KELENKYE BAND - 'MOVING WORLD'

Formats

• EVERLANDAFRO003LP - LP

  0710473185561

Details

In 1974, a brash young designer called Augustus Kerry Taylor had an idea. He'd gather together the hottest musicians in Ghana and record an album of the heaviest and funkiest sounds coming out of America. And this time, he wouldn't just design the cover, like he'd done with Fela Kuti, he'd even release it on his new label, Emporium, as well. Local Accra legends Joe Wellington, Jagger Botchway, Leslie Addy, Officer Toro, Oko Ringo, Soldier and Steve answered the call. They were christened the Kelenkye Band and gelled immediately. Moving World, is a funky, disparate album that exudes a rare warmth, enthusiasm and togetherness. 'Moving World' and 'Brotherhood of Man' are hard, grinding funk. 'Jungle Music' has a more soulful groove. There's also a bit of reggae, 'Dracula Dance', and old-skool highlife, 'Wale Tobite'. Accra's leading DJ, Charlie Sam, declared his mind 'well and truly boggled.' The Kelenkye Band never recorded another album. Augustus Kerry Taylor shut down Emporium and went back to designing album covers. But in Moving World they delivered a perfect moment of funk alchemy that has rightly become the Holy Grail of 70's Ghanian groove. - Peter Moore, www.africanrevolutions.com / Licensed by the bandleaders and songwriters of the album, Joe Wellington and Jagger Botchway.

Tracks

Press

Holy Grail of 70's Ghanian groove.

Audio & Video

GABOR SZABO - 'BACCHANAL'

Formats

• EBL!!!-009LP - LP

  0710473185400

Details

The long-awaited reissue of rare Eastern and psychedelic Jazz LP by the famous Hungarian guitarist, originally released in 1968. The first time, extended Edition with four bonus tracks: radio version from singles 7” 1968. Deluxe 6-sided Digipak CD with a booklet and Gatefold Vinyl comes with long, exclusively written inner notes by the famous researcher and biographer Douglas Payne. “The performances on this LP have a restrained, introspective quality. Szabo’s work is lyrical, rather economical, and somewhat angular, and his tone is warm and glowing.” – Harvey Pekar, DownBeat “Gabor Szabo is at the musical zenith of his career. This album could rank as his best to date.” – Billboard “But for sheer lyrical beauty, few players are in Szabo’s class. His startling use of dissonance is a delight, too, and time and again he will alter a final phrase just slightly, totally reorienting a familiar tune.” – Alan Heineman, DownBeat “This is definitely one of my ‘go to’ Gabor albums.” Mike Stax, Ugly Things

Tracks

Press

The long-awaited reissue one of this rare Eastern and psychedelic Jazz LP by the famous Hungarian guitarist.
Exclusive bonus tracks from the 1968/69 7? single.

Audio & Video

VARIOUS - 'AFROMAGIC VOL: 1: HYPNOTIC GROOVES & ECSTATIC MOVES'

