Release-Highlights in March 2025 30 Items

44th Move is the combined creative force of pianist & composer Alfa Mist, alongside drummer & producer Richard Spaven. As individuals, the duo have solidified their unrivalled reputations as world class Jazz talents, as exemplified by Alfa’s hugely influential albums such as ‘Antiphon’ & ‘Variables’ and Richard's legendary drum work with the likes of Flying Lotus and Goldie. Initially causing a stir back in 2020 when their joint project first emerged with their genre busting forays into Dance and Hip Hop. Moving into 2025, they now prepare to elevate the levels, and unleash their debut collaborative album ‘Anthem’ via trailblazing Bristolian label Black Acre.

Presenting their debut LP, the pair strive to continue the tradition of adopting a mindstate centred around research and development - pushing themselves to continually learn and grow, raising the bar and uplifting the art form. Launching with first single ‘The Move’, cascading chords elegantly pave the way for Detroit-based rapper Quelle Chris to take centre-stage and deliver purpose-driven lyrics, calling for grit and consistency through life’s challenges. Second single ‘Free Hit’ deploys a scattered junglist break, punctuated by mysterious chord progressions and an enticing, gradually unfurling brass section. Also featuring guest appearances from Bristol turntablist royalty Awkward, ‘Anthem’ moves seamlessly through diverse sonic terrains, the LP traverses Hip-Hop, Techno & DnB, whilst remaining firmly its Jazz-centric sensibilities. On the album’s creation, Richard Spaven says - "The essence of 44th Move is to take the traditional disciplines of live musicianship into electronic forms and compositions. Alfa and I have an aligned appetite to break new ground with every project we do and this is the core ethos of the album".A refined, shifting and accomplished album, it highlights the moment of magic waiting to happen when great minds meet.

"A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole" is the latest album from London-based composer-poet-activist-improviser Alabaster DePlume, his first major work following 2022"s "Gold" and 2020"s "To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals Vol 1".The 11-song album covers all of DePlume"s musical touchstones: lush and gentle instrumentals informed by ghostly ancient folk melodies; groove-focused rhythm explorations as a bed for self-searching spoken declamations; sweeping and beautiful string arrangements (in this case by Macie Stewart) set against his trademark vibrato-infused tenor sax whispermoan.

aya's incredibly inventive Hyperdub debut album im hole distilled the incisive sonic experimentation of her early run of releases, the tongue-in-cheek giggles of her DJ sets and radio show, and the identity fluxing lyricism of her live shows into a delirious tug of war between pleasure and dysmorphia. The album was championed from all corners, 'Best New Music' in Pitchfork to Radio 6 DJ Maryanne Hobbs 'Album of the Year', followed by a run of incredible live shows which drew new listeners further into her world.

hexed!, aya’s second album, confronts the desperation and dysfunction of addiction. Internalised phobias and suppressed traumas haunt the corridors and golden hours once romanticised on 2021’s im hole; daymares concealed by nocturnal afters-hopping and key bag circles. Opener ‘I am the pipe I hit myself with’ exposes the gray portrait secreted somewhere between the 8th and 9th floors of her previous record. ‘I used to say some shit for sure’, ‘I used to say it when I was me-less’. hexed! is about what happens when aya turns the lights on.

Limited edition of 500 copies.

Blawan returns with ‘BouQ’, the follow-up to his acclaimed 2023 “Dismantled Into Juice” EP; one that was heralded by Pitchfork as “dazzling… part of a long, proud tradition of UK club tracks that turn the dancefloor on its ear” and Resident Advisor as “mind-melting… truly unchartered territory.” “Fires”, the first single revealed from his freshly-announced new EP, has received global support from the likes of Four Tet and Skrillex over the summer, and sees Blawan push his distorted, syncopated productions into a new broken-pop lane, his own vocal creating an intense, visceral hook that rips through the track's multi-layered, pulsing beats.

Limited to 300 copies.

