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Review: The Mars Volta's debut album remains one of the band's creative high-points. After the post-hardcore rush of At The Drive-In burst into flames, few could have dreamed something as ambitious and progressive as De Loused In The Comatorium could have emerged. The clue's in the word progressive, as Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Jeremy Ward pooled their resources (with some bass assistance from Flea) to create long, spiralling narratives around the concept of Cerpin Taxt, the comatose hero of this nebulous story. Still sounding visionary 20 years later, it was the start of an exciting new chapter for a band truly unlike any other.

Review: For their latest deep dive into Italo-disco history, ZYX Records have enlisted the help of Guiseppe "Joey" Mauro - an Italian producer, songwriter and keyboardist whose career stretches right back to 1984. His "Italo-disco legends" selection is heavy on his own work - no bad thing given his credentials - and contains a wealth of material that has never appeared on CD before. Highlights are plentiful, with our picks including Mauro and Ventura's sparkling and uplifting 'You & I', Italowarriors' throbbing and colourful crew cut, 'The Warrior (120 Italo Version)', the bubbly cheeriness of 'Crazy (Classic Mix Version)' by Malcolm & The Bad Girls, and the effortless Italo funkiness of Raf Coney's 'Horsepower'.

Review: This Best Of The Morwells album originally landed back in 1981 but has not degraded in any way over the ensuring 40+ years. It is a superb collection of vocal roots that first came on the American label Nighthawk Records and might be best known for standout hits like 'In God We Trust' and 'Africa' as well as 'Educate Your Mind.' The lyrics muse on plenty of still relevant socio-political topics while riding on nice deep rhythms with earthy drums and meandering leads. The band went on to become well-regarded and prolific session musicians in Jamaica and you might well have heard of them... none other than The Roots Radics.

Review: Vital Detroit players Luke Hess and Joshua Harrison are back with a second EP that builds on the brilliance of their first. As always this is super deep and atmospheric dub techno outing on the superb EchoChord and all the cuts on it were produced live, in one take, in New York, at BlackCat Recordings. As such each one feels alive and variant, detailed with imperfections and of course defined by weighty low ends, aqueous synth work and a hypnotic sense of groove. These are stylish inward journeys of the highest order once more from this pair.

Notes: The Yamaha Seqtrak, a pioneering instrument in the realm of music composition and performance, has swiftly become an almost indispensable resource for artists and producers worldwide.

Acknowledging its pivotal role and the strong demand for reliable protection, Decksaver are delighted to present this cover, specially tailored for the Yamaha Seqtrak. This cover is meticulously fashioned from superior materials, offering precision-engineered defence against dust, spills, and unexpected impacts, thus ensuring the longevity of your device and preserving its pristine condition.

This Decksaver cover is custom-made to match the unique shape of the Seqtrak perfectly, ensuring a tight fit that encompasses all critical parts, including buttons, sliders, screens, and ports. Its robust design provides substantial protection while still permitting unobstructed access to all the device's functions and connections.

This feature is vital for seamless integration into your workflow, whether you're in the studio, on stage, or storing the device. This cover serves as a dependable guardian, keeping your Seqtrak ready for any creative endeavour you embark on.

Opting for this Decksaver cover for your Yamaha Seqtrak is more than just choosing protection; it represents a commitment to preserving the instrument's longevity and operational integrity. Held in high regard by musicians and producers, this cover is an essential ally for anyone committed to protecting the integrity and efficiency of their Seqtrak. It enables users to pursue their artistic ambitions with increased confidence and peace of mind, assured that their equipment is thoroughly safeguarded.

Weight: 0.14 kg
Length: 35 cm
Width: 10 cm
Height: 2.9 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

Notes: Enhance the resilience and sophistication of your Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O.II with our tailor-made Decksaver protective cover. Recognising that your K.O.II is more than merely a device, but an integral part of your musical voyage, it warrants the utmost in care and protection. The Decksaver cover is poised to provide precisely that, serving as a formidable protector against external hazards.

This bespoke-engineered cover is designed specifically to match the contours of your EP-133, preserving its stylish, slender profile whilst offering unparalleled protection. Crafted from high-grade polycarbonate, it establishes a strong defence against dust, liquid spills, and unexpected impacts. With this cover, you're free to delve into your musical explorations, devoid of concerns over the common perils that might harm your valued instrument.

The Decksaver cover delivers total protection for every control and feature of your EP-133. Whether you're producing beats in the studio, performing live, or concocting sounds on the go, this cover is your indispensable shield against abrasions, bumps, and contamination. Embrace the liberty of creativity, reassured by the knowledge that your instrument is securely guarded by the Decksaver armour.

Beyond its protective qualities, the Decksaver cover also shines in terms of convenience. Its transparent design allows you to showcase your K.O.II's unique aesthetic while keeping it protected. The cover supports efficient cable management, enabling you to apply or remove it with ease as needed. This obviates the need for frequent setups and disassemblies, offering immediate access to your instrument whenever inspiration strikes.

Transporting your EP-133 becomes effortless with the lightweight and compact Decksaver cover. Its slender profile means it easily slips into your backpack, gig bag, or carrying case, ensuring your instrument remains shielded from knocks, scratches, spills, and impacts during transit. With the Decksaver cover, you can confidently bring your EP-133 K.O.II to any location, secure in the knowledge that it is well-protected wherever you venture.

The Decksaver lid for the EP-133 K.O.II is more than a mere protective accessory; it signifies your dedication to your music. It offers the reassurance that your instrument is consistently safeguarded, allowing you to concentrate on broadening your musical boundaries. Let the Decksaver cover be a companion on your musical journeys, ensuring your K.O.II is always primed for the next auditory adventure.

