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Review: Jamaican reggae harmony group The Silvertones were formed in 1964. The band was founded by Gilmore Grand and Keith Coley with the addition of Delroy Denton completing the lineup. It wasn't until 1973 that they recorded their debut album, Silver Bullets, with production taken care of by the late great Lee Scratch Perry. It was actually the first ever album tone produced in Perry's iconic Black Arc Studio and came on Trojan Records with single like 'I'll Take You Home' and 'Rejoice Jah Jah Children.' It is packed with laid back island sounds and beautiful vocals and has been pressed here on nice heavy vinyl for a warm and fulsome feel.

Review: Logically landing on 31st October, 1981 (well, the year is far less significant than day-month), 'Halloween' was one of horror punk outfit Misfits' early singles, released through Plan 9 Records. Just 5,000 copies were pressed on black 7" vinyl, the most sought-after now are those with a full lyric sheet which was missing from many copies. It's also notable as the first time the group used their logo inspired by genre-specific US movie magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland.

This would be the last Misfits outing with guitarist Bobby Steele, and reflects just how wild and daring some of their ideas were. Track one, 'Halloween', has cultish, chant-like qualities, but pales into comparison with the longer sequel, 'Halloween II', which features verses in non-standard Latin, just to throw petrol on the whole fire and brimstone feel.

Review: Rakim and Boombaptist join forces for this turbo-charged cut and paste job. The two short but sweet tracks on this little 7" are packed with eons of hip hop and b-boy history, all chopped up, spliced and diced into fragments that you will have plenty of fun pulling apart. First up is 'I'm Rick James Bitch'with planning bass, crisp boom bap drums and iconic vocal samples the on the flip is 'Jerry Mane' which is slightly less raw and a little more soulful and outward looking. Both are big tools for big reactions on the floor.

Review: Brainfeeder serves up this new 12" from Hiatus Kaiyote which finds them diving ever deeper into their own idiosyncratic world of jazzy electronics and expansive grooves. The Australian funk outfit has been nominated twice for a Grammy and their Mood Valiant album was critically acclaimed by all. The pick of this limited green vinyl is the title track 'Canopic Jar' with its lurching beats, twisted guitars and stained lead vocal. It comes as an instrumental and an Capella while the opener 'Journey To The Crystal Tomb' is a short but sweet passage of haunting ambient.

Review: This clear vinyl "45" dips into the small but perfectly formed mid '90s catalogue of Oakland duo Rappin' Ron and Ant Diddly Dog, whose take on gangsta rap was more laidback and melodfious than some of their contemporaries. 'All Rapped Up', which first surfaced as the pair's debut single in 1994, combines a luscious, laidback, jazz-funk-sampling boom-bap beat with typically descriptive, entertaining lyrics detailing life on the streets of the pair's home city. Over on the reverse you'll find original flipside 'Smoke Season', here presented in extended form. Lyrically it covers similar territory, but musically it's an unashamed G-funk workout full of rubbery bass, smooth synths and P-funk influenced motifs.

Review: Umek's long-standing electro alias Zeta Reticula mints a self-steered new label with more of that nasty, slickly rendered machine funk business he's so respected for. 'Ascending Pathways' sets the tone perfectly with its nervy leads and bruising low end, while 'Chromosphere' digs into a knotty, rhythmic workout peppered with nagging arps. 'Modulatory Functions' has a more open, melodious flavour for those who like a lighter vibe, and 'Caudal Regions' closes the record out with an even more emotive tint to act as a perfect foil to the sinister machinations of the A side.

Review: Eden Ahbez was a the prototypical hippie in California, writing songs and recording through the 40s to the 60s and penning Nat King Cole's hit single 'Nature Boy' amongst others. This album, his definitive 1960 opus, is a unique curio which touches on jazz, spirituality and much more besides, but ultimately sounds utterly unique, much like Ahbez himself was. There's a romantic lilt to his playing, a little sadness but also much innocence and joy in these songs. If they don't stir up the inner nature child in you, you must have a heart of concrete. Alongside the standard Epsilon reissue of the album is this stunning, wood-cover edition which gives the album a special kind of prominence, not to mention tapping into the earthly magic of Ahbez's music.

Review: Swedish pop rock duo Roxette were one of the country's breakout acts in the genre. In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their third album 'Joyride', Rhino Records have seen to a due repress in a plethora of formats, including single LP, 4xLP, and even a limited orange marble vinyl version. Remembering the proto-balearic ballad-belters' monumental rise to number 1 on the Billboard 100 chart in May 1991, this album initially sold more than 11 million copies, setting a record previously not achieved by any other Scandinavian act. This version, however, also adds a whopping 35 new and unreleased bonus tracks; check out the night-riding, cutthroat bit that is 'Hotblooded', which was initially intended to take the place of 'Joyride' as the album's lead single.

Review: Soul fans are in heaven this month, just from the releases of Soul Direction alone. The label has been hard at work serving up plenty of golden nuggets and next in the spotlight is Joe Adams. 'That's Not Half Bad' is his stunning version of the Gene Woodbury classic. This is another lost tune that was found on a DAT tape recording made from material that was laying around in an old basement. It comes steeped in rich Philly soul and with gorgeous vocals that for us outshine the original. On the flip, it is backed with an equally sublime mid-tempo heart-wrencher for those tender moments.