A-Side: Buschtaxi (Extended Version) - DJ Koze
Like an unleashed Tarzan, crashing through the skull directly into consciousness with his vine, Koze with Buschtaxi tears through the jungle.

With his unique recipe of psychedelic madness and spiritual potency, he picks up all the lost rave souls and drives them to a place no one knew existed.

Buschtaxi hits differently.

AA-Side: Brushcutter – DJ Koze feat. Marley Waters
A track like a displacement activity.

A deranged DJ Koze with a spinning brush cutter, alone in the desert – nothing to cut, just pure, unleashed power. The fight against nothingness.

Brushcutter isn’t music; it’s a trail burned straight through your consciousness.
It cuts deeper. Harder. Until the bigger picture comes into view again.

--

Original Tracks written and produced by Stefan Kozalla / Published by Kosikos Publishing
“Brushcutter” contains elements from “Onto You” written and composed by Brendon Allyn Waters. Published by Marley Waters Publishing/Sony Sonata. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Mastering by Hans Frage @ Deinklang
Cover Paintings: Gepa Hinrichsen
Artwork by Lilli Scheuerlein & Jonas Vogt

After an extended break from vinyl releases, Mothball Record is back with a long awaited Italo-disco reissue.

A longtime passion project of label owner Hysteric, “Take Me… Mr Love” is something of a unique entry in the later years of Italo-disco, forgoing the typically smooth and processed sound in favour of a rough and low budget production, making up in charm what it lacks in polish.

The release is completed by a powerful remix from the Dutch Italo sensation Luca Dell’Orso. Coming off the back of a string of successful releases on Bordello A Parigi, Red Laser Records and Ritmo Fatale, here he brings new life into the track and takes it into well and truly to the dancefloor.

First time re-issue of this Arabic language gem from 1984. Fronted by Moroccan singer Fatima Makdadi and recorded in Paris, Douz Douz featured on the B Side on a now very hard to find 7". Now pressed loud on a 45rpm 12” with an extended version on the flip.

"Half a decade after Zohra’s spellbinding Badala Zamana launched the label, Mtmu returns with an equally obscure and catchy piece of Arab funk by Fatima. "

Limited edition of 500 copies on black vinyl.

Godfather Don and the Jazz Spastiks team up again for "Writer's Delight" including the yet released neckbreakers "Straight From The Gutter" and "Kick The Ballistics". Yet again Don delivers his undefeated rhyme skills and clever wordplay on dusty signature beats by the Spastiks, giving you the true Hip Hop feel from start to finish. 22 tracks in total including all instrumentals, available in a limited run on 2LP plus digitally on all major platforms.

Includes artprint that is only available at HHV.

In his label debut on Ghostly International, Brooklyn-born, South London-based artist Goya Gumbani redefines his recording project with rich, full-band arrangements, crossing London's new jazz generation with New York City's hip-hop storytelling legacy. Warlord of the Weejuns is a triumph of taste, heritage, and pride from one of rap music's most dexterous talents. Guests include Fatima, lojii, Seafood Sam, and Yaya Bey. London-based Swedish soul singer Fatima appears in two singles; first, there's "Firefly," a cosmic R&B groove that captures the rawness of a recent breakup. "Fatima came and just laid the hook, and I was like, damn, you're embodying how I'm feeling," says Goya, who built it out with contributions from Swarvy, Omari Jazz, Les Lockheart, and his Ghostly labelmate quickly, quickly.

Limited to 250 copies.

HHV Exclusive pressed on "Daisy" Transparent Yellow colored vinyl - limited to 300 copies! Following their 2024 reissue of Hiroshi Yoshimura’s classic album, Surround, Temporal Drift proudly presents the first-ever reissue of Flora, Yoshimura’s underappreciated ambient classic. Flora was originally recorded and completed in 1987, and remained unreleased until 2006, nearly three years after Yoshimura’s passing in 2003. The album is chronologically and stylistically a follow-up to his acclaimed 1986 works Green and Surround, wherein Yoshimura continues to play with the ambience of sound and the sound of ambience, underscoring his mastery in the field of environmental music. Yoshimura’s other recorded works include Music For Nine Post Cards (1982), originally produced to be played back inside a museum space, and Pier & Loft (1983), commissioned as accompaniment to a contemporary fashion show. "Flora is an album that is listened to perpetually, Passed on from one listener to another, And the charm of the sound- and music-loving figure known as Hiroshi Yoshimura, Just might come drifting through. Like the scent of a small flower." — Junichi Konuma *

Originally released in 1987 on a private cassette - this is the first vinyl release of the absolute gem. Comes with obi strip.

