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Spotlight 36
Welcome to the Spot Light. Check out the latest psychedelic, cosmic, prog, freakbeat, folk, kraut, experimental, jazz, drone, mystical, and avant-garde sounds!
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PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE/FOLK
Melting Clock
Altrove
Melting Clock is a musical project born in the Faculty of Physics, University of Genoa, in 2001. At the time the group's aim, which brought together experienced musicians and beginners, was sheer amusement and musical growth, pursued through the covering of songs by more and less known bands of the progressive rock scene. Over the years the pieces studied have influenced Melting Clock's sound: much attention has been paid to some of the most interesting contemporary bands such as Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Opeth, Ayreon, without however neglecting milestones that have made the history of the progressive genre like Pink Floyd, Genesis and PFM. Melting Clock have undergone many line up changes: alongside the four founding members Sandro Amadei (keyboards and vocals), Stefano Amadei (guitars), Alessandro Bosca (bass guitar) and Francesco Fiorito (drums), Simone Caffè (guitars) and Emanuela Vedana (vocals) more recently joined the band. The skills acquired and the renewed enthusiasm led to the decision to devote to the composing of original music. Melting Clock's style is characterized by evocative and powerful sounds, which aim at immediately capturing the listener - without giving up elements of complexity - and conveying a strong emotional charge. Lyrics are in their mother tongue, Italian. They fully follow the spirit of progressive music in their free approach to writing and interest in contamination from the most diverse genres.
Robot God
Subconscious Awakening (red/black)
Prepare to be transported to an entirely new dimension of sound with Robot God's 4th full length album 'Subconscious Awakening.' This highly anticipated follow-up to their last album, 'Portal Within,' promises to be a sensory voyage into the deepest recesses of the mind, where reality blurs with dreams, and every note resonates with the pulse of the subconscious. Building on the ethereal landscapes and immersive soundscapes of 'Portal Within,' 'Subconscious Awakening' delves even deeper, drawing listeners into a world where thoughts and emotions intertwine in a symphony of discovery. Each track is meticulously crafted to evoke a vivid mental landscape, with layers of sound that ebb and flow like the currents of the mind itself. The tracks are woven together with an almost cinematic quality, making 'Subconscious Awakening' an experience that transcends traditional music, challenging perceptions and awakening the soul. It's a sonic adventure that invites you to close your eyes, open your mind, and let the music guide you to places you've never been before. This album is a must-listen for anyone who seeks to experience music as more than just sound - as a gateway to another realm, a portal to the subconscious where true awakening begins. "Serpent's Blood" edition on red/black dust vinyl, limited to 200 copies in gatefold sleeve.
Robot God
Silver Buddha Dreaming (2lp)
Repress of 2020 album: 300 copies on heavy transparent orange and silver/black splatter, double vinyl in gatefold sleeve. Robot God are a psych space stoner rock band from Sydney Australia who offer a powerful blend of space rock, traditional stoner and psychedelia. Fans of Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Earthless, The Atomic Bitchwax and Elder would not be disappointed.
Volume
Joy Of Navigation
Originally formed in 1993 by ex-Fu Manchu singer Patrick Brink, the band has featured a revolving set of collaborators, with ex-Monster Magnet guitarist Ed Mundell playing leads on the 'Joy Of Navigation' mini-album. David Catching (QOTSA, Arctic Monkeys, Iggy Pop) co-produced the tracks with Brink, as well as playing synth on the recording. Mike Amster (Nebula, Mondo Generator, Spoon Benders) plays drums on the mini-album. The current live line-up includes Mingus on drums, bassist Jason Hernandez and lead guitarist Derek Christiansen. The band is Volume and it deals primarily in density: thick and weighty as the abundant sand surrounding their Twentynine Palms, CA hometown, but also comprised of a mass of fine grit that can sear the skin with a gust of wind, and quickly dissipate into the ether. Yes, that is to say, Volume are purveyors of heavy acid rock. Doomy psychedelia, but with more raw '70s punk brash than masquerading metal. Volume draw musical influences from bands such as The Stooges, MC5 and Black Flag to name a few, while also crafting their own distinctive heavy psychedelic identity. And, with 'Joy Of Navigation,' the band ventures into heavier, more psychedelic tones, while also keeping powerful hooks as the focus. Only 250 copies on heavy 180gr transparent vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Electric Mud
Ashes And Bone
Boasting a heavier, more aggressive sound that owes as much to the sludgy, prog inflected ferocity of Soundgarden or Mastodon as it does the eerie proto-metal riffing of Black Sabbath and soulful, energy of Graveyard, the band feels 'Ashes And Bone' is a firmly taken musical step forward into the future as much as it is the sound of a band taking care of unfinished business. Only 250 copies on heavy transparent yellow and black/red splatter vinyl.