Review: Soul-Direction Records recently had huge success with the release of the Decisions' 'We're In Love/I Love You' and now follow it up with another vital 45rpm after a conversation with Numero who gave their permission. As such this is the only 7" vinyl release of 'P's and Q's' and its instrumental version. These tracks were part of the quartet from Washington DC's recordings with DC International. The band generated plenty of local buzz but never quite got the major label deal they craved. On these evidence of these two, though, they should have. 'P's & Q's' is lively and funky work, with heart-melting vocals and super smooth grooves.

Review: A steady stream of super singles is coming from the good people at Soul-Direction Records this month. Next up is this previously unissued 60s soul groover from Eddie Holman which has until now been lost in the belongings of legendary Philly producer, musician and songwriter John Stiles. But lucky for us, it has now been unearthed. Word is it was recorded at Virtue Studios in Philadelphia and Eddie's rendition comes with piercing vocals. They are over the top of a pounding Northern Soul style beat that will find plenty of fans on a heaving and sweaty dance floor.

Review: Martin Matiske's renaissance continues as he delivers another fresh EP as Blackploid for effervescent Sheffield imprint Central Processing Unit. In keeping with the German producer's other recent material, we can hear echoes of his classic, mid-2000s Blackploid material. Strange Stars also continues his interplanetary theme, delivering a quartet of sci-fi powered cuts full of squelchy acid bass, star-fall electronics, Kraftwerkian melodies and beats so crunchy you could probably eat them for breakfast. Our picks of a very strong bunch are probably pulsating opener 'Star Patrol' and the turn-of-the-80s sci-fi movie feel of 'Unseen', but to be honest all four tracks hit the spot.

Review: New York City techno veteran Adam X returns to Long Island Electrical Systems under the ADMX71 alias, where he once again explores the outer fringes of experimental electronics on his latest LP The Aging Process, existing at the intersection of industrial, EBM and techno. Beginning with the contorted noise soundscape of 'Speaking Via Telepathy' he soon unleashes the seething brain bash of 'Sensor-Tised' followed by the strobing tunnel vision of 'Walking Through Walls'. Elsewhere, there's more dystopian themes aplenty as heard on the static TBM pulse of 'They've Instilled Fear In Us', or the pitch black war funk of 'Leading The Way' and the muscular slow burner 'Leading The Way'.

Review: Next up on Outer Place Records is the fifth installment coming from the vault of Meister Bert Ashra, a veteran from Berlin's '90s underground scene who is still active in the city today. His solo project B. Ashra has existed since 1993 as a live act, DJ, composer, sound designer and mastering engineer. He's been known to delve into ambient, experimental, soundscapes, trance and techno, as well as deep house and electronic jazz. Much of the aforementioned is explored on the Eyes In The Sky EP: from the deep 303 swing of 'Space Rock', the chill downtempo electronica of 'Give Me Contact', to the heady acid house of 'The End Of Rain' and the hypnotic techno of 'Sputnik'.

Review: According to news stories when this EP was first announced, The Horrors' own frontman Faris Badwan describes the band's new song, 'Against the Blade', as a "further descent into chaos". A track about giving up hope, abandoning control, and coming to terms with the eternal human position of facing off against the world, rather than actually being part of it.

Listening to the tune now it's easy to buy into that description. The band have always had an uncanny ability to terrify and enthral, and this is a prime example of that. Opening with a searing refrain-cum-wasp-in-jar-noise, we soon explode into a monster metal riff with solid funk undertow, making for a tune that's destined to be a live favourite. Over the other side, 'Twisted Skin' sticks with the industrial-leaning feel.

Notes: Impact LX Mini: Create & produce.

Impact LX Mini makes the power of Nektar's Impact LX range of USB MIDI controller keyboards truly portable. Enhance your workflow with a host of powerful real-time and intuitive control features that inspire your creativity: No menu-diving, tactile control, two arpeggiators, drum pads, mini-keys that are great to play - and of course Nektar DAW integration. LX Mini has everything you need to create!

The features you need to play, perform & produce

Keys

Impact LX Mini features our newly developed keybed with 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys. It can be played expressively and has a defined and firm feel. With a choice of 4 velocity curves and 3 fixed values, you can tailor the keyboard response to your playing style. Dedicated Octave buttons let you shift the octave swiftly for a wider reach. Additionally, the Part 2 buttons can be used for transpose.

Joystick

The Joystick is 4 modulation controls in one: Left/right controls pitch bend, the upwards axis is preassigned to control modulation and the downwards axis is set to foot pedal control. The lever's push button sends foot pedal at max. level. Up, Down and the push button are freely assignable to any MIDI CC# number. Settings are retained over power-cycling.

Footswitch

LX Mini even has a footswitch socket for connecting a sustain pedal, a feature often missing on mini-keyboards. Connect any standard sustain pedal to the 1/8" mini socket (an adapter from 1/8" to 1/4" is included). Polarity is detected automatically on boot-up, and it is freely MIDI CC#-assignable.