Formats

• EVERLANDAFRO004LP - LP

  0710473185585

Details

Deep Dancefloor Jams of African Disco, Funk, Boogie, Reggae & Proto House Music 1976-1981 When a passionate DJ and crate digger intuitively selects music for a DJ compilation, without artistic compromise and without the burden of trends, AfroMagic vol.1 emerges from the depths of his soul. Herewith we present the new favorite phonomancer’s tool for all the DJs who experience the dance floor as a sanctuary and a source of freedom and love. The most fundamental thing that defines African music is that it was created for dancing. In African dance, there is often no clear distinction between ritual celebration and social recreational entertainment – one can seemlessly merge with the other. Because dance and rhythm have more power than gesture and more richness than words, and because they express the deepest experiences of human beings, dance is in itself a complete and self-sufficient language. It is truly an expression of life with all of its emotions – joy, love, sadness and hope – without which there is no African music and dance. For the African people, dance and music are integral parts of the body and soul, thus depicting the expression of life, current emotional states, visions or dreams. Through hypnotic repetitive music and dance, people communicate with each other and with the souls of the dead, the animals, the plants, the stars, the Gods… They free the body and the spirit through ecstatic states, reaching a healing sense of freedom, happiness, and satisfaction. Throughout history, this transcendental perception of rhythm and dance originating from Africa, influenced popular music worldwide, thus creating new living and breathing forms of musical genres – freeing them from their industrial mold. Funk, disco, soul, boogie, reggae, dancefloor jazz etc., developed in parallel all over the world. It is foolish to perpetually discuss where they originated from and who were the creators of all these fiery dance floor genres – being obvious that they directly or indirectly originate from the African continent and its people who were as well, over the centuries, influenced by disturbing socio-cultural factors of colonialism. However, no one can enslave the soul. The seeds of free and uninhibited dance and rhythm, true to their original form, initially first sprouted onto the USA’s fertile fields of clubbing and popular music while later evolving in other parts of the world. The disco funk club culture manifested itself as a phenomenal explosion of artists and grooves in the second half of the 70s in the USA. Shortly it spread around the world continually reigning over charts in its various forms – to this day. Clubs emerged where the DJ is an almighty shaman and the dancers are a tribe united under one roof. This urban ritual had and still has a single goal: togetherness, freedom, and love. Clubs have evolved into temples where we free ourselves from the burden of consumerist lifestyle and suppressed emotions – a place where we receive love and give love – to be who we really are. Disco funk clubbing was such an influential global phenomenon that its influence can be observed in various other genres from the disco funk era i.e. progressive rock, which mutated by layering complex rock arrangements with a disco funk groove resulting in hybrids, highly sought by today’s diggers, producers and collectors. The profit-hungry music industry of the 80s very quickly commercialized the original disco funk sound by amputating it of its original Afro groove to be able to easily ‘sell’ it globally. So, the original disco funk groove became underground again, and it has remained so until this day. Today, for a DJ to unearth that ravishing groove that will lead the dancers to the stars, he must dig passionately like a true musical archeologist in search of that groove that picks you up after just a few initial beats. That groove which forces the atoms in your body to vibrate, that groove which unites the body and releases the burden. The selection of songs on the AfroMagic compilation is focused on African club music created in the second half of the 70s and early 80s, when it was at its peak, especially in West Africa. The funk, soul, disco, boogie, RnR, jazz and reggae were entranced at one point by African culture and magic. Considering that, unfortunately, the African continent always lagged in technological progress due to constant colonial weight and theft – new electronic instruments (synths, effects, etc.) were employed rather naively by local musicians who weren’t following default rules dictated by the industrial pop culture. It is in fact this that gives the AfroMagic compilation that special quality and uniqueness – because the music presented here was created without any restrictions or influence of capitalism. The compilation opener, Jungle Magic by Benis Cletin, hitting us from the start with an acidified loud synth, sounding like a space helicopter mixed in with a slow 4/4 kick, indicates the progressiveness and freedom that forms the basis of the AfroMagic compilation series. Soon after the wackiness of Jungle Magic, Joe Kemfa takes us to the very center of African clubbing with his band Aura. A chorus of chanting female singers, heavy lofi modulation paired with a murky groove and dreamy synths in an unconventional arrangement – bringing forth the smells and images of intoxicated clubbing hedonism of the 70s West Africa. Felix Lebarty finally breaks out of the intoxicated atmosphere of Joe Kemfa and switches back to the original recipe – repetitive funk & afrobeat grooves interspersed with dirty RnR licks and solos that simply make you close your eyes and fly away. Goldfinger Doe & B.M.S. close the A-side in an anthemic manner with synth tribal funk, which at one point polymorphs into a scorching hot Latino groove that enthusiastically rocks the dancefloor. The B side, with a slightly different progressive concept, is opened by the great Geraldo Pino. A mutant reggae riddim song based on a fat groove with Geraldo telling us directly and humorously about his ‘problem’ – wife with an insatiable sexual appetite. On B2 Joe Moks raps like a rhythm machine on top of a repetitive psychedelic disco groove. The lyrics, ‘Boys and Girls let’s groove on together’, will stay with you and ring for a long time. A special AfroMagic moment you’ll fall heads over heels instantly is ‘10 years of love’ by Danny Offia and the Friks. This song vividly displays influences from the early House music developments originating from the USA, making this number an authentic representative of the Afro proto house sound from the early 80s. The last song on the B side by the BLO band, with its pop disco sensibility, ends the first volume of the AfroMagic compilation in style – as per any DJ set of value and significance. The AfroMagic series of compilations was created with the goal of being used as a tool for real DJs who stick to the aesthetics and essence of clubbing.

Tracks

1.Jungle Magic06:30
2.Joe Kemfa ? I Got To Make It03:40
3.Felix Lebarty ? Girls For Sale05:22
4.Goldfinger DOE & B.M.S. ? B.M.S. Bowl05:16
5.Geraldo Pino ? Shake Shake Shake06:43
6.Joe Moks ? Boys And Girls06:34
7.Danny Offia And The Friks ? 10 Years In Love04:40
8.BLO ? Save Me04:50

Press

Audio & Video

THE DSM IV - 'NEW AGE PARANOIA'

Formats

• NXN018LPX - LP (COLOURED)

  0615625706659

• NXN018LP - LP

  0615625706666

• NXN018CD - CD

  0615625706673

Details

**Debut album from former 'Eighties Matchbox B Line Disaster' front man Guy McKnight's new band.** **ORANGE MARBLE COLOURED VINYL - VERY LIMITED!!**  The DSM IV’s debut album, “NEW AGE PARANOIA,” is an impressive collection of stories, beats, guitars, and noise. The album seamlessly weaves together sobering but dream-filled songs that explore the ways in which our collective minds are influenced by mass media, entertainment industries, and social media. Formed by Guy McKnight of critically acclaimed and cult favourite The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. The DSM IV has a dark sound that blends noise-rock, synth-pop and industrial, that delivers a unique musical experience. Their music is cacophonous and epic, featuring rich textures and melodic hooks that keep listeners captivated. The band’s powerful soundscapes, combined with their thought-provoking lyrics, create a mesmerizing atmosphere that both entertains and encourages introspection. The album prompts important questions about our society, such as what’s driving the normalization of a narcissistic culture that prioritizes personal desires over altruism. It delves into the ways in which technology, social media, and mass media shape our collective psyche and affect our relationships with ourselves and each other. The DSM IV’s music offers a timely and compelling commentary on these issues. The DSM IV is a band that creates music with a powerful message that resonates with people who feel that a kinder world is possible. Their songs are both nasty and nice, reflective and entertaining. With “NEW AGE PARANOIA,” The DSM IV has crafted an album that will captivate and inspire listeners, while also prompting deeper reflection on our society’s values and priorities.

