge.
Definitely an artist to watch in the future."

Review: Acusmouse and Ab Show's collaboration on Line Conductor offers a deep dive into the intricacies of minimal and tech house. While grounded in familiar rhythms, the EP brings forward an unpredictable flow, with each track layering textures that evolve with each listen. Acusmouse's 'Topass' anchors the release, its unyielding pulse driven by a hypnotic bassline, allowing the surrounding elements to form fluid, almost organic movements. Ab Show's side introduces a more cerebral take, with 'Subminimal Message' building tension through sparse percussion and unsettling atmospherics. Together, the two push the boundaries of the genre, never fully conforming but always offering something compelling, fresh, and deeply engaging.

Review: Ryan Adams' cult classic album Blackhole is finally being released, much to the anticipation of his devoted fanbase. Initially demoed in 2006 and heavily bootlegged over the years, this long-awaited official release features raw and emotionally charged tracks, including 'Catherine', previously only performed live. The album's creation coincided with a tumultuous period in Adams' life, marked by struggles with addiction, making its release not just a musical event but also a reclamation of a pivotal moment in his career. Adams merged two versions of the albumione reflecting a chaotic vocal performance and another crafted in the midst of his struggles. The release promises to satisfy years of speculation while offering an authentic glimpse into Adams' artistic evolution. With its blend of previously unheard material and emotional depth, Blackhole stands as a testament to the beauty found within vulnerability and fans eagerly await its arrival.

Review: After nearly two decades of anticipation, Ryan Adams has finally unveiled a long-awaited, cult-classic album on CD. Initially shelved due to his battles with addiction, the album captures the raw, unfiltered emotion that defined his tumultuous period. With tracks like 'Catherine', previously only performed live, and unreleased material now officially available, it's a revelatory listen for fans who have long speculated about its contents. The album's haunting, fragmented qualityireflecting Adams' state during its creationiadds a compelling layer of authenticity. While some of the raw vocal takes are intentionally rough, the end result is an evocative and beautiful snapshot of a chaotic creative period. This release not only satisfies years of fan demand but also reclaims a pivotal moment in Adams' career, offering a glimpse into his darkest and most vulnerable creative space.

Review: Cannonball Adderley's 'Somethin' Else' is a jazz masterpiece that epitomises cool sophistication. Released in 1958, the album features a stellar lineup including Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones and Art Blakey. The title track, composed by Miles Davis, is some true jazz brilliance and it showcases Adderley's emotive alto saxophone against Davis's iconic trumpet. The album's fusion of hard bop and modal jazz creates a timeless, laid-back ambiance and Adderley's inventive improvisations, coupled with Davis's sublime contributions, make Somethin' Else a standout in his oeuvre and a high point in the history of jazz. A must-listen for aficionados and newcomers alike.

Review: This is the debut EP from DJ, producer and multidisciplinary artist Sol Leon under the moniker aka-Sol. It marks years of creative evolution and finds him blending vibrant energy with raw emotion across three tracks. aka-Sol channels a psychedelic edge into the punk roots of electronic music here by using modular synths and analogue textures to challenge modern club norms and genre boundaries. It results in a fearless offering that is equal parts love letter and provocation and invites headbanging and liberation on the dancefloor. A remix by Osare! Editions' Elena Colombi completes the EP, with experimental, post-punk and club intersections.

Review: An alien smiley moon made of cheese is shown to orbit the surface of a mountainous earth on the inner label of this new EP by Alien Rave. Though it's uncertain as to whether one person is behind the moniker -as opposed to the alias Alien Rave reflecting the collective alienation of any given rave hive mind itself - what has become increasingly evident by comparison is that Alien Rave releases don't materialise in conventional ways. For example, this EP is alleged to have first appeared on a hard drive with a mysterious note attached to it, and the contactees took it as a sign that another foreign musical visitation had occurred. The tunes therein just so happened to sound like perfect syntheses of acid electro come major-room dark electrance, best among which is 'Misconception'. After all, they do say the greys walk among us in perfect disguises, and have done so since at least the first nuclear power plant was built!

Review: Bristol's Dream Software collective (and label) have long been fans of the mid 1990s work of Alex Silvi, best known for his releases as Alien Signal. So much so, in fact, that they reached out to the Italian producer and asked whether they could put out an EP of some of their favourite back catalogue tracks. That's what they've done here, flitting between the chiming melodies, warped electronics and shuffling beats of 'North Polar Stars', the chugging dream house-in-space flex of 'Brilliant Evening Planets', the stargazing proto-trance (with jazzy solos) of 'Quantum Limit', the intergalactic, acid-flecked dancefloor psychedelia of 'Violent Volcanoes of Lo' and the bleeping lead lines, immersive chords and bustling beats of 'Atomic (Esoteric Mix)'. An expertly curated and beautifully presented retrospective

Review: MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed sees Melbourne's The Pro-Teens, led by Hudson Whitlock, tackle the vast world of MF DOOM's musical legacy. With their instrumental soul approach, they reinterpret iconic tracks like 'Doomsday' and deeper cuts such as 'The Gas Face,' blending boom-bap rhythms with cinematic flair. From the lush soundscapes to the gritty funk, The Pro-Teens capture the essence of DOOM's discography. Available on standard vinyl, this release is an essential for both MF DOOM enthusiasts and fans of leftfield instrumental music, preserving the late legend's influence with their unique touch.