Transport

Control any MIDI music software from LX Mini's 7 Transport buttons. All buttons are MIDI-assignable, with the shift button doubling the number of assignments to 14. With Nektar DAW integration, you even get a third control level for a total of up to 21 functions - all pre-mapped for instant use.

Knobs

8 knobs give you instant access to arpeggio, instrument or MIDI CC# parameters. The Instrument, Internal and Arp/Repeat mode buttons instantly assign the panel to the corresponding features. The Page button doubles the number of assignments.

Pads

Impact LX Mini helps you creating expressive grooves and beats with its 8 velocity-sensitive pads. They offer a hyper-sensitive and even response, ideal for finger-drumming. Assignments are done in seconds and can be stored in 4 pad maps for a total of 32 note assignments.

Inspiring real-time tools with instant access

Arpeggiator & note repeat

Two independent Arp/Repeat engines (one for keys and one for pads) with instant parameter access will inspire exciting synth and percussion lines. Once selected and activated, the Arp/Repeat engine parameters are available on the 8 knobs: Rate, Swing, Accent Level, Interval, Tempo, Arp Modes and Arp Octave can be changed in real-time. The screen printing makes it easy to find the parameter you are looking for.
The Page button switches between the Keys and Pads engine settings, and the buttons next to the pads allow to activate them independently. So it is really easy to have a hi hat or percussion figure going on the pads, while you have an arpeggio bass line figure assigned to the keys in double time - with immediate access to changing either. The tempo can be clocked internally or via MIDI.

Double up: Part 2

Part 2 is a unique performance feature for momentary setup changes: While playing, press one of the dedicated "Part 2" buttons to momentarily shift the octave up or down, transpose, layer another octave on top, switch to another MIDI channel altogether - or any combination of these features.
The instant you let go of the buttons, Impact LX Mini reverts back to its original settings. What's more, any note that was played prior to pressing "Part 2" will keep playing at the original settings - so you could play and hold some really low bass notes, while playing a solo over the top. You'd like to latch your setting? Simply press the second Part 2 button while still holding the first. Part 2 will help you play in new ways, not even possible on larger keyboards!

System reqirements:
USB class compliant (no driver needed) works with any DAW or MIDI music software for OS X, Windows and iOS (iOS requires optional Apple Camera Kit)
LX Mini: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 or higher.
Mac OS X 10.5 or higher, Linux (Ubuntu).

Nektar DAW Integration: Windows 7/8/10 or higher. Mac OS 10.7 or higher.

Dimensions & weight:
9 cm (L) x 18,5 cm (D) x 3,8 cm (H), 1 kgs

In the box:
Impact LX Mini USB MIDI Controller keyboard
User Guide
Micro USB cable
1/8" male jack to 1/4" female jack cable for footswitch socket
Bitwig License card*
(*= DAW integration software and Bitwig 8-Track download upon registration)

Review: The third volume in Tiger & Woods Unleashed Tapes series is a rare solo outing from Larry Tiger (real name Valerio Del Prete) under his occasional Delphi alias. As you'd expect, it boasts the same loop-based, synth-heavy, house-not-house style as the Tiger & Woods material he produces with Marco Passarani, albeit with more of a focus on sounds more often found in Italo-disco and new wave records. Highlights include the spacey robo-disco thrust of 'Vector', the mid-tempo Italo-disco shimmer of 'Silicone Emotion', the hard-wired heaviness of 'Riscio' - all undulating sequenced bass, echoing drum machine hits and mutilated talkbox vocals - and the squelchy, Bobby Orlando-influenced 'Metropole'.

Review: Primal Scream's Dixie-Narco EP was released in 1992 and is an often rather overlooked gem from the band's output in the early 90s. It was laid down at Memphis's Ardent Studios and was an experimental continuation of the sounds they had explored on their legendary Screamadelica album. Everything form country blues to acid house to rock gets distilled across the four tunes, and there is even a rare Dennis Wilson cover included. The EP has long been out of print and very hard to find but thanks to this special Record Store Day reissue - a first since 1992 - fans can now add it to their collection.

Review: Loopsel throws a tapey curveball our way, reissuing the cassette that put their duo project on the map, this time in vinyl / digital format. The wooshing, minimal, and cold mood of this album, hailing from Gothenburg, reflects the moody production approach of the band Monokultur's Elin and Skiftande Enheter, the two artists that make it up. All sounds on this hazy-horizonned hisser formed the soundtrack for The Spiral, a 'multimedia spatial installation' by the artists Last Oblivion. Post-punky tape distortion bury swathes of radio-surfing sample and great planes of synth pad on 'The Spiral', which truly does sound like exactly that.

Review: Rekids apply the breaks for an end-of-year jolt of euphoria with rising duo KUSP. Following releases on the likes of Planet Rhythm and Tronic, 'Folding' comes in two halves; the original is a Bicep-flavoured broken beat emotional whirlwind dusted with the sugar-sweet vocals of Pablo Rita while the duo's own After Dark mix takes things back into the pounding 4x4 territory the pair are best known for. In true Rekids fashion, 'Folding' is boosted with two high profile remixes: None other than Roman Flugel takes the lead with an electroid necksnapper while Radio Slave folds all switches, slows the tempo and gives us a moment of pure chill-craft. Every corner covered.