Deviants
Ptooff! (splatter)
One of the best albums by UK psychedelic rock band The Deviants. The band's debut album 'Ptooff!' was originally released in 1967 on the label Underground Impresarios and only available through a few selected head shops before being re-printed by Decca Records in 1969. Founded by legendary counter-culture figure Mick Farren and Russell Hunter and inspired by The Fugs, the band was the first of the anarchic groups to emerge from the Ladbroke Grove area of London. Two years before Hawkwind burst on to the underground scene, the Deviants were preaching revolution and creating their own form of musical anarchy.
Jade Warrior
Released
After playing in local acts Second Thoughts, the Tomcats and July, Ealing schoolfriends Jon Field (flute/percussion) and Tony Duhig (guitar) formed experimental prog act Jade Warrior with bassist Glyn Havard. Self-titled debut drew from traditional African and Indian styles, but follow-up 'Released' was totally different: now with drummer Allan Price, rock tracks like 'Three-Horned Dragon King' and 'Eyes On You' contrast the jazz of 'Water Curtain Cave' and folky ballads like 'Yellow Eyes' and 'Bride Of Summer' with a percussive horn-heavy freakout called 'Barazinbar.' Another fine piece of the Jade Warrior story - a great listen!
Long Distance Calling
Boundless (2lp/black)
Long Distance Calling is a German post-rock powerhouse founded in Münster in 2006. Their 2018 album 'Boundless' is a highly sought after modern classic of the genre and it's finally reissued on vinyl by Svart Records.
Laine, Pekka
Sorrow And Pain/electric Basement
The A-side 'Sorrow And Pain' is taken from Pekka Laine's second album 'Pekka Laine & The Enchanted In Slumberland,' but B-side 'Electric Basement' is exclusive to this single. Limited to 300 copies on black vinyl.
San Michael's
San Michael's
The re-release of the 2 seminal psych/prog albums by San Michael's (pre-Kaipa), the self-titled (1971) one and 'Nattåg' (1972), overlaps not at all coincidentally with the appearance of Kaipa's 15th studio album 'Sommargryningsljus,' as the fabular universe of the latter revolves around counterfactual rebirth, that is, becoming (re)born as one is getting older. These 2 evergreen albums, essential for savvy collectors of Scandinavian psych/prog, showcase the smooth progression towards Kaipa's sonic multiverse, bordering on the porous dividing line between psychedelia (with a Made in Sweden pedigree) and European progressive, and driven by Hans Lundin's ferocious organplaying that alternates between swirling ultra-groovy psychedelia and imposing kraut-ish segments. Both albums, produced by Leif Mases, have been remastered by sound meister Martin Igelström for your maximum audio pleasure, and come in ultra-limited pressings of 200 numbered copies + 2-page insert with bio and rare studio and live photos, on splatter (1st) and marbled ('Nattag') vinyl.
San Michael's
Nattag
The re-release of the 2 seminal psych/prog albums by San Michael's (pre-Kaipa), the self-titled (1971) one and 'Nattåg' (1972), overlaps not at all coincidentally with the appearance of Kaipa's 15th studio album 'Sommargryningsljus,' as the fabular universe of the latter revolves around counterfactual rebirth, that is, becoming (re)born as one is getting older. These 2 evergreen albums, essential for savvy collectors of Scandinavian psych/prog, showcase the smooth progression towards Kaipa's sonic multiverse, bordering on the porous dividing line between psychedelia (with a Made in Sweden pedigree) and European progressive, and driven by Hans Lundin's ferocious organplaying that alternates between swirling ultra-groovy psychedelia and imposing kraut-ish segments. Both albums, produced by Leif Mases, have been remastered by sound meister Martin Igelström for your maximum audio pleasure, and come in ultra-limited pressings of 200 numbered copies + 2-page insert with bio and rare studio and live photos, on splatter (1st) and marbled ('Nattag') vinyl.
