Spotlight 14

Welcome to the Spot Light. Check out the latest psychedelic, cosmic, prog, freakbeat, folk, kraut, experimental, jazz, drone, mystical, and avant-garde sounds!

Looking for older versions of Spotlight Magazine, check the Spotlight Archive.

Business customers, please visit the Clearspot website here.

​PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE/FOLK

Elven, The

Solstice

'Solstice' is the debut album by The Elven, a side project by members of Saturna and Earthless. What began at the end of 2020 as an irrational need to write music by Rod Tirado and James Vieco from Saturna soon took on a different identity when they brought their friends Isaiah Mitchell (Earthless) on lead guitar, Tabatha Puig on keyboards and Javi Gómez on drums. In just one month, they wrote the 8 songs that make up this debut album, titled 'Solstice', in which they blend psychedelia, progressive rock and classic heavy rock. For the graphic design, they once again enlisted an illustration by Jondix (Tool, Black Sabbath, High On Fire, Electric Wizard) and the design by Jalón de Aquiles for a vinyl edition that will be released via Spinda Records, in a new collaboration with Clostridium Records (DE) and Echodelick Records (US), who previously worked together on the debut album by Loma Baja. Limited to 300 copies on yellow marbled vinyl.

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
03-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558238
EAN
2090505582383
Availability
In stock

Hirvonen, Paivi

Maa Palaa

Third solo album by Päivi Hirvonen, the "Fiddler With The Voice." 'Maa Palaa' (The Earth Is Burning) is an album of destruction and hope. An internationally acclaimed artist, Hirvonen has captivated audiences worldwide, both as a solo performer and as a member of the electro-folk ensemble Okra Playground. Rooted in the rich traditions of folk music, her work seamlessly weaves in cinematic soundscapes and contemporary pop influences, creating a distinctive and evocative musical experience.

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
11-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558363
EAN
4251329506261
Availability
In stock

GARAGE/BEAT/SURF/ROCK’N’ROLL

Ventures

Twist With The Ventures

The Dusty Tapes label continues its series of catalog album reissues by The Ventures - presented in both mono and stereo, enriched with numerous bonus tracks. This time, it's the band's fifth album - Twist With The Ventures from 1962. Excellent remastered sound, the original large cover, and among the nine bonuses, seven tracks first time in stereo ever. The edition comes in a laminated, gatefold card sleeve with a special sleeve for the disc, inspired by the covers of the band's American singles from the first half of the 1960s. 33 tracks, 72 minutes of music!

Genre
Format
CD - 1 disk
Release date
26-03-2025
Label
Item-nr
558264
EAN
2090505582642
Availability
Not in stock

Ventures

Twist Party, Vol. 2

The Dusty Tapes label continues its series of catalog album reissues by The Ventures - presented in both mono and stereo, enriched with numerous bonus tracks. This time, it's their sixth album -Twist Party Vol. 2 from 1962. Excellent remastered sound, the original large cover, and among the nine bonuses, seven tracks presented first time in stereo ever. The album includes the highly popular Dark Eyes Twist as well as the equally well-known Bésame Mucho. The edition comes in a laminated, gatefold card sleeve with a special disc sleeve, inspired by the covers of the band's American singles from the first half of the 1960s. 33 tracks, over 70 minutes of music!

Genre
Format
CD - 1 disk
Release date
26-03-2025
Label
Item-nr
558266
EAN
2090505582666
Availability
Not in stock

INDUSTRIAL/EXPERIMENTAL/NOISE/NEOFOLK/GOTHIC

Buenos Vampiros

Entre Sombras (black)

'Entre Sombras' is the third studio album by Argentina band Buenos Vampiros. Formed in 2018 in Mar del Plata, the band is currently considered as one of the most prominent acts in the new Argentina rock scene, alongside artists like Fin del Mundo, Winona Riders or Mujer Cebra. Their music, which draws equally from post-punk, new wave and dream pop, has led them to sell out shows in Uruguay and Chile as well as performing at some of the most relevant venues in Buenos Aires and festivals like Primavera Sound (Argentina), Festival Nuevo Día or Mar del Pop. Limited to 200 copies.

