Is There Really No Happiness Without This Feeling?
Everything To Me
Review: Porter Robinson's Smile! is a lively exploration of maximalist pop, filled with energetic beats and catchy melodies. The album opens with the high-energy duo 'Knock Yourself Out XD' and 'Cheerleader,' both are uplifting synths and powerful choruses that are sure to light up live performances. While Smile! dives into themes of fame with a playful, tongue-in-cheek approach, it's clear that Robinson is having fun with this new direction.Tracks like 'Kitsune Maison Freestyle' stand out with their irresistible, bouncy rhythms, and 'Mona Lisa' delivers a breezy, laid-back vibe. 'Russian Roulette' shines with a stunning chorus that lingers long after the song ends. While the album's irony might feel a bit heavy-handed at times, there's an undeniable charm in the way Robinson blends humor with heartfelt moments. There are quieter tracks that offer a nice contrast as well. Smile! is an exciting departure from Robinson's previous work and it's an entertaining ride that's worth a listen for its infectious energy and spirit.
Review: A quadruple box set spanning recordings made between 1968 and 1980 on two-track Revox tape, these previously unreleased works showcase the hypnotic cycles and textural explorations that define kosmische musik. Using his signature Farfisa organ and Echolette tape delay, the pieces evoke the spirit of Roedelius' Selbstportrait series and collaborations with Dieter Moebius and Michael Rother. Rather than a strict retrospective, 90 feels like a timeless sound journey, blending cascading minimalist loops with the organic warmth that has inspired generations. Tracks are unnamed and unmoored from chronology, allowing the listener to experience them as fluid expressions of Roedelius's artistry. The music recalls the meditative brilliance of contemporaries like Terry Riley, while firmly rooted in the experimental ethos of early German electronic music. Released to celebrate Roedelius's 90th birthday, this collection is both a celebration and a rediscovery, offering a vivid portrait of a visionary artist. 90 is a masterclass in innovation and introspection, essential for fans of kosmische and beyond.
Review: In a collaboration for the ages, we hear German kosmische musician Hans-Joachim Roedelius (Cluster, Harmonia) team up with Japanese flutist Yuko Matsuzaki and Berlin Philharmonic analog musician sound engineer Onnen Bock for a nacreous improv blast. Spanning soft, pearly electronica and neoclassical, Moon Garden comprises five works, incorporating techniques and fragments of songs already released. A mythical aura unfurls through synth koto and organic harmonics; 'In The Forest Of Syrinx' establishes a singing bowled, new age aesthetic, segueing into the purely vocal threnody 'Sapphire Jellyfish'. Bridging electronic washes, piano and female vocals, this is a borderless soundscape of exciting proportions.
Review: Curyman II, set for release via Diamond West Records, is the highly anticipated follow-up to Roge's US debut album. This album honors the roots of Brazilian music while pushing its boundaries, showcasing Roge's evolution as an artist. Collaborating with legendary figures such as Seu Jorge and Arthur Verocai, who arranged strings for both Curyman albums, Roge creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that bridges the past and future of Brazilian music. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination, Roge is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). His previous release, Curyman, produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, celebrated samba infused with messages of resilience and hope. Curyman II promises to build on this success, delivering even more infectious samba rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. As Roge continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to sharing Brazil's rich cultural heritage with audiences worldwide, making this album an exciting invitation to immerse in his soulful musical world once again.
Review: The Rolling Stones is the band that never dies, seemingly. All the members are truly ancient by now but - Charlie Watts aside - they keep on keeping on and after 18 years since the last they recently announced their new album. Hackney Diamonds came with its own playful viral marketing campaign and lead single 'Angry' which won plenty of plaudits. The full album is now here on CD with a note from front man Mick Jagger who said "we wouldn't have put this record out if we hadn't really liked it." It's a full on album full of very Rolling Stones sounding cuts that will get you up and playing along to the huge riffs.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.