Sound Vinyl & CDs

Review: Recorded without mains power or phone signal in a secluded Devon cabin, Still Out is the joint effort of longtime friends Will Cookson and Tom Haverly; a meditative splice-up of field recordings, spoken passages, scraps of song and sonic drift. Triggered by stumbling across a copy of The KLF's Chill Out in Tom's dad's vinyl pile, the pair set about building a collage of their own from old recordings, fragments, samples and coastal ambiences. The resulting 40-minute suite draws from an idiosyncratic set of touchpoints - Brian Eno, Bill Evans, Philip Glass, Virginia Astley, Andrew Weatherall - but its logic feels internal. The album doubled as the audio basis for a short road trip film screened at Stroud Film Festival in early 2025. Think ambient as verb, not genre, sliced, slowed and drenched in syrup.

Review: Two powerful women-led soul acts from the 60s combine for memorable 45 with two tracks penned by Ivy Jo Hunter and a feast of rich vocals and timeless melodies. Gladys Knight & The Pips' 'The Stranger (1969) showcases their epic vocal prowess, blending classic soul with powerful pop hooks that resonate with emotional depth, a masterclass in vocal arrangement and soulful storytelling. On the flip side, The Marvelettes' 'I'll Keep Holding On' proves a captivating mix of classic 60s soul with an upbeat rhythm, a Top 40 hit that displays the band's signature harmonies and unforgettable drive.