Masahiro Sugaya is a Japanese composer with a prolific career in music for film, television, and the performing arts. Renowned for crafting soundscapes that invite deep contemplation, his music blends synthesizers, field recordings, and traditional Japanese instruments, achieving a delicate balance between minimalism, ambient, and folk influences.

In addition to his experimental compositions, Sugaya has been a pivotal figure in Japanese television and cinema. He collaborated with NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, creating soundtracks for documentaries and educational programs that explored both the everyday and the extraordinary. His ability to translate emotions and landscapes into sound has made him stand out in projects that connect the visual and the musical.

In cinema, Sugaya worked as an arranger for Gontiti, the iconic Japanese guitar duo, and contributed to soundtracks for renowned directors such as Hirokazu Koreeda. His work captures the stillness and subtleties of everyday life, resonating deeply with audiences.

The Pocket of Fever, originally conceived in 1987 as a soundtrack for Pappa Tarahumara’s avant-garde dance company, merges traditional Japanese elements with modern compositional techniques, reflecting the fluid and dreamlike choreography. The album shifts between nostalgia, as in Green of the Future, and the poetic hypnosis of Conversation with the Wind. These pieces invite the listener to explore deeply evocative and intimate sonic landscapes.

Now available for the first time on vinyl, this album was originally released solely on cassette and has been carefully remastered to preserve its delicate textures and vibrant sound. Presented in a limited edition, The Pocket of Fever remains essential for fans of ambient and experimental music. Inspired by figures such as Hiroshi Yoshimura, Midori Takada, and Brian Eno, this timeless masterpiece invites introspection and the appreciation of its serene beauty.

Midan’s new album pays homage to the beautiful music of Brasil. The young producer, DJ and digger from Cologne channels his deep love for Bossa Nova, Samba and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) into a 17 track strong album entitled “Letter To Brasil”. Accompanied by his good friends FloFilz, Saib, Mr.Käfer and Lesky. Artwork by Sao Palo-based illustrator André Cast.
Born and raised in Paris, the half German-half Algerian producer is one the most exciting new jacks on the German beatmaker scene. At the age of 23 Midan has already released a bunch of albums for renowned labels like Casual Low Grind, Mutombo Recods and Beat Jazz International.

Limited to 200 copies.
On 11 November 2022, the symbolic start of Cologne‘s carnival season, a memorable concert was recorded at King Georg Jazz Klub: Muriel Grossmann and her quartet played a live set that transformed the club into a musical island. While the carnival hustle and bustle gradually died down outside, King Georg offered music lovers an evening characterised by musical depth. Subdued lighting, an intimate club atmosphere, groove and the optimised sound created a parallel universe of interpretative expansiveness and spiritual contemplation. Many see the saxophonist, who lives in Ibiza, as a promising voice in European jazz. With her unmistakable sound between modal jazz, blues and spiritual sounds, she‘s built a worldwide reputation with albums such as Golden Flute, Reverence, Quite Earth & Universal Code. Born in Austria, she began her career in Vienna before going on tour internationally with her quartet. Her music, inspired by greats such as John and Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, is imbued with a spiritual depth and a musical vision. The recording from King Georg is their first live album. Together with Radomir Milojkovic on guitar, Abel Boquera on Hammond organ and Uros Stamenkovic on drums, Grossmann creates a cosmos of sound that is as meditative as it is powerful. In contrast to studio albums released between 2018 and 2022, which were strongly anchored in modal jazz, this recording shows the quartet‘