100% Vinyl & CDs

Review: .Named after the iconic stairs in the Bauhaus building, Dessau, Germany, designed by Walter Gropius, OMD's 45th anniversary record is worthy of that name: an inimitable piece of design. Musically, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys have given us many landmarks over their near-half century making tunes (not something you get to write every day) and this is certainly up there. It's also very OMD to opt for a completely fresh addition to the burgeoning catalogue, rather than a series of reissues, to mark the event. That said, Bauhaus is new by definition but perhaps not really design. One of the most immediately captivating things about the record is the fact so much of what's here feels like it's OMD through the ages. Film noir-ish 'Veruschka', politicised numbers like 'Kleptocracy' and dramatic high energy pop aplenty ('Don't Go'), these have always been totems of the duo, and all are back again.

Review: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - or OMD - made a magnificent comeback with History of Modern back in 2010, an album released at the peak of a synthpop revival, and this reissue is timely in that it arrives on the crest of another wave of synth-heavy sounds in current music. Known for their lush, romantic 80s electronic music, the Liverpool outfit were at the forefront of the genre, gaining fame with hits in both the UK and the US, and this album is definitely reminiscent of other 80s releases like Junk Culture. Tracks such as 'New Babies; New Toys' and 'The Future, the Past, and Forever After' innovate and are dominated by big beats and catchy choruses. The album shines at OMD's strengths. The second part of the title track, in particular, recaptures their signature slow-dance grandeur. Overall, fans of the band at any point in their career should find something to enjoy here.

Review: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: Formed in the 90s, angst-rock act Skunk Anansie made two albums on the indie imprint One Little Independent Records before signing to Virgin Records. 1999's Post Orgasmic Chill was hugely successful but became their first and final album for Virgin as they went on a ten year hiatus two years after its release.

With major label budgets at-hand, the British band shipped themselves over to New York City and New York state to record with Andy Wallace, who had worked with Slayer and Nirvana. The brutal heaviness is glorious on tracks such as 'We Don't Need Who You Think You Are' and 'The Skank Heads'. Meanwhile, 'Lately' is Manic Street Preachers-esque and 'Secretly' sees them employ a more tender approach with atmospheric strings front and centre. Elsewhere, their hit single 'Charlie Big Potato' is akin to nu-metallers Evanescence and there's flashes of The Prodigy.

Naturally, whenever it comes to settling on a tracklist to deliver a record there are some tracks that don't make the final cut for brevity. But with a quarter of a century now passed and a lot of people keen to have the companion information, the 25th anniversary edition of the album includes ten B-sides, many of which have never been on vinyl before. And the double record comes on a psychedelic double yellow/purple splatter vinyl, which is a truly stand-out piece to marvel at.

Review: Stone Foundation's latest 7" single, 'Reach Out', featuring Laville, delivers an uplifting soul anthem. The track blends soulful grooves with a danceable rhythm, carrying a powerful message of unity and positivity. Laville's expressive vocals are complemented by a classy keyboard solo, adding an elegant touch to the overall vibe. On Side-2, 'The Beat I Know' brings Carmy Love and Sheree DuBois on board, offering a smooth, laid-back counterpoint to the energetic A-side. This track maintains the band's signature soul style, providing the perfect balance. Both songs are part of their forthcoming album, The Revival of Survival, continuing Stone Foundation's legacy within the UK soul scene.

Review: Early arrivals at Stone Foundation's intimate gig are greeted with oversized cardboard masks of frontman Neil Jones, setting a playful tone for the evening. As the venue fills, a palpable buzz builds among the devoted fans packed into the steamy room. The band's latest offering, their first new material in over a year, hints at exciting new directions for the UK soul stalwarts. This double A-side single whets appetites for their 11th studio album, due in 2025. Stone Foundation's signature sound evolves here, incorporating fresh influences while maintaining their soulful core. 'Fix You Up' rides a propulsive groove, its urgent rhythm section driving forward as layers of brass and keys build to euphoric heights. Jones' impassioned vocals soar over the mix, his lyrics touching on themes of resilience and redemption. The addition of Mick Talbot's distinctive keyboard work adds a new dimension, his deft touches elevating both tracks. 'Everything and All I Want' takes a more introspective turn, its shimmering arrangement recalling classic 70s soul ballads while feeling thoroughly modern. As the set progresses, the new material sits comfortably alongside fan favourites, demonstrating Stone Foundation's knack for crafting timeless soul music. The limited pressing of 500 copies ensures this release will quickly become a coveted item for collectors. It's a fitting testament to a band continuing to evolve and excite after over a decade in the game, bridging their past work with whatever they're cooking up next.