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
20-03-2025
Label
Item-nr
558234
EAN
2090505582345
Availability
In stock

Ware, Martyn/charles Stooke/gabriel Ware

It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea

An experimental dive into aquatic and industrial rhythms, this is the original soundscape to the highly-successful, immersive installation 'It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea' (premiere at The Saatchi Gallery) composed for 3D ambisonic sound by Martyn Ware (Heaven 17, B.E.F., ex-The Human League), Charles Stooke, and Gabriel Ware. Produced by Illustrious (Martyn Ware and Vince Clark of Erasure), with environmental and immersive design by Oscar Blustin and Anna Söderblom, the installation invites visitors into a contemplative space; a quiet, peaceful temple to water, within which the soundscape exists. Listeners enter and explore the space in their own time, letting the sounds wash over them, experiencing the stories and musical motifs as they build and gather then subside like the tide. Taking a cue both from UNESCO's Ocean Literacy initiative and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14 - 'Life Below Water' - 'It's Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea' offers visitors an opportunity to consider their relationship with water, and to step back out into the world with an altered perspective on its value and cultural significance. The soundscape is a looping experience, divided into two parts: 'Part One - A Call To Water': This section explores our human relationship with anthropomorphised Water - throughout the history of our species and all across the globe, humankind has petitioned the deities of the sky and the sea for the benediction of rain and for deliverance from natural disasters. 'Part Two - The Water Circle': Water is crucial for all life on earth to exist and thrive. In this part, we witness the storm's deluge on the land, water cascading in streams, then rivers and finally to the sea. The beauty and mystery of the oceans culminates in the process of evaporation and the creation of clouds, which continue the eternal cycle of water. CD in 6-panel matt-laminate digipak.

Genre
Format
CD - 1 disk
Release date
04-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558366
EAN
0641871746590
Availability
Exp. 04-04-2025

​​METAL/STONER/HARDROCK

Orchid

The Mouths Of Madness (2lp/black)

Three sided double LP! Reissue of San Francisco doomsters Orchid's second full length, originally released in 2013. "Strong riffs, a tight rhythm section and psychedelic background guitar passages are the first things that come to mind when trying to describe how the album sounds. Theo Mindell's voice bears some resemblance to Blackie Lawless' and while W.A.S.P. isn't the first band that comes to mind when thinking of doom metal and stoner rock, his voice fits the music perfectly. The production is spot-on, guiding the listener's thoughts to the sound of 'Master Of Reality' while still sounding modern." (metal-archives.com)

Genre
Format
LP - 2 disk
Release date
13-06-2025
Label
Item-nr
558202
EAN
0694685736998
Availability
Exp. 13-06-2025

Orchid

Capricorn (2lp/black)

Three sided double LP. Reissue of the 2011 debut full length by San Francisco doomsters Orchid. "Even if the music is not very complex, you can see from miles away that Orchid are fairly good musicians. 'Capricorn' is not only very different from the modern metal albums, but also has a character of its own. You would be able to say which song is which after just one listen. Recommended for fans of Black Sabbath, Graveyard, and Saint Vitus." (metal-archives.com).

Genre
Format
LP - 2 disk
Release date
13-06-2025
Label
Item-nr
558210
EAN
0694685737049
Availability
Exp. 13-06-2025

Orchid

Through The Devil's Doorway (black)

Reissue of the legendary debut EP by San Franscisco doomsters Orchid. "The great thing about this EP is that it takes all these '70s influences and makes, dare I say it, something just as amazing, if not even better! I only have one real complaint: It's too short. Four songs, just over 15 minutes. Is it worth it? Fuck, yes!" (Doom-metal.com).