Review: Alpha & Omega are serious UK dub legends and now they are back on ZamZam with a typically powerful new anthem featuring Steppas Records' Nai-Jah. Over a thunderous bassline, melodica, sparkling keys and evocative jungle sounds, Nai-Jah's heartfelt lyrics call for empathy and action as he signs "Money-making has filled our minds with disease." The flipside jam on this fine 7" is 'The Dubplate Trembles' which extends the vibes in classic style. Another fine collaboration from these mainstays who have already long since assured their legacy over the course of 30-plus albums that have shaped global sound system culture.

Notes: Great value from AlphaTheta's entry-level FLX controller. Designed for use with software including Rekordbox, Serato and Djay, the tiny FLX2 has everything the beginner DJ needs to get started mixing any type of music.

Supplier's Notes:
Compatible with multiple DJ applications and streaming services:

The DDJ-FLX2 works with various DJ applications including rekordbox, djay and Serato DJ Lite - popular choices among both beginners and professionals. After installing your preferred app on your mobile device, you can connect to the controller and start DJing right away. If you want to challenge yourself to learn more advanced techniques, you can use DJ software on your PC/Mac. Each DJ application is compatible with different streaming services, so you can choose one based on the music and DJ style you want to play. If you go for djay, you can access Apple Music, allowing you to choose from over 100 million tracks and incorporate your favourite music into your mixes.

Mix easily with Smart CFX and Smart Fader:

It's easy to replicate the seamless song mixing of professional DJs thanks to the Smart CFX* 3 and Smart Fader* 3 features on the DDJ-FLX2. Smart CFX enables you to recreate complex and dynamic effect techniques used by professionals with the simple turn of knob. You can use it for connecting tracks together and for making your performances more dynamic by adding emphasis to the music whenever you like. Smart Fader automatically optimizes control of the volume, BPM, and bass - which is all needed when transitioning between tracks - and all you have to do is slide the crossfader in one direction. With this feature, you can easily mix tracks from different genres, even if they have vastly different tempos (BPM). * 3 Function names and operations may vary depending on the DJ application used

Lightweight, compact body with user-friendly features:

The DDJ-FLX2 is AlphaTheta's lightest and most compact DJ controller, so you can take it anywhere you want to play. It runs on USB bus power, so there's no need for an external power supply when you connect it to a PC/Mac or a mobile device 4 via USB Type-C. You can start DJing easily by playing music through the built-in speakers of your PC/Mac/mobile device or, if you plug speakers into the audio output terminals of the DDJ-FLX2, you can throw a loud party with friends. And, if you want to level up your skills, you can use headphones to cue up tracks and challenge yourself to learn various DJ techniques

Performance Pads for professional-style DJing:

It's easy to manipulate your music with the Performance Pads on the DDJ-FLX2. Pad Mode Select allows you to switch between various modes, including Hot Cue mode, where you can mark any point in a track - such as the intro or chorus - like a bookmark which allows you to instantly jump to that point. With Pad FX, you can apply a variety of effects simply by pressing the pads, adding your own touch to the music. And, using the sampler, you can add sound effects or try performance techniques like finger drumming.

Notes: This DJ controller bag is the perfect size for the DDJ-GRV6 (not included). Made with an EVA Durashock moulded body, black ballistic polyester, black fleece lining, and egg-foam lid, it's tough enough to protect the unit against bumps and scrapes, but lightweight for easy carrying.

Review: 'Dreamtime Trance' is a cult gem for those who like to dig deep, and Alston Koch is exactly that person. She is a Sri Lankan-born Australian musician and the mastermind behind the Kookaburra Connection project, a collaboration with Aboriginal musicians, and this track blends indigenous themes with a unique, game-changing beat and infectious groove. It's a pure dancefloor revelation and this reissue includes a new extended version with a longer intro buildup that adds depth to the track. On the B-side, the heartfelt ballad 'Midnight Lady' offers a contrasting mood that is perfect for after-hours relaxation with PiNa Coladas. Remastered and re-issued with the original artwork, this EP is a must.

Review: Storied German ambient, microsound and electronica musician Alva Noto (Carsten Nicolai) shares the fifth volume of his intentionally indefinite Xerrox series, Xerrox Vol. 5. First begun in 2007, after envisaging a series of albums released in chronic sequence, the Xerrox series expressly aims to prove that the continued copying and replication of recorded sound will produce an indefinite variation, each copy infinitely more interesting than the last. With every edition of Xerrox using the same album cover, the sonic contents of the Xerrox albums similarly mimic each other's movements, through a process of making minuscule changes that go onto produce cascading, domino-effecting results. The palette is expansive and cinematic as ever, though it is striking to know that these suites were achieved solely through the manipulation of recordings made and subsequently timestretched from scratch.

Review: Alvilda crafts a sharp, nostalgic homage to 60s girl groups and 70s power pop, distilled through a lens of modern punk urgency. The jangly guitars and punchy rhythms are underscored by layered harmonies, creating an infectious energy that refuses to waver. Sung entirely in French, the lyrics carry an emotive charge, even for non-speakers, while the brisk, sub-three-minute tracks demand attention with their unrelenting focus. The production keeps things tight and bright, ensuring every hook lands with clarity, offering a refreshing burst of indie vitality that never overstays its welcome.