Lirica Archives Vinyl & CDs

Review: London's leading dance distractors Lirica Archives relive a hallmark of the house music catalogue from Jewellery, the zircon brainchild of the late brilliant Murdoch Matheson and an unnamed collaborator. Matheson's death is said to have left a wanting gap in the music world, and the fact that this was his sole release under the Jewellery name only adds to the mystery. The early 1993 record 'Voices' was a singular gem in its own right, crowned on the equally flash girdle that was Aeoniokinetic Records - in the words of one Discogs digger, "deep and melodic early progressive house on an obscure label with only a single release." For those who like their gems so rare as to be thought investment-grade, listen no further.

Review: To celebrate one year of Lirica, the young but impressive label is starting a new sub-series that kicks off with a special reissue of this highly sought-after album by UK duo Relative Progress. This edition has been remastered and features a fresh design that still honours the original aesthetics. Musically it is a timeless tech house infused with elements of dub, techno and minimal. Opener 'New Horizons' wastes no time in getting going with fizzing pads and crisp drums, and other highlights include the lithe rhythms and deft chords of 'The Onlookers Chant' and the deeper cosmic melodies and dubby beats of 'Heart 'N' Soul'.