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
20-06-2025
Label
Item-nr
558218
EAN
0694685737087
Availability
Exp. 20-06-2025

Orchid

The Zodiac Sessions

Reissue on CD of this amazing album featuring tracks of the first EP 'Through The Devil's Doorway' and the debut full length 'Capricorn.' "Orchid have become a great band, from a good band that tended to rely on Sabbathisms a little bit too much for their debut. But in no certain terms is that a bad thing. Few bands could play like this and pull it off with vigour and soul. Orchid did that, and 'The Zodiac Sessions' is definitely worth a listen. It riffs and grooves hard, sometimes thats all you need." (The Sleeping Shaman).

Genre
Format
CD - 1 disk
Release date
20-06-2025
Label
Item-nr
558241
EAN
0694685737124
Availability
Exp. 20-06-2025

REGGAE/DUB/SKA/ROCKSTEADY

Adams, Flora

Fire Fire

Flora Adams recorded this outstanding vocal for Winston Jones' Brooklyn based Flames label at S&S Sound Studio in Canarsie in the mid-1970s, backed by Flames' in house band. 'Fire Fire' is based on Tina Charles' disco hit 'You Set My Heart On Fire,' with the then-teenage member of the Nairobi Sisters making the lyrics entirely her own through a searingly raw and heartfelt vocal. On the flip the Rough Riders' solid rocksteady-influenced instrumental is injected with sharply delayed pieces of horns and vocal cuts to great effect.

Genre
Format
7" - 1 disk
Release date
18-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558145
EAN
5050580845145
Availability
Exp. 18-04-2025

VARIOUS: WORLD, CLASSICAL, SPOKEN WORDS ETC

Galbi, Sami

Ylh Bye Bye

With 'Ylh Bye Bye,' Swiss-Moroccan producer Sami Galbi delivers a raw and electrifying debut album after the succes of his first single 'Dakchi Hani'/'Rruina.' Merging North African folk, chaâbi, and trap with forward-thinking electronic club music, his punk energy and DIY ethos stem from years immersed in Lausanne's underground squat scene, shaping a sound that's both deeply personal and politically charged. Driven by infectious North African melodic loops, heavy basslines, and percussive textures - blending bendir drums, karkabas, and analog synths - 'Ylh Bye Bye' pulses with urgency. From high-energy dancefloor anthems to dreamy acid pop ballads, the album explores themes of migration, identity, and belonging. Galbi's Arabic vocals oscillate between auto-tuned harmonies and spoken word, capturing the tensions of diaspora life. Recorded between Switzerland and Morocco, the album's title - meaning "Let's Go" or "See You" in regional slang - reflects the artist's nomadic journey, from a DIY studio in a van to a transformative creative residency in Casablanca. It's a work of constant movement, embodying both departure and return.

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
02-05-2025
Label
Item-nr
558242
EAN
7640159734123
Availability
Exp. 02-05-2025

Vimma

Ei Noi Muut

With their third album, 'Ei Noi Muut,' Vimma returns more powerful and dynamic than ever. While their previous works reflected on the emotional impact of global crises and environmental destruction, the band now shifts its focus to what truly matters: movement, action, and collective strength. The album is rebellious and urgent, full of passion and intensity-yet deeply melodic and irresistibly catchy. Thematically, it addresses the climate crisis, activism, and societal change. But above all, Ei noi muut is a manifesto of community-a call to come together and find one's place in the world. "I hope this album inspires people to take the fight for change seriously-but without losing the spark of playfulness. The state of the world is serious, but you don't always have to be!" says lead singer Eeva Rajakangas. The songs were created in just three months - a creative storm that manifests in the raw energy and uncompromising honesty of the music. Violinist Pessi Jouste describes the process: "A year ago, we felt an overwhelming urge to do everything - to write, perform, and make music without hesitation. That's exactly what this album should convey: Now is not the time for doubt, but for action!" Vimma is a seven-member collective: Eeva Rajakangas (vocals), Pessi Jouste (violin), Roope Jokinen (violin), Kalle Outila (guitar), Aino Kallio (piano), Santeri Kettu (bass), and Vilho Louhivuori (drums). Their sound is a unique blend of indie rock, pop, folk, and hip-hop, with lyrics deeply rooted in nature and activism. Their previous album, 'Tornadon Silmässä' (2023), was nominated for the Critics' Choice Award at the Emma Gala. With 'Ei Noi Muut,' Vimma is more uncompromising than ever. The album is a wake-up call-an invitation to rise, take action, and make a difference.

