PIAS Vinyl & CDs

Review: Frankfurt's Gregor Tresher returns with his first album in eight years. The 16-track LP offers up his famously dynamic techno sound and rich synth designs with element of dance floor clout underpinning each tune. From his beginnings in Frankfurt's 90s techno scene to collaborations with icons like Depeche Mode, Moby and Extrawelt, Tresher's career has been marked by critically acclaimed releases and False Gods is one of his most ambitious projects yet. It's an accomplished and introspective journey through modern electronic music enriched by collaborations with some notable friends.

Review: The Triffids' Calenture, now available on blue vinyl, marks a pinnacle in the Australian band's career. After the critically acclaimed Born Sandy Devotional and In The Pines, The Triffids joined Island Records to create their most epic album yet, produced by Gil Norton (best known for his work with Pixies and Echo and The Bunnymen). Calenture hones in on the band's creative peak, abandoning the lo-fi sound of In The Pines and returning to the lush, majestic style of Born Sandy Devotional. The album is a rich vast array of sound, brimming with lush arrangements and poignant lyrics, making it arguably their most accessible work - every track resonates with depth and excellent songwriting.

Review: Originally released in 1986, this album showcases The Triffids' exceptional blend of folk, rock, and post-punk. Featuring David McComb's haunting vocals and lush instrumentals, In The Pines takes you on a journey through atmospheric soundscapes. This album, recorded in the Australian outback on a modest budget, highlights the band's raw talent and creativity. Tracks like 'Love and Affection' and the cover of Bill Anderson's 'Once a Day' exhibit their range, from sharp electric guitar riffs to country influences. In the Pines seemed an eccentric career move for The Triffids, who were poised for major success. Retreating to the outback, the band created an album of modest majesty. Haunted by desolation, tracks like the gothic folk waltz of the title track and the intense 'Kathy Knows' stand out. Yet, the album is also filled with camaraderie. Often compared to Bob Dylan and The Band's The Basement Tapes, In the Pines captures The Triffids' infectious joy in making music, solidifying its place as a timeless piece of artistry. In The Pines is perfect for lovers of sweeping, melancholic sounds.

Review: The 1980s was a breakthrough time for underground electronic music. Before restrictive genre definitions saw different modes of expression streamlined, the options were wide open in the lawless surge of post punk and industrial culture. This finely curated compilation from PIAS provides an excellent overview of some of the deadliest operators from this wildly creative time - the names involved are integral to the development of electronic music in the 80s. Throbbing Gristle, DAF, Cabaret Voltaire, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, Meat Beat Manifesto - just some of the legendary names shown in their best light on this essential collection.

Review: There's a hushed wind blowing through the debut album from London songwriter Will Westerman, but that shouldn't be taken to mean the tracks lack big ideas. Ideas that, thankfully, the young artist seems more than capable of realising with dazzling art rock and pop strokes, making those references to Peter Gabriel in the promo material perfectly understandable. Only time will tell, but on first impact this is exactly the kind of polished but politically charged stuff we need in the world today. Easy to hear but resolute in its determination to consider new possibilities, playing with tempos, times and traditional arrangements to ensure the slow jams, alt-ballads and synth-fuelled serenades are infinitely re-playable and remarkably memorable pre-requisites for any long-lasting success story. One for your list, for sure.

Review: The reissue of White Lies' classic album, Ritual offer a rich exploration of the band's compelling sound. Ritual features fan favourites like 'Bigger Than Us' and 'Strangers' along with bonus tracks like Stereolab's remix of 'Is Love.' Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to their music, this deluxe edition provides a great showcase of their strong musicianship. With stories and rare pictures included within the artwork, it's a must-have for enthusiasts seeking a deeper dive into the band's evocative world. This version is released on snappy looking green coloured vinyl.

Review: White Lies' album Ritual is the sound of the act making great strides to reach new heights. The 2011 album's atmosphere remains consistent with their previous work, but the new ideas come off taking the album to different and unique directions. Lead single 'Bigger Than Us' showcases some anthemic moments and the album continues on different highs from there. Plenty of moments of grandeur can be found here. The reissue campaign by [PIAS] offers fans a chance to explore the album further with rare live tracks and remixes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their sound, this new vinyl edition offers a great sounding record. This releases comes with a the booklet with stories and rare picture from the time.