Tracks

(1) Break You In
(2) New Age Paranoia
(3) White Wolf
(4) Scumbag
(5) Lions
(6) Reclaim The Night
(7) Killing Your Time
(8) Funland!
(9) Pennywise
(10) Runaway

Press

'Lashings of magic & a spoonful of spite'
Curt Corbyn

'Brilliant and exhilarating'
Eric Delsart, Rock&Folk Magazine

Audio & Video

SONNY SHARROCK - 'BLACK WOMAN'

Formats

• SV169 - LP

  857661008698

Details

"Warren 'Sonny' Sharrock died of a heart attack at the age of 53 in 1994. At the time of his death, many writers noted that he had recently landed a contract with a major label (RCA) and was perhaps 'destined for big things.' In my opinion, these writers missed the point. Although Mr. Sharrock may not have been successful financially (as though that might be a primary motivating goal for any true artist), he was uncommonly successful aesthetically. Certainly, there are a few dubious moments to be found inside his oeuvre, but Mr. Sharrock produced several of the most mind-shredding avant-garde albums ever recorded. Premier among them is Black Woman. "Originally released on the Vortex label in 1969, Black Woman may be the universe's first true statement of guitar skronk majesty. It also represents Mr. Sharrock's first date as a leader and stands as the sole documentation of a band that well-understood the essentials of energy. Besides Sharrock's explosive guitar, the band features the omni-directional percussion mastery of Milford Graves (then in the midst of recording Love Cry with Albert Ayler), the gorgeous post-tongue vocalizing of Sonny's then-wife Linda Sharrock, the sinuous bass presence of Norris Jones (later known as Sirone) and some the most explicitly abstract piano work ever recorded by Dave Burrell. That Black Woman was produced by flautist Herbie Mann, a guy not well-known for his affinity to fire music, makes it even more intriguing." – Byron Coley

Tracks

A1 Black Woman
A2 Peanut
B1 Bialero
B2 Blind Willy
B3 Portrait Of Linda In Three Colors, All Black

Press

Audio & Video

SIDE EYES - 'WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM'

Formats

Details

The Side Eyes are back with the follow up to their 2017 self-titled debut album and are asking the question What’s Your Problem? Anyone suspecting that the Southern California band may have mellowed out in the five years between albums will have those suspicions shattered within the first twenty seconds of the opening track “Get Me Out.” If anything, the band is now harder, faster and angrier than they were the first time around. Vocalist Astrid McDonald is in fiery fine form calling out everything from phonies to shit-talkers to people that simply aren’t nice. Brothers Kevin and Chris Devine on guitar and bass and drummer Sam Mankinen thunder through the twelve tracks here at a breakneck speed that is positively pummeling. While The Side Eyes sound like a throwback to early Southern California hardcore punk rock like Circle Jerks and the Adolescents, the band also sites more recent bands like Ceremony, Glue and Babes In Toyland as influences. Produced by Steve McDonald (Redd Kross / Melvins) and clocking in at under twenty minutes (while spinning at 45 RPM), What’s Your Problem is a modern punk rock gem that blows past the sonic barriers of their past inspirations. This is great stuff!

Tracks

Press

Audio & Video

BENCH PRESS - 'S/T'

Formats

• SBWLP72 - LP

  4059251139256

Details

Limited two-colour vinyl! BENCH PRESS haven't been together as a band for as long as the relaxed aplomb of their single makes it seem. The band has only been around since March 2016, and they've been doing the live thing steadily ever since, even if their entire evening's material was just 20 minutes at the time. Since then, guitarist Morgan Griffith, bassist Lewis Waite and drummer Jordan Hicks have acted as a perfect, laid-back unit. The result is dynamic post-punk that makes a precision landing at any time - driven by the (spoken) vocals of Jack Stavrakis, who runs in circles live as if possessed and seems to think out loud into his mic, while venting his frustration with modern life. Snarling, edgy and loud, BENCH PRESS invoke the old and create something that feels very new. As if the SLEAFORD MODS were doing guitar punk with ART BRUT

Tracks

01. HEY MAN 02. BURNING UP 03. I DON'T LIKE YOU 04. WANNA GO? 05. GROUP ANXIETY 06. POWERLESS 07. STOP START GO 08. FOUR PLUS 09. PIECE OF CALM 10. PASSIONS

Press

Audio & Video