Genre
Format
LP - 1 disk
Release date
11-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558361
EAN
4251329506230
Availability
In stock

Barbora Xu

The Garden Of Otava

With 'The Garden Of Otava,' Czech singer and multi-instrumentalist Barbora Xu transports us into a world of delicate sounds and natural beauty. The album, featuring renowned artists such as Tapani Rinne, Ilkka Heinonen, Asja Valcic, and Mikko H. Haapoja, blends traditional and modern elements into a unique, atmospheric soundscape. The music was created in a secluded log cabin surrounded by forests on the Finnish island of Otava, where Barbora lived for seven years. Inspired by the untouched nature, she composed her pieces during long walks. The album reflects this magical environment - an open garden that harmoniously merges with forests, meadows, and coastal shores. In the instrumental pieces 'Inhale And Exhale,' local soundscapes intertwine with the music, transporting the listener directly to this special place.

Genre
Format
CD - 1 disk
Release date
25-04-2025
Label
Item-nr
558364
EAN
4251329506193
Availability
In stock

PRESS: SELECTED REVIEW QUOTES, INTERVIEWS A.S.

VARIOUS – Roots Rocking Zimbabwe (CD-2LP, Analog Africa)
“Two decades after their initial forray into Zimbabwean music, Analog Africa revisits the fertile grounds where their crate digging journey commenced.” (Alex Gallacher for KLOF MAG)

JEFFERY SEZ – Building Rafts Out Of Burnt Bridges (LP, Supreme Echo)
“A decade of sweaty, beer-soaked shows, DIY tours, and anthems that should’ve been blasting from every car stereo.” Dive into the in-depth interview with the band over at It’s Psychedelic Baby! Magazine.

WEIRD HERALD – Just Yesterday (CD-LP, Guerrsen)
“With Guerssen’s recent compilation—a collection of unreleased tracks and singles—the band’s story is given a well-deserved second chance to be heard.” Enjoy their story at It’s Psychedelic Baby! Magazine.

Nervous Eaters – Just Head/Get Stuffed (7inch, Penniman)
“Coming out of the pre-punk Boston rock & roll scene, Nervous Eaters were as tight and professional as any working band around, with links to Willie “Boom Boom” Alexander and legendary blues harp player Tony Cagnina and regular gigs at The Rat.” (Eric Davidson for Please Kill Me)

Brinsley Schwarz – Last Orders! (CD-LP, Mega Dodo)
“Quite a nice set of songs that showcase Brinsley Schwarz’ off-kilter approach to what was happening in British music in the early 70s, successfully blending West Coast country rock with their soulful pub rock vibe to create their own unique style.” (Henry Schneider for Expose)

ADELAIDA – Retrovisor (CD-LP, Spinda Records)
“Retrovisor is more than just a debut album, it’s a defining statement from a band that has spent over a decade refining their sound.” (Thoughts Words Action)

SWERVEDRIVER – The World’s Fair EP (LP, Outer Battery Records)
“On it, they do what they do best, deliver shimmering guitar driven rock, shot through with hints of psychedelia and a bit a grungy grit.” (Thomas Pizzola for New Noise Magazine)

RADIO

Analog Africa’s upcoming compilation, Roots Rocking Zimbabwe (out May 2 on 2LP and CD), continues to receive airplay on BBC Radio.

