Counter Vinyl & CDs

Review: The key to Howling's success - musically, at least - most certainly lies in the disparate musical backgrounds of its two members: folk-loving, soft-voiced singer-songwriter RY X and producer, label owner and Ame founder member Frank Wiedemann. It's this unlikely blend of the acoustic and electronic - the worlds of soft-focus, heart-aching folk-pop and tech-tinged, underground club culture in surprise unison - that makes the duo's work so intriguing. These hybrid sounds are all over second album "Colure", a heady and evocative set that smartly combines hypnotic tech-house rhythms, minor key electronics and rugged TB-303 acid motifs - with swelling chords and RY X's tactile, emotive and often harmoniously layered vocals. Like its predecessor, it's well worth a listen.

Review: British duo Maribou State are back with their first full-length since 2015's breakthrough debut album Portraits, and was a result of a two year long journey to find their sound. Story has it that upon returning to the UK to begin work on new material, they relocated their studio at the back of their home in Hertfordshire to London - only to struggle in finding their creative flow. They began to look outward, making regular excursions out of the city, setting up temporary studio spaces throughout Asia, Oceania, the Middle East to North America and beyond - the result of which is this tremendous LP. Highlights include "Turnmills" their tribute to the now defunct but legendary clubbing institution, the dreamy lo-slung pop of "Nervous Tics" which continues their long standing collaboration with vocalist Holly Walker, and another fabulous hook-up with Houston based purveyors of exotica Khruangbin - on the sublime "Feel Good".

Review: Amazingly, No Fantasy Required is Tiga's first album for seven years, and sees him switch from long-time home Different to Ninja Tune offshoot Counter Records. Those who've followed his career to date will immediately feel at home, as he delivers a set of stylish, attractive songs that variously tip a wink to Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, Junior Boys, Chicago acid, Visionquest, Visage and, of course, his electroclash past. While the references are obvious, Tiga is smart enough to put his own spin on them, resulting in an album that expertly tiptoes the fine line between radio-friendly accessibility and his broad palette of underground club influences.