Review: German powerhouse label Ostgut Ton turns 16 with another of its big and mighty compilations. Ostgut Ton Funfzehn Plus 1 spans 20 tracks and features a number of top draw collabs from artists who work closely with the label. Some come together for the first time such as Martyn and Duval Timothy, or Len Faki and Honey Dijon, and all were due for release last year originally. They say "the music focuses on the interwoven nature of the label and the club in its multitude of different spaces and musical facets." We say, get it bought.

Review: Glaswegian producer Jai Dee made a big impact with his first release on the 1O Pills Mate label and now he lands on that home of all that is excellent, Lobster Theremin. The assured producer mashes up plenty of old school rave, jungle, techno and breakbeat sounds into tracks that are as emotionally powerful as they are physically moving. Opening track 'Coming Up Again' has shiny electronics and bustling breaks with a yearning vocal cry, 'Tears In Your Voice' is a hardcore piano banger and 'We Can Have It All' is pure hands in the air tackle. 'Hold Love By The Hand' is the big, unashamedly emotional and E'd up closer.

Review: Back in 2005, Depeche Mode recorded a special live set for broadcast on US radio that - much to most people's surprise at the time - featured fewer synthesizer sounds. Instead, it saw the Essex outfit reproduce many of their classics hits and fan favourites using traditional rock instrumentation (think electric guitars, drums, bass guitar and electric piano), with the addition of more electronics as the set progressed. Now finally released on CD, the set is genuinely excellent, despite the pared-down, altered musical set-up. Highlights include fine renditions of 'Personal Jesus', 'Behind The Wheel' (which here sounds like a post-punk disco throwdown) , 'Enjoy The Silence' and - after a partial take ruined by sound problems - 'I Feel You'.

Review: It is that time of year when the same very limited selection of Xmas songs get piped through every PA in the land. But you can now improve your Christmas soundtrack by at least some percent with this heavyweight double album on translucent magenta and clear vinyl featuring a weird and wonderful array of festive-themed rock, soul and pop songs. Chances are many of these will be new to you - but there are some real gems here, such as the gentle tiny of sleigh bells on Marvin Gaye's 'Purple Snowflakes,' Booker T & The MG's funky 'Jingle Bells' and The Kinks rock licked 'Father Christmas.'

Notes: Numark take on the mid-range controller market with this excellent offering, powered by the Engine DJ OS. Built-in Wi-Fi and speakers plus large 7-inch touchscreen for intuitive, creative mixing.

*** Update March 2024- Engine DJ 3.4 Performance Software for Hardware (OS) ***

New Features
Bluetooth Audio Input and Keyboard Connection for Supported Devices

Bluetooth Audio Input - Wirelessly play audio from a Bluetooth-capable device on your supported Engine DJ hardware

Assign to any individual hardware channel or main audio output
Assign to layer A or B on the Denon DJ SC6000 and SC6000M
Bluetooth transport controls allow you to play, pause, and track skip using the touch screen or hardware controls when connected to a capable Bluetooth device
Hardware screen displays Track Title, Artist, and track progress when connected to a capable Bluetooth device

Bluetooth Keyboard Support - Search for songs on your Engine DJ hardware more quickly and efficiently
Bluetooth menu option in the Control Center allows you to connect and manage Bluetooth keyboards and audio devices

Additional Bluetooth Compatibility Information

It is recommended that you confirm the Bluetooth connectivity and functionality of your computer, smartphone, or other device before using it in a live situation

Not all Bluetooth devices and audio applications provide support for Bluetooth Transport controls and track information

Track Progress is not updated on Engine OS when it is adjusted using the originating software/app

Engine DJ Preparation Software (Desktop)
Improvements and Fixes

Fixed an issue where sync manager export would take longer if SoundSwitch content is being packed

Fixed an issue where tracks would not pack via drag and drop if there are 2 drives with the same or similar names connected

Various other stability enhancements and improvements


Supplier's Notes:

The Mixstream Pro operates on Engine DJ OS, the ever-evolving embedded software platform that powers forward-thinking DJ hardware in DJ booths and on stages worldwide. Equipped with intuitive and familiar touchscreen workflows, lighting fast library navigation and song loading, expanded connectivity, plus a multitude of performance features, Engine DJ provides DJs with the tools they need to always be at their creative best.

BuiltiIn WiFi for streaming music- No laptop required to access millions of songs from top streaming services.

Built-in Speaker Monitors- Instant audio gratification! Start the party with the high-quality, custom-tuned built-in speakers.

Play With Your Music Like Never Before- The large, 7" high-definition touchscreen is your gateway to Engine DJ and hands-on control of your music.

Wireless Smart Lighting Control- Make your Philips Hue smart home lighting dance to the music for the ultimate party atmosphere.

Connect- WiFi | Philips Hue | DMX

Plug into an entire universe of music with the onboard WiFi. Wirelessly sync to Philips Hue smart home lighting for on-screen control of beat-synchronized light shows and custom color selections. DJs can take things even further with never-before-seen onboard control over DMX lighting.