Fresh Maggots
Fresh Maggots
Long established as a cult classic and collector's grail, Mick Burgoyne and Leigh Dolphin's sole album is presented here with their full co-operation. Recorded in 1971 when they were just 19 years old and fresh to the studio, Fresh Maggots is one of the best distillations of folk and psychedelia ever recorded. Combining gentle, pastoral songs with violent fuzz guitar, its a highly unusual and powerful record that enjoyed extravagant acclaim on release, and has gone on to acquire a major reputation amongst acid folk fans.
Satin Whale
Desert Place (black)
Satin Whale was a German progressive rock band, which formed in the early 1970s, known for their intricate compositions and a sound that blended elements of rock, jazz, and symphonic music. The band gained a reputation for their technical proficiency and ability to weave together complex musical passages with melodic sensibilities, characteristic of the progressive rock genre during that era. Their debut album, 'Desert Places,' was released on the Brain label in 1974. This album is a hallmark of the progressive rock scene, featuring long, elaborate tracks that showcase the band's musicianship and compositional skills. The music on 'Desert Places' is characterized by dynamic shifts, extended instrumental sections, and a mix of guitar-driven rock with lush keyboard arrangements. The album captures the experimental spirit of the 1970s, with its blend of different genres and influences, creating a sound that is both powerful and atmospheric. 'Desert Places' stands out for its sophisticated use of melody and rhythm, making it a significant release in the German progressive rock landscape. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, it remains a cult classic among progressive rock enthusiasts, appreciated for its creativity and the band's technical prowess. 400 copies on black vinyl.
Epitaph
Epitaph (black)
Epitaph is a German progressive rock band formed in Dortmund in 1969. Known for blending elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and early heavy metal, Epitaph carved out a unique niche in the early 1970s rock scene. Their music often features complex compositions, melodic guitar work, and strong vocal harmonies, reflecting the influence of both British and American rock. Their self-titled debut album, Epitaph, was released on the Polydor label in 1971. The album showcases the band's early sound, characterized by intricate guitar solos, dynamic song structures, and a blend of both mellow and hard-hitting tracks. The album was well-received for its musicianship and marked the beginning of Epitaph's contribution to the progressive rock and hard rock genres. Though not a massive commercial success, it established the band's reputation, particularly in Germany and among rock enthusiasts in Europe. The album is significant for its time, capturing the spirit of early 1970s rock with a mix of bluesy undertones and progressive experimentation. 400 copies on black vinyl.
Epitaph
Stop Look And Listen (black)
Epitaph is a German rock band that originated in Dortmund in 1969. They are known for their blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and early heavy metal, creating a sound that combines intricate guitar work with strong melodies and harmonies. The band gained a following in the 1970s, particularly in Germany and parts of Europe, where they became known for their dynamic live performances and solid musicianship. Their second studio album, 'Stop Look And Listen' was released on Polydor in 1972. This album is notable for showcasing the band's evolving sound, incorporating more elements of American rock and a slightly more polished production compared to their earlier work. The album features a mix of driving rock tracks and more melodic, introspective songs, highlighting the band's versatility and their ability to blend powerful riffs with more nuanced musical passages. 'Stop Look And Listen' received positive attention for its sophisticated songwriting and the band's tight performance, further establishing Epitaph's reputation as a significant player in the early '70s rock scene. The album is a reflection of the era's rock trends, yet it stands out for its distinctive sound that bridges European and American rock influences. 400 copies on black vinyl.
