XL Vinyl & CDs

Review: The debut studio album by American rock band Electric Six came as a demented party record, building on the high production value, yet still enjoyable musical approach of mainstream pop and industrial rock in the late '90s and early noughties. The Detroit band had been going since 1996 but only struck the starry heights of fame in 2001, when 'Danger! High Voltage' established their bluesy, raunchily delicious dance-funk sound. The star cut on the record, and ensuing hilarities such as 'Naked Pictures (Of Your Mother)', 'I'm The Bomb' and 'Gay Bar', proved just the right dosage of tension and irreverence.

Review: The latest release from Everything Is Recorded delivers a striking collection that blends electronic, soul and folk influences with remarkable depth. The opening track sets a reflective tone, paired with lush instrumentation and haunting vocals. Collaborations like the one with Sampha, Laura Grove and Alabaster DePlume bring emotional weight, while tracks like 'Never Felt Better' with Florence Welch and Sampha elevate the energy. 'Porcupine Tattoo' offers a beautifully subdued moment, and other collaborations continue to weave unique soundscapes. The release is a testament to XL boss Richard Russell's ability to bring diverse voices together, crafting a deeply introspective yet dynamic listening experience.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Corners of outer sleeve slightly damaged, records slightly warped with some surface marks***


Since debuting on Bromance in 2013, Kaytranada has become one of the leading lights on the future R&B scene. Given his track record, it's understandable that there's plenty of hype surrounding 99.9%, his long await debut album. The 15-track sees him showcasing the depth and variety of his beat making, production and compositional skills. Thus, the string-drenched jazziness of "Bus Ride" is followed by the off-kilter R&B pop of "Got It Good", and the Onra-ish synth-hop soul of "One Too Many" sits side by side with the double bass, Rhodes and Latin-influenced beats of "Despite The Weather". It's pretty expansive, clocking in at 15 tracks deep, but the quality never dips throughout. Recommended.

Review: Nourished by Time's latest work blends lo-fi r&b, freestyle, and bedroom pop with a confident ease that feels fresh and alive. The album, created in a Baltimore basement, is a snapshot of raw creativity, with a sound that's deeply personal yet accessible. Tracks like 'In the Quiet' and 'Tides' experiment with layers of rhythm and texture, pulling you into a world that feels uniquely his. It's an album that doesn't play by any rulesistriking a balance between introspection and broad appeal, while challenging what we expect from contemporary music.