Stream- Streaming Apps | Personal Cloud | No Computer Required

Experience the freedom of standalone streaming without the need for a laptop. Access millions of tracks from TIDAL, Beatport/Beatsource Streaming, Soundcloud GO+, and your personal Dropbox cloud. Tracks are buffered into internal memory for uninterrupted fun during your next party or gig.

Play- Engine DJ | Built-In Speakers | Pro DJ Features | USB/SD Card Slots

With the Engine DJ embedded operating system, an ever-evolving set of pro-level DJ features are literally at your fingertips via the 7" HD touchscreen. The USB and SD Card slots make it easy to access your current music library, and the high-quality, built-in speaker monitors let you practice and play whenever and wherever you like.

Powered by Engine DJ- The Mixstream Pro operates on Engine DJ OS, the ever-evolving embedded software platform that powers forward-thinking DJ hardware in DJ booths and on stages worldwide. Equipped with intuitive and familiar touchscreen workflows, lighting fast library navigation and song loading, expanded connectivity, plus a multitude of performance features, Engine DJ provides DJs with the tools they need to always be at their creative best.

Specs

Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 1 dB
Dynamic Range: > 114 dB (A-weighted)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 94 dB (A-weighted)
Headroom- Mic: > 16 dB, Outputs: > 16 dB, Channel Separation: < -110 dB (1 kHz, unity)
T.H.D.- Line: < 0.01% (1 kHz, unity), Microphone: < 0.05% (1 kHz, unity)

Speakers

Frequency Response (speakers) 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 1 dB

General

Analogue Input

Microphone: -40 dBu (unity), -60 dBu (minimum)

Analogue Output

Master, Balanced: +20 dBu (maximum), +4 dBu (unity)
Master, Unbalanced: +16 dBu (maximum), 0 dBu (unity)
Headphone Output: < 30 mW

Connections- Audio Outputs

2 XLR outputs (main left/right, balanced)
1 RCA output pair (main left/right, unbalanced)
1 1/4" (6.35 mm) stereo output (headphones)
1 1/8" (3.5 mm) stereo output (headphones)
Audio Inputs: 1 1/4" (6.35 mm) microphone input
Other: 2 USB port (for USB drives), 1 USB port (to computer), 1 SD card slot, 1 power adapter input

Power
Connection: DC, Center Positive

Voltage: 12.0 V 3.0 A

Dimensions (width x depth x height): 22.3" x 11.2" x 2.9"/566 x 284 x 74 mm
Weight 8.11 lbs. / 3.68 kg

Review: Massachuessetts symphonic deathcore brutalisers, Worm Shepherd, made quite the statement of intent with 2020's 'In the Wake ov Sol'. On their sophomore effort, however, it now becomes abundantly clear just how much expansive venom the group have been harbouring. 'Ritual Hymns' builds upon its preceding debut with obliterating breakdowns, complex, frosted melodics and a weary, theatrical sense of nihilism that elevate epic centrepieces such as, 'Blood Kingdom' and 'A Bird In The Dusk' to a level of spectacle only tangentially approach on their debut.

Notes: Moonwalker is a versatile signal generator that performs as an envelope, lfo, and audio oscillator, with attack and decay time controls

Phase offset is continuously variable from 0 to 360° and inverts the waveform without changing it’s amplitude, and with or without changing it's polarity.

Unipolar mode preserves the output range by offsetting the starting voltage, so it always stays between 0 and +10v

Bipolar mode preserves the starting voltage by offsetting the output range, so it always starts at 0v. The output range will shift from +unipolar, through +bipolar, to -unipolar, through -bipolar back to +unipolar.

The reference waveform does not change phase, but the timing of the rate change between Attack and Decay shift with the phase offset, to ensure synchronous movement.

The phase offset output is half-normalled to the phase offset cv input and skews the waveform from triangle to saw or ramp without changing frequency (when attack = decay).

Dimensions
10 HP
39 mm deep

Current Draw
110 mA +12V
80 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Review: RECOMMENDED
Italian duo Giuseppe Tillieci - better known to techno heads as Neel and one half of Voices from the Lake alongside Donato Dozzy - and Filippo Scorcucchi's LF58 project is nothing shot of mesmerising. Made with hand-built modular synthesisers, work first began back in 2015, with the debut album only appearing five years later, landing on Astral Industries in spring 2020.



The point being that many people still haven't discovered the collaborative undertaking, and so this live recording from the duo's performance at Rome's iconic Brancaleone is a great introduction to their spellbinding sounds. Far reaching, continuous, and yet ever moving and packed with precious moments that seems to dissipate into the next, lost forever in a collage of noise, it's a masterclass in drone, and an ambient outing that shows the genre still has so much originality to offer.

Review: Given that both have eclectic musical tastes and play a multitude of instruments, it makes perfect sense that Misha Paniflov and Shawn Lee have ended up working together on a handful of seven-inch singles. 'Volkswagenesque', the opening gambit from the pair's latest "45", is another strong sonic statement. It boasts the sun-kissed warmth and laidback vibe heard on many of Lee's productions, with the duo wrapping glistening guitars, gravelly funk-rock solos, spacey synths and warming bass around a languid, percussion-rich rhythm track. You'll find more weighty, beautifully played percussion on flipside 'Miles Away', a more low-slung and dancefloor-ready affair that features some excellent electric piano playing from Lee.