Wasteland Haze
Welcome To Wasteland Haze
With the re-release of their debut album 'Welcome To Wasteland Haze,' the Düsseldorf power trio Wasteland Haze is putting a big exclamation mark behind an eventful year in their still young band history. While the first release in July 2023 was only available as a purely digital version, they have now decided to release it on colored vinyl in collaboration with Clostridium Records from Bochum. With a fresh, fat mix and mastering, this record has everything that makes this instrumental stoner doom band from the Rhineland so special. Big riffs to nod your head to, melodic psychedelic parts and spherical post-rock elements follow one another and merge into a unique journey that tells of the end of today's civilization to the reconstruction on the ruins of our time. With a special feeling for storytelling, a story is told here that needs no words and is only supplemented by a sampler with soundscapes and recordings. A guitar that is sometimes playful, sometimes hard-hitting leads through the album and nestles harmoniously into the foundation of the rhythm section. The entire album was recorded live and therefore has an incomparable fatness even on the recording and radiates energy that is difficult to imitate. Limited to 300 handnumbered copies on solid white and black marbled mix "ash grey" vinyl with two posters, two stickers and downloadcode.
GARAGE/BEAT/SURF/ROCK’N’ROLL
Flaming Sideburns
Rocket Science (black)
'ORIGINAL ARTYFACTS FROM THE PSYCHEDELIC ERA 1996-1999' - A unique compilation of early material by garage rock cornerstone The Flaming Sideburns. The carefully curated collection, put together by the band and Svart Records, features a total of 13 studio recordings from 1996-1999, three of which are previously unreleased, while the rest appeared on sold-out limited releases around the turn of the millennium.
Gold (sweden)
Magic Power
Gold's 1991 debut album, now available! Gold, then known as G.O.L.D., are due to release their brand new album 'Psychedelic Days' soon! Gold was formed 1989 after a gig at infamous CBGB's Club in New York. The band got this gig after sending a cassette demo tape to Hilly Kristal in 1989. The band performed Live at CBGB's along with New York based artist J. Romano (The Living Room). After this gig the band got free tickets from CBGB's to see the Ramones Live at the Ritz in New York. Back in Sweden Gold started to rehearse at Kasern 3 on Skeppsholmen and later at Hog Heaven on Närkesgatan in Stockholm. Gold started to record material at Decibel Studio in Stockholm 1989 with sound engineer Michael Sergel and at Thunderload Studios in Solna. Tracks like 'Motor City,' 'Street Jesus,' 'Magic Power' and 'Real Cool Dream' were recorded and the group released their first 10 track album 'Magic Power' in 1991. It is said that Gold were pioneers along side Union Carbide Productions in Sweden in creating Detroit steeped power rock in the late eighties, influenced by the music of the Stooges, Velvet Underground and MC5.
PUNK/HARDCORE
Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13
(black) Songs From The Recently Deceased
'Songs From The Recently Deceased' is the third full length album by American horror-punk band Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13. The band that started in 1996 in North Carolina was active until 2001, when the founding member Wednesday 13 left to take on vocal duties in Murderdolls. Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 played punk rock with lyrics inspired by horror B-movies and references in popular culture. As well as a large leaning towards punk, the band's live show and appearance took cues from glam rock acts such as Alice Cooper, New York Dolls and Kiss. The original and so far only vinyl version of 'Songs From The Recently Deceased' was misprinted and had half of the songs on side B missing. Ever since fans have been on the hunt for this legendary album in total on wax and their day will finally come on December 2024, more precisely on Friday the 13th; is there a release date more fitting for this ghoulish album filled with horrors?
Boris The Sprinkler
8 Testicled Pogo Machine
The 1994 debut album by Wisconsin cheese-punk legends Boris The Sprinkler, back on vinyl for the first time since the '90s! Featuring the early hits 'Drugs & Masturbation,' 'Gimme Gimme Grape Juice' and 'The Way It Is!.' Also featuring a few early misses, to amuse the cynical consumer! Double-sided lyrics insert included!
Various
Uitholling Bovenlangs
Great introduction to a new and very young punk scene in the Lowlands. This has been brewing post covid and the past few years has seen a deluge of kids forming their own band. Funny, angry and sometimes both, this compilation brings together a diverse selection of bands that are not necessarily connected to previous incarnations of punk, but definitely have the same spirit. 45rpm.
