Something a little different for this volume…electronica, electro, trip-hop, chill out, downtempo, techno, garage, dub, drum & bass, dubstep, grime…I could go on…all these genres seem to overlap and in turn cause confusion, so for Vol 325 we disregard the genres and sub-genres for a nonstop mix of music that is often overlooked by Indie and Alternative programmers. 

Qeight – Losing You Again

From Cosmicleaf Records out of Greece a new chillout single by Qeight. The inspiration came from the following thoughts: “In the eerie stillness of the moment, as life slips away, all that is left is a single glance, a solitary breath. It is then, and only then, that one gazes upon the sum of their existence. It feels as though the soul is imprisoned in a frigid dungeon, awaiting an unknown voice to proclaim, ‘Release him from his bonds, for I shall take him with me’.” Well, that’s all a lot heavier than I expected from this very cool cut.

Mystic State – The Last Lotus

Courtesy of the Deep Dark & Dangerous imprint out of New Zealand. This duo from Bristol in the UK prove their worth with exemplary studio skills. Found sounds, samples and digital effects used to full effect. Gorgeous.

Kaya Project – Breathe Again

Compilations are always worthwhile investigating, here mixmaster and producer, Seb Taylor curated an essential collection with Breathe Again from Kaya Project being a standout cut. All the right elements are here for an infectious journey graced with those sensual violins. A persuasive foot-tapper you’ll want to hear again, and again…

Barry Can’t Swim – Woman 

Oh, what a gem this is. Harking back to classic disco and then messing with your reference point. Like an evening on mushrooms in just under four minutes. Big thumbs up for the emphatic vocal from Låpsley. “You only get to make your debut album once,” points out Barry, “So I want to showcase all the elements of the things I enjoy and love in music up to this point.” The multi-faceted Scottish artist releases his debut album When Will We Land? on Ninja Tune, out October 20th.

Gum.MP3 – Love You Better (Ft. Netanya)

Just when you think it’s time to step outside for breath of fresh air, Love You Better has you back in the throng of sweating, almost naked bodies grinding away to a 2-Step-Garage-Drum & Bass workout with vocalist, Netanya tempting you to let go – just one more time. Make sure you grab copy of the Riddim Seeker EP from Gum.MP3.

QuiQui – Labyrinth Of Paradoxes

Then, a voice whispers in your ear and you are off on another discovery. Jeroen Wiggers AKA QuiQui is intent on hypnotizing you with Labyrinth Of Paradoxes from the EP of the same name on Manual Music out of Rotterdam. At this point you have abandoned checking off the genre box.

Tubby Isiah – Conscious Calling

With all the requirements for serious kush rhapsodizing, Moonshine Records out of Poland offer up, Dub Meets Techno complete with notable cuts including Conscious Calling from Tubby Isiah. Here the genres deliberately collide to full effect.

Eric Hilton – Farewell To Midnight

Hilton of Thievery Corporation fame with Puma Ptah on vocals continues the joyous trip-hop, a genre he helped birth as a co-founder of the legendary downtempo electronic music act. Eric’s new album, Lost Dialect is a must-have.

Temple Step & Zen Tempest – Tribal Swagger

Based in Melbourne, Temple Step Producer, Dj, Sound Healer and all round Sound Alchemist collaborates with musicians, ceremonialists, neo-shamans and sound healers around the globe. He weaves dance and world music in a unique and original way. Vocalist Zen Tempest delivers a message of hope, a future. Cool sleeve artwork.

Julia Sound – Above The Blue Sky

The album, Nothing Above The Blue Sky is on Boomsmack Records out of British Columbia, and 100% female and non-binary. Written, performed, produced & mixed by Lin Gardiner AKA Julia Sound. Lin, originally from the UK, emigrated to Vancouver in the early 2000’s, she has racked up a valuable reputation as a producer, engineer, sound designer working in the music, gaming, and audio post industries. This is an exceptional LP.

Subtala – U & I (Øz Remix)

Emerging artist Subtala out of Leeds is now on Bristol-based Too Much Collective for his debut release. TMC resident and affiliate, Øz gets behind the production consul for a dazzling remix of the EP’s title cut, U & I. This one proves that bass music, dub, dubstep, grime, and more can easily be incorporated into one brilliant track.

Emil Eliav – The Sound Of Us

This is a stunning deep house track with a beautiful soulful vocal line and mesmerizing synth melodies. Top-notch production, perfectly balanced. Another gem courtesy of Cosmicleaf Records.

Man Rei – Stairclimb

Frankfurt-based artist and musician, Kristin Reiman is Man Rei. Stairclimb balances on the edge of ambient and experimental while allowing a brooding perception of loneliness to cast a spell with a haunting voice. The album Health is on the Glasgow imprint, Somewhere Between Tapes who focus on emotive sound work and queer perspectives on experimental music and print.

Taiko – Crumpets (Ft. Ed Hodge & Sam Emery)

White Peach, an enterprising UK label has been a frequent go-to for new dub, dubstep, grime, garage etc releases. Here Ed Hodge & Sam Emery join Taiko to take Crumpets in a more, dare I say, traditional mode? Nu-jazz comes to mind… The production is spectacular, so well crafted. The four cuts on the Crumpets EP make for essential listening.

The artwork is by J. Maplewood “Patio view #4” 2020 38” x 38” digital print on treated board. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection