Back catalogue:

Review: Alex "Omar" Smith has never been one for modesty, so we shouldn't be too surprised that he's called his latest full-length - his fifth in total - The Best. To be fair, he is rather good at producing high-grade deep house, and here unveils another eleven gems. Interestingly, he's recruited an impressive cast-list of collaborators and guests, including Norman Talley, Kyle Hall, OB Ignitt and, most surprisingly of all, Bristol-based Tom Bug. Highlights are plentiful, from the dusty afro and blues influences of the tribal "Chama Piru's", and hazy, Rhodes-heavy vocal cut "AhRevolution", to the hip-wigglin' disco-house influences of "Seen Was Set", and retro-futurist, Inner City style Divinity hook-up "On Your Way".

Review: Those who've been paying close attention will know that Alex 'Omar' Smith has been mixing things up musically of late, veering away from the deep Detroit house he's famed for in order to explore a wider range of influences. New album "You Want" doesn't exactly reverse this trend, but it is far more rooted in his particular brand of seductive, off-kilter deepness and techno-tinged hypnotism than recent singles. That's undeniably a good thing, because nobody does crunchy, machine driven club jams better than the Motor City producer. There are nods towards Italian style piano house, disco, broken beat, jazz funk, Masters at Work and - more surprisingly - industrial techno (see the filthy closing cut) - but the resultant cuts don't sound like anything other than tried-and-tested Omar-S club jams.

Review: Orbital remain titans of the global electronic scene which is no doubt why their self-titled album from 1991 now gets mastered and reissued for this year's Record Store Day. A pioneering work in electronic music, this landmark debut is a rich world of driving drums, hypnotic melodies, and intricate soundscapes. From the propulsive energy of the seminal 'Chime' to the dreamy ambience of 'Belfast,' each track showcases the duo's mastery of rhythm and texture. Orbital's use of innovative sampling techniques and atmospheric synths creates a distinct sonic universe that still stands them apart and helps make this a timeless classic that has influenced generations of electronic artists ever since.

Review: London Records has announced a deluxe reissue of Orbital's iconic debut album, affectionately known as the Green Album. Originally released in 1991, it straddled the line between rave and ambient techno, featuring timeless tracks like 'Chime', 'Belfast,' and the Butthole Surfers-sampling 'Satan.' Now, those tracks are considered cornerstones of the early UK techno movement. This 4 disc CD set offers the most comprehensive experience, with the original album on disc one and a treasure trove of Green Album-era B-sides, remixes, and alternative versions on discs two and three. Disc four treats fans to two live sets from 1991/92, sourced from the band's soundboard recordings. Wrapped in a 12" box, the deluxe edition includes reprinted flyers from the era and a lavish 60-page hardback book chronicling the Green Album's story, complete with new notes and a track-by-track analysis by Phil and Paul Hartnoll. This reissue is a must-have for Orbital fans and electronic music aficionados alike, offering a comprehensive exploration of a seminal album's legacy.

Review: In an era where originality was essential for respect, few hip-hop groups earned more admiration than Organized Konfusion. The Queens-based duo of Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po reached their peak with their 1994 sophomore album Stress: The Extinction Agenda, now being reissued for its 30th anniversary. Supported by moody, bass-heavy, and jazz-infused production, Stress highlighted Pharoahe and Po's intricate, ever-evolving rhyme styles and undeniable chemistry. The result was an album that remains a beloved classic among hardcore rap fans, standing the test of time as a defining moment in the genre.

Review: Amghar: The Godfather Of Tuareg Music Vol 1 by Abdallah Oumbadougou is a superb trip into the heart of the ever fascinating sound of Tuareg music. Oumbadougou, revered as the godfather of this rich musical tradition, delivers a spellbinding collection of tracks that showcase his mastery of desert blues. Each composition is a testament to the deep cultural heritage and spiritual resonance of Tuareg music. They blend hypnotic rhythms, intricate guitar work and haunting vocals all with a melancholic and seductive feel from the soul-stirring chants of 'Afrikya' to the infectious energy of 'Tabsiq Dalet'. This album transports listeners to the vast landscapes of the Sahara, evoking a profound sense of wanderlust and timeless beauty as it does so.