PIAS Vinyl & CDs

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: By following in the footsteps of the mighty Giles Martin, who remastered The Beatles' Abbey Road at Abbey Road Studios, Martha Wainwright has achieved a spine-tinglingly great sound in the fabled North London institution on this 20th anniversary remaster. The mixes are so strong that it leaves you free to listen to the majesty of the arrangements and undeniable beauty of her voice, without any pangs that you can get from bad sound design. There are some songwriters who will live on long after they're gone and this Montrealer is clearly one of them. 'Far Away' has gorgeous melodies plump in the song like a pineapple tree ripe for picking. 'Don't Forget' has a bit of a Laura Marling feel and it feels like it pays homage to bluegrass traditions where people would sit around a camp fire and intimately tell their most important life stories, whilst comfortably deflecting from any sadness with an uplifting musical passage. And if anyone was to hum their life story to us, few come higher up the bucket list than Martha Wainwright.

Review: Warhaus' fourth album, Karaoke Moon, marks a bold return for Maarten Devoldere, two years after Ha Ha Heartbreak. Teaming up with producer Jasper Maekelberg, Devoldere spent months crafting this record, exploring over 50 songs he wrote during a two-year period. The result is a stunning and multifaceted work, likely the most adventurous Warhaus release yet. Karaoke Moon cleverly tackles themes of modern masculinity, often with a playful and self-deprecating tone. Devoldere's sharp wit and introspective lyrics take center stage as he wrestles with his inner thoughts, blending dark reflection with humor. Musically, the album covers diverse territoryifrom the sultry nightclub vibes of 'No Surprise' to the moody, Nick Cave-esque atmosphere of 'Zero One Code'. Tracks like 'Hands of a Clock' feature lush orchestration, merging choir and piano for a sweeping conclusion. The album masterfully balances intensity and levity, creating a layered experience that invites repeated listens. With each spin, Karaoke Moon reveals more of its mysterious allure, drawing listeners deeper into Devoldere's intriguing world. It's a thrilling addition to the Warhaus catalog.

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.

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.