Review: Fresh from dropping another essential seven-inch with his regular Sound Combo band, Misha Paniflov has joined forces with fellow multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee for a string of collaborative singles. This "45" sports two genuinely impressive cuts, each full to bursting with quality live instrumentation. It opens with 'Sigmund Jahn Bossa', a superb fusion of late 1960s library jazz (think Roy Budd's score for Get Carter and you're in the right ballpark), bustling bossa-nova and spiralling psych-funk. Over on the flip the pair continue to deliver lounge, influenced, tongue-in-cheek thrills via the cheap, Sideman drum machine rhythms, tumbling guitars, elongated Hammond organ chords and hazy backing vocals of 'Aquaria'.

Notes: From one of the most iconic names in modular synthesis, the Variable Bandwidth Filter is a unique design, combining two state-variable VCFs with extensive CV control for clean, versatile filtering.

Supplier's Notes:
The Serge Variable Bandwidth Filter (VCF2) is probably the rarest classic filter in the Serge system, offering a unique combination of 2 filters. According to the 1983 Serge catalogue, the Variable Bandwidth VCF (VCF2) "has a band-pass output which can be varied manually or with voltage control. This is a standard response synthesizer VCF, typical to filters used in many studio systems. In the VCF2, two state-variable VCF's are connected in series to produce a total of five outputs. High pass, low pass, two fixed bandwidth outputs, and one variable bandwidth output are available. The outputs are all flat-response (no resonance) so the VCF2 is suitable for processing concrete sounds without introducing resonant coloration to the timbres. Under voltage or manual control, cut-off frequency of the high and low-pass outputs are affected, as well as the center frequency of the two band-pass outputs. Both center frequency and bandwidth are independently controllable on the variable bandwidth output."

Now - for the first time, designed and licenced by Serge - the VCF2 is available as a eurorack module. A new switch has been added which determines if the CV-controls are routed to the first (left), second (right) or both filters, bringing even more sonic options than the original.

Some details of the Random Source Serge VCF2 module:

Original Serge design, under licence and in cooperation with Serge Tcherepnin
Uses for High-end VCAs
Eurorack format (3U), 20 hp
Power consumption: 45mA @ +12V, 45mA @ -12V
Module depth: < 30mm (1.2")

Review: Giuseppe Scarano's musical journey began at a young age, DJing in some of Puglia's best clubs like Clorophilla, Guendalina, Discorama and Heartz Festival supporting top tier DJs before launching NICEPEOPLE in 2018. His latest is on Constant Sound sublabel Cardiology and features four deep and dusty cuts. From the low slung disco loops of 'In Your Own' and the particuarly thumpin' Same For You' on the A side. Over on the flip, there's the swing fuelled deep house of 'Freaky' and some late '90s filtered house in the form of 'Best Places', cleverly sampling a pop classic from the same period.

Review: The unequalled Soul Jazz label is serving up some monster funk this month and they don't come much bigger than these two cuts from Chuck Carbo. Opener 'Can I Be Your Squeeze' is a super catchy, break heavy and funk fulled party jam to destroy the floor. Written and produced by the celebrated Eddie Bo, it comes with big drums from New Orleans stick man James Black. On the flip is the ever so slightly more mellow but not less dance 'Take Care Your Homework Friend.' These have long been hard to find and now come pressed nice and loud on fresh wax.

Review: Chiwax are back this week with a more than welcome reissue of Wax Fruit's one-and-only release Whispers from 1994. This was one of many aliases sussed by Toronto-based producer Ron Allen, who some of you may know for his seminal work as one half of Psyance (with Hayden Andre Brown) who released on Plus 8, as well as his work under the names Aztech, The Apache Project and The R.A.S.E. The late night mood music of the title track is a true zeitgeist from the period in which it was released, while the looped-up disco sampling deep house of 'Just A Party' or 'Mindgames' over on the flip were equally as trendsetting as anything fellow Torontonians like Nick Holder or DJ Sneak were making at the time.

Review: Soul Jazz Records are focusing on the fertile New Orleans scene right and and are reissuing a load of out of print, hard to find or eye watering expensive 45rpms. Most of them have been written and produced by the legendary funk machine that is Eddie Bo and this one features in the pocket drum playing from New Orleans's great James Black. His super tight rhythms power along both parts of these big, party start funk tunes. Expressive and guttural vocals light up each one with plenty of horns for good measure.

Review: Running Back's Super Sound Singles hits fantastic number five with another steamy power dance offering that looks back to go forwards. Enzo Elia is an Italian edit maestro who offers three different take son a stomping disco cut with stark synth sounds and a vocal that brings the attitude. The vocal version is a real stomping gem, the dub is all about cutting your body loose and the bonus beats is pure filth. Label boss Gerd Janson serves up two of his own bristling, speaker busting mixes to round out a package of real dance floor dynamite.

Notes: Output Voltage : 7.5mV/1kHz (5cm/s)

Frequency Response: 20~20kHz

Channel Balance: <1.5dB

Separation: >25dB

Load Impeadance: 47kO / 200pF

Recommended Force: 2.5g

Cartridge Weight: 5.8g

Notes: Connect more with the world- The original iRig Stream offered groundbreaking features that made it an overnight must-have for millions of creators. Now iRig Stream Pro takes your podcasting and streaming to an all-new level.