You can hear Chiiko Chinotinetsa by Thomas Mapfumo & the Acid Band on BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction [here](BBC Radio 3 - Late Junction, Able Noise and Sandy Chamoun in session) (introduction at 36:28). Meanwhile, Anoshereketa by Oliver & The Black Spirits was featured on BBC Radio Foyle on March 31. Presenter Brian Mullen introduced the track at 26:00 and shared some thoughts on it afterward—listen [here](BBC Radio Ulster - Caschlár: A World of Music, 31/03/2025).

After Anoshereketa, he also played a track from Analog Africa’s 2019 compilation, Space Echo.

VIDEOS

Supreme Echo Records is diving deep into Canadian punk history this spring with two killer releases: JEFFERY SEZ – Building Rafts Out of Burnt Bridges (LP) and THE NERVE – Self Autopsy (LP).

Check out these short Instagram teasers for both titles here and here!

UPCOMING CONCERTS

SULA BASSANA - with band (SULATRON):
17-04-2025 GER-Bochum, Planetarium
23-08-2025 BE-Rillaar, Down The Hill, SKYJOGGERS feat. Sula Bassana

FORD’S FUZZ INFERNO (SUBUNDERGROUND C.A.):
19-04-2025: Haarlem (NL) - Slachthuis
26-04-2025: Leiden (NL) – Resistor

SKYJOGGERS:
03-05-2025 ITA-Bologna, Heavy Psych Sounds fest
08-05-2025 AT-Graz, Café Wolf
12-05-2025 AT-Wien, Arena
13-05-2025 CRO-Zagreb, Mocvara
14-05-2025 GER-München, Feierwerk
17-05-2025 NL-Nijmegen, Sonic Whip
18-05-2025 GER-Recklinghausen, Backyard Club
24-05-2025 GER-Berlin, Desertfest
07-06-2025 DK-Esbjerg, Fuzztival
11-07-2025 GER-Wuppertal, Alte Schlosserei, + Zone Six
12-07-2025 GER-Erfurt, Stoned from the Underground
23-08-2025 BE-Rillaar, Down The Hill, feat. Sula Bassana

LABASHEEDA (PRESTO CHANGO):
15-05-2025: Utrecht (NL) – dB’s
16-05-2025: Dordrecht (NL) – DS17
27-05-2025: Wroclaw (P) – Klub Szalonych
28-05-2025: Liberec (CZ) – Barpapir
29-05-2025: Prague (CZ) – Café V Lese
30-05-2025: Brno (CZ) – Alterna
31-05-2025: Dresdan (D) – Sankt Pieschen Festival
13-09-2025: Wormerveer (NL) – De Groote Weiver
20-09-2025: Gent (B) – Kinky Star

KRAUTFUZZ:
23-05-2025 GER-Berlin, Schokoladen, 'Live at The Church (feat. J Mascis)' record release concert
18-07-2025 LT-Vilnius, Braille Satellite music festival
27-09-2025 GER-Kusel, Kinett, Conny Plank - exhibition (tbc)

ZONE SIX:
06-06-2025 GER-Schlitz, Moon Festival
11-07-2025 Wuppertal, Alte Schlosserei, + Skyjoggers
12-07-2025 Münster, Bennohaus, Up In Space Festival

MINERALL:
07-06-2025 GER-Dürrröhrsdorf-Dittersbach, Gockelscream

TOMO KATSURADA (ex-Kikagaku Moyo):
06-06-2025 Galiläakirche, Berlin, Germany
11.06.2025 St Matthias Church, London, United Kingdom
12-06-2025 Sacred Trinity Church, Salford, United Kingdom
14-06-2025 Future Days Festival, ISOamsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
19-06-2025 Trix (Bar), Antwerp, Belgium
26-07-2025 Psyk Stämman, Stigbergets Ringön Göteborg, Sweden

More exciting news on Tomo and his project soon.

SOCCER COMMITTEE (MORC):
09-08-2025: Millingen aan de Rijn / Kekerdom (NL) - Millinger Theetuin