Dimensions

Weight: 0.16 kg
Length: 18.1 cm
Width: 24.5 cm
Height: 3.3 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Review: Bill Frisell's Orchestras, a collaboration with composer-arranger Michael Gibbs, showcases the transformative power of jazz when paired with symphonic ensembles. The album combines Frisell's trio with the Brussels Philharmonic and the Umbria Jazz Orchestra, resulting in a dynamic interplay between jazz intimacy and orchestral grandeur. Gibbs' masterful orchestrations, inspired by Gil Evans and cinematic scores, seamlessly enhance the trio's telepathic rapport. Frisell's signature shimmering sound blends effortlessly with strings and brass, creating a rich and expressive tapestry. Notably, the collaboration highlights the deep connection between Frisell and Gibbs, a legendary innovator in jazz arranging. Gibbs' intuitive writing draws out the trio's spontaneity and pushes them into uncharted territory. Frisell and Gibbs' mutual admiration and influence create a palpable energy throughout the album, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration.

Review: Japanese psychedelic pop singer-songwriter Ai Aso hails from Tokyo and has an almost impossibly wispy thin folky style to her singing that makes her utterly unique. She has been active since 2000 and has worked both solo as well as with the likes of White Heaven members You Ishihara and Michio Kurihara. Her solo album arrived back in 2014 and now a decade on gets a vinyl press via Ideologic Organ. It is beautifully delicate and whimsical, with lullaby-like guitar melodies and her own vaporous vocals drifting gently with a real sense of innocence in the sparse tracks. Lo-fi and intimate, this is a quiet gem.

Review: The EP is called House of Prince and the Purple One's face is peering back at us from the centre of this new 12" on Tech-Nology which means only one thing - it's tech house music inspired by the legendary funkster. And it is well executed tracker too with vocal samples, trumpet sounds and much more all chuckle into the mix over a range of betas that are playful and party starting but also effective and never kitsch. 'Grindhouz' is our favourite for just how warped and weird it sounds.

Review: Taylor Swift's evolution from country crooner to pop sensation solidifies her status in the Tortured Poets Department as she joins the ranks of music's chief emotional architects. Through heartbreak anthems and soul-baring lyrics, Swift's discography serves as a diary of love, loss, and resilience. From 'Love Story' to 'All Too Well,' her songs resonate with listeners and capture the raw intensity of human emotion. Swift's ability to weave intricate narratives and evoke profound sentiment establishes her as a modern-day poet who navigates the complexities of life and love with eloquence and grace.

Review: Prince Istari's earliest memories are of his mother playing the tranquil melodies of Erik Satie's pieces on the piano. Skipping school, he'd bask in the sun, absorbed by the serene tunes and years later in 2024, rediscovering his mother's sheet music sparked a creative resurgence. He transformed them into dub versions, crafting a tapestry of sound, and each piece's form dictated its direction, evolving from heavy dub to delicate piano and synthesiser blends. The finale, a relic from his past as Istari Lasterfahrer, features a distorted recording of his mother playing Satie to complete the circle. This special record comes in limited quantities of just 200 copies.

Review: Soiree hands over its next 12" to a pair of artists who take care of one side each. Drivetrain goes first with 'The Moonlight' which is a moon-lit jaunt through a futuristic city scope with broken beats and neon chords. 'Moonlight & You' carries over similar melodies with steely drums and vocal harmonies, and then G-Prod steps up with 'Moonlight' which brings a more stripped back and dark groove run through with acid menace. Last of all is David Duriez with his Floating Light mix of the same cut and it's a dreamy deep house roller for cosy basements.

Review: Air Formation are Brighton-based shoegazers who are back now with their sixth album, a self-titled record on Club AC30, that is inspired by their love of pioneering bands like Flying Saucer Attack, Spiritualized and The Jesus & Mary Chain. It is a collection of tracks drenched in droning keys, heavy feedback, delayed guitar loops and heavenly vocals that float up top above the noise. It takes in the likes of the blissful opener 'Pressure Drop', the sweeping crescendos of 'Only So Much Light', shimmering and swirling melodies on 'I Don't Want To Talk' and 'Crashing Out' and plenty more.

Review: For the first time in over 26 years, much-loved metallers Pearl Jam finally topped mainstream rock airplay charts in the US with the first single off their latest album. That came some 1000 days ahead of the album itself which has now finally arrived and has soon won over fans. That single, 'Dark Matter', became Pearl Jam's first No. 1 on the chart since 'Given To Fly' led for six weeks all the way back in January-February 1998. The rest of the album is full of just as much gold as that, with plenty more of their signature riffs and potent grooves all topped with Eddie Vedder's legendary lung-busting vocals.

Review: The reissue of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's Main Ingredient reminds hip-hop heads what a timeless masterpiece it really is. The record has a sure place in hip-hop history and has since it was originally released in 1994. The album showcases the duo's famous and unparalleled chemistry, with Pete Rock's soulful production and CL Smooth's smooth lyricism blending seamlessly on tracks that continue to resonate with listeners and very much capture the essence of 90s hip-hop while still remaining relevant today. 'Sun Won't Come Out', 'The Main Ingredient', and 'Get On The Mic' all demand to be played loud and proud

Review: Digwah keeps it tough on this next drop on their own self-titled label. It's a ninth outing and in the time it has taken for those to come out, increasing numbers of people have been catching on to the label's work and making it a 'must check' in their mental lists. This one opens up with 'Couldnt Hate You' which has some Ian Brown vocals samples stitched into a glitchy and menacing beat. 'Open Ended' is just as twitchy and anxious with steely drums and brain frying synths all working hard to fire every synapse in your brain. Effective stuff.