This 24-bit, 96 kHz audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac/PC offers an XLR mic preamp, stereo RCA, TRRS and device inputs (loopback) - plus advanced routing, convenient controls and total portability.

It's everything you need for professional quality streaming, right in the palm of your hand.

Mix and stream up to 4 audio sources- iRig Stream Pro makes it easy to connect all your audio sources and route them to a streaming or recording app. Connect your favorite studio microphone or guitar via the XLR / 1/4" combo jack, mix in DJ decks or a keyboard via the stereo RCA inputs, then connect your earbuds to listen back and for a bonus mic/line input. You can even route in the output of your smartphone, tablet or laptop and sing or jam along.

XLR / 1/4" combo input

This input offers a pristine mic preamp with true +48V phantom power to connect studio microphones with stunning sound, switching to Hi-Z for your favorite guitar or bass.

RCA stereo input

Connect a mixer, DJ decks, keyboards and more with this low-noise stereo input.

3.5mm TRRS input/headphone output

A unique headphone/microphone jack is wired just like your smartphone so you can listen and talk over the stereo input simultaneously. It works with most headphones with a built-in mic and also with IK products like iRig Mic Lav, iRig Mic, and iRig Pre 2, giving you a wide range of options for any situation.

Device Loopback

This option routes the audio output of your digital device (iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac or PC) back into iRig Stream Pro to be mixed in with the other audio signals. This is perfect to jam or sing along with backing tracks, or process audio on one app and stream to another, all on a single device.

Each input has its own independent volume control and is then mixed down to your choice of stereo or 4 channels to stream, process or record into all your favourite apps.

Stereo or multichannel? You get both!

iRig Stream Pro offers 2 modes: stereo or multichannel. By default, iRig Stream Pro operates in stereo mode and pre-mixes multiple sources of audio (RCA stereo inputs (+ Loopback), XLR / 1/4" combo input and TRRS microphone) down to a stereo track, which is sent to your choice of streaming apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, etc.

Switching to multichannel mode, the combo and TRRS inputs are routed to channels 3 and 4 respectively giving you 4 channels of audio to send to recording apps such as GarageBand or your favourite DAW.

Specs

Type: 2 in/2out or 4 in/2out
Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
Power: USB bus powered. 48V operations with iOS devices require battery or DC IN. When connected to an external PSU (iRig PSU 3A, not included), iRig Stream Pro charges the connected iOS lightning device.
Metering: 3x LEDs for overall streaming signal. Peak meter for Mic/Inst input.
Device Connection: mini-DIN
Dimensions: 123 mm/4.84" x 67 mm/2.63" x 40 mm/1.57"
Weight: 146g
Line input
Connector: 2x RCA (unbal.) Left/Right
Nominal Input Level: -10 dBV
Head Room: 10 dB - Level @ max
Input Impedance: 16.5k Ohms
Frequency Response: from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-1.5 dB)

Microphone Input: balanced, XLR. Pin 2: hot / Pin 3: cold / Pin 1: ground
Microphone Input Level: from 3.8 mV RMS to 388 mV RMS
Microphone Input Impedance: approx 2 kOhms
Analog Gain Range: 40 dB
Phantom Power: +48 V i 4 V
Frequency Response:
from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-1 dB) Gain @ min
from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-3 dB) Gain @ max

Instrument Input: unbalanced, Hi-Z, TS 1/4" Jack, Tip: signal / Shield: ground
Instrument Input Level: from 70 mV RMS to 1.8 V RMS
Instrument Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
Analog Gain Range: 28 dB
Frequency Response: from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-1 dB) Gain @ min, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (-3 dB) Gain @ max

Headset/Phones
Connector: 1/8" TRRS jack (CTIA wiring standard)
Supply voltage: > 2,5 V
Microphone gain: Adjustable with numbered thumbwheel
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Headphone Level control: numbered thumbwheel

Battery Life
Phantom power On with iOS device: up to 20 hours (Alkaline batteries), with mic input connected to 3.1 mA phantom powered load
Note: all measurements made with Stream Level knob at 0dB.

Package includes
iRig Stream Pro interface
Lightning to mini-DIN connection cable with charging features (60cm/23.62")
USB C-Type to mini-DIN connection cable (60cm/23.62")
USB A-Type to mini-DIN connection cable (60cm/23.62")
2x 1.5V AA battery
Velcro strip

Review: The Redskins released just one studio album, their well received debut Neither Washington Nor Moscow in 1986. It came on London Records and now for the very first time since the first time, it reappears on vinyl and CD with new sleeve notes by bassist Martin Hewes. The album came just two years after the band formed but already their soulful songs were packed with passion and political undertones as a result of the band all being members of the Socialist Workers Party. Highlights include 'Bring It Down! (This Insane Thing)' which was the band's only Top 40 hit. The band split the same year this was rebased.

Review: Massive no frills, all thrills 2 tracker from James A. Donadio. A side is upbeat and crisp and B side is downbeat and dirty.

