Rock and roll jams, mind expanding ambience and bass to make your tummy hurt.
Tranquilizer is the new LP from Daniel Lopatin as Oneohtrix Point Never and it’s just absolutely fantastic. Mirroring his breakout 2011 album Replica that was composed from bootleg DVD compilations of decades-old TV commercials, Tranquilizer is rooted in a set of commercial sample CDs that Lopatin found on the Internet Archive in the early 2020s. It is a kaleidoscopic listening experience, hugely dense arrangements with breathy vocals and thick, warm electronic tones. It sounds in flashes like other things (KLF, Jon Hassell), but that - and also the way it loops around - lulls you into a false sense of security before it changes gear. Ambitious and brilliantly structured, it’s just such a great listen.
+ Available on exclusive double Clear colour vinyl.
Glyders, originally formed in 2014 by guitarist/vocalist Joshua Condon and bassist Eliza Weber, have expanded their lineup with the addition of drummer Joe Seger and release a blazin’ new LP called Forever this week on Drag City. The Chicago power-trio have toured these songs extensively, and that's what really comes across on this fine record… These are tightly coiled rock 'n' roll jams! Really great energy, really great vibes. Enjoying this plenty.
Implosion is a new collaborative LP from British soundlab explorer Kevin Martin, aka The Bug, and Michael Fiedler, aka Jah Schulz, aka Ghost Dubs - a long-time graduate of Germany's new school of sound system reggae culture. Seriously guys, this is 10,000-fathoms-deep, spine-bending basslines and sub-quake tremors! It really is just such a thrilling experience.
Also this week: Big shimmers from Sonic Cathedral with Metanoia, the debut EP from the East London-based trio Adele Dazeem. Keaton Henson returns with a harder sound on Parader. Fionn Regan’s 2024 album O Avalanche, available on vinyl for the first time. We have limited White vinyl with a signed print. KELLY is the new EP from Kelly Lee Owens and it contains some of her most propulsive moments yet. Hasn’t actually landed, en route.
The week’s Best New Reissues have plenty to shout about too, especially the scorching hot Ghana Special: Highlife compilation and Boris Gardiner’s Ultra Super Dub Vol.2. More of them and more coming to you soon.