INDUSTRIAL/EXPERIMENTAL/NOISE/NEOFOLK/GOTHIC
Various
Fluxus & Neofluxus: Keep Together (2lp)
2LP with 23 original pieces from Fluxus artists + 24 page large booklet including photos and 11 accompanying texts from Fluxus artists and experts. In April 2023, the first part of the Fluxus edition called 'Stolen Symphony' was released. The year has come and gone and here is the second part of the Fluxus edition called 'Keep Together.' At the centre of both parts of this edition was a broken piano, acquired by the Opening Performance Orchestra for the purpose of making live and studio recordings. During this time other new works for this broken piano were written by diverse Fluxus and non-Fluxus composers. In the spring of 2022, the Opening Performance Orchestra and broken piano participated in an event hosted by Mieko Shiomi. This was a new version of her early work 'Spatial Poem,' documentation of which was presented at the 2022 Aichi Triennale in Tokyo. At present, the broken piano lies in the open air in Prague and is subject to gradual decay.
Cashmore, Michael
The Snow Abides Completely (2lp/black)
Michael Cashmore, the main guitarist and composer for Current 93 from 1990 until around 2006, presents his 2007 solo offering 'The Snow Abides' with vocals by Anohni (Antony and the Johnsons), Bill Fay and David Tibet (Current 93). 'The Snow Abides Completely' comprises all of the recordings made between 1999-2001 from the original 'The Snow Abides' sessions. An edited edition of these recordings was issued by Durtro Jnana in 2007. Now finally released with 12 tracks in total of which 5 are previously unreleased featuring vocals by David Tibet and lyrics and music by Michael Cashmore, this is an essential album for any Current 93 fan to have.
METAL/STONER/HARDROCK
Witchpit
Forever Spoken (black)
"'Forever Spoken' is a powerful exploration of humanity's quest to leave a lasting legacy. This album delves into the trials, adversities, and struggles that shape our journey and challenge our ability to fulfill our destiny. Musically, it ventures into the realms of southern metal and sludge, featuring intricate riffs and heavy metal double bass rhythms that elevate its intensity and complexity. The album was recorded with the esteemed Phillip Cope (Kylesa, Baroness, Black Tusk), who returns to mix the record after his successful previous collaboration with us. To complement the depth of the music and lyrics, we enlisted the legendary Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Gorguts, Suffocation) for the cover art. His iconic style perfectly captures the complexity and essence of 'Forever Spoken,' making this collaboration a significant milestone for us."
Disgrace
1990 (black)
Disgrace recorded their first demo in 1989, which has been buried in time and dust. Luckily, their 'Beyond The Immortalized Existence' and 'Inside The Labyrinth Of Depression' demos - both recorded in 1990 - and the 'Debts Of God' EP (1990) have survived and are compiled into the '1990' release. These demos and EP document Disgrace at their most brutal and primitive, yet young and bloodthirsty. This is true grinding and murky death metal where you can hear influences from fellow bands like Xysma and Funebre, but also from UK and Swedish bands like Carcass (just listen to the track 'Deprive My Innermost'), Bolt Thrower, Carnage, and Nihilist.
Disgrace
Grey Misery (black)
Finnish death metallers Disgrace released a bunch of demos and one EP before their first full-length album, 'Grey Misery,' which was released in 1992. The Finnish metal scene was flourishing with releases during those days -_many of them are recognized as immortal classics among die-hard maniacs around the world: 'Slumber Of Sullen Eyes,' 'Member Of Immortal Damnation,' 'The Karelian Isthmus,' 'Children Of The Scorn,' to name a few. And, of course, 'Grey Misery'! To quote Hellhammer's Tom G. Warrior: "Only death is real," and with that in mind, Svart Records reissues this slab of Finnish death metal history as a facsimile vinyl from the original 1992 pressing.
69 Eyes
Savage Garden (black)
In 1995 The 69 Eyes released their second album 'Savage Garden' on Gaga Goodies. This album had the first nods towards the gothic direction they were heading into while still waving the flag of sleaze rock they were known for at the time. Rowdy rock music and plenty of straightforward, catchy energy with dark atmosphere guaranteed. 'Savage Garden' has been remastered for vinyl by Mika Jussila in close collaboration with the members of the band at Finnvox Studios.
Dismal Euphony
Soria Moria Slott
Reissue of first album by black/gothic metal band from Stavanger, Norway. Originally released on Napalm in 1996. Comes on orange vinyl.
Dismal Euphony
Autumn Leaves - The Rebellion Of Tides
Reissue of second album by black/gothic metal band from Stavanger, Norway. Originally released on Napalm in 1997. Comes on blue vinyl.