Review: Here comes one you've been waiting for - the vinyl release of Vince Staples' triumphant self-titled 2021 album. As one of the leading lights of modern rap and RnB, Staples offers a subtly off-kilter take on the style without losing sight of immediacy and relatability. From 'Are You With That?' to 'Law Of Averages' you can hear an artist growing ever more confident in himself and his message, whether he's rolling with that sung-spoken swerve or dropping bars. The oddball hooks get under your skin while the lyrics clamp onto your brain with one listen - it's a true landmark release for Staples which his career will be measured against from here on out.

Notes: All the Battle Breaks released by DJ $ HIN, also known as King of Battle Breaks, over the past 16 years + Bonus Beats + Secret sound sources, etc. There are plenty of sound sources in the USB memory that can be used not only for DJ training but also very useful for producers.

The cartridge type USB memory has an original shape that cannot be found anywhere else, with the design created from scratch.

Easy to use with a key ring. It will be an item that boasts details that give off a cool presence as a USB storage for everyday use and carrying around!

Featuring high-resolution sound from all of DJ Shin battle break series. All titles that were released in the analog to so far Recorded in (24bit 48khz) and MP3 (320kbps).

In addition, scratches, juggling, instruments that can be used frequently for DJ mixes, single drum sounds (kick, snare, hi-hat, etc., drum loops, various sound effects, tones, voices, scratches and drum loops that can be used with skip-proof specifications in timecode mode, etc. A total of more than 1800 sounds are recorded in folders for ease of use.

Review: After two digital releases, Marseille-based Omakase is releasing an ambitious new project: Omakase Colors Vol.1. This compilation is the first vinyl release of the label, selecting talented producers, musicians and singers from around the EU that they knew, around a collective project that explores various influences going from trip-hop and bass to ambient, breakbeat, house, lo-fi and jungle. From the widescreen balearic downbeat of NxQuantize & Charlie Maurin's 'Spark' (ft. Imane El Halouat), the exotic deep dubstep journey of La Dame's 'Death Of The Samurai' to the off-kilter urban beats of Emahix's 'Tenderoni' and the blunted hip-hop chill-out of Orbital Lemon's 'Mountain Break'. All-in-all a wide selection of moods and grooves for your listening pleasure.

Review: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Regis's soot black slab of deadly techno aka his Penetration LP, the whole thing has been remastered by Simon Shreeve and cut at The Exchange. This new limited edition repress comes with all new artwork, too. The album is pretty definitive of the loopy, hard edged techno of the time and it was another 20 years until Regis offered a follow up after plenty of time as part of British Murder Boys and Sandwell District. Each of these tracks still kicks with serious force, from the bulky sound of 'Get On Your Knees' to the backlit glow of 'Penetration.'

Review: Zha brings together element of dubstep, grime and trap on his latest 12" for the Naan crew. It is his first outing of the year following solid slabs of wax for the likes of White Peach and this label dating back to 2015. This one kicks off with 'Spice,' which has bass tones pinging about the mix with big hits, snatched vocal yelps and dusty drums all keeping you on your toes. 'Grief' is darker and dirtier thanks to the filthy great oscillation that rips up the swaggering rhythm and 'Harm' gets deep on some pensive pads and intoxicating melodic sounds. 'Two Rumours' closes down with sub so warm and cuddly it's like being hugged by a new duvet.

Review: The DSO series snuck out last year with a bunch of anonymous deep house edits - one per side, all tunes you half recognise from hazy memories of drive time radio play. The sample sources are smartly picked, from the likes of Erykah Badu and Sade to Mary J. Blige and Brandy & Monica. It turns out that 90s RnB and hip hop sounds great over a contemporary, funked up house groove, and the quality remains high on this latest volume. It's not clear who's behind these, but they've got production chops to match the excellent choices of edit material.

Notes: High-quality non-slip felt

For home listening, DJing & mixing

Officially licenced

12" diameter vibration dampening

Review: We owe a lot to Toni Mazzotti, the son of Ana Mazzotti, for this one as it is apparently he who unearthed his mother's 'O Filho Do Homem' single. It is thought to have been recorded by the late Brazilian composer and keyboardist in Brazil in 1983 and is the only thing she recorded in the eighties. It is one of many unreleased tunes the great musician played on TV Cultura and Programa MPB during the 80s. Each show proved her skills as she moved into the more hard edge and experimental sounds while always staying true to her roots in jazz, samba and funk.

Review: "Querencia: a place where one feels safe, a place from which one's strength of character is drawn, a place where one feels at home." Garage Hermetique welcomes Jane Fitz on its sub label dedicated to non-dancefloor mixes on cassette.

Review: The latest release on ever-crucial French jazz outpost Heavenly Sweetness welcomes the work of Bardainne Jaumet, a collaboration between accomplished French saxophonist Laurent Bardainne and Versatile regular Etienne Jaumet for four musically rich excursions into cosmic disco, Library music and the golden age of European synthesiser exploration. This is perhaps not what you might expect from the pairing of these two artists, or indeed the label, but the sheer compositional power and production of these two is simply undeniable. Grandiose statement pieces from two incredibly talented minds meeting on the same astral plane with a well-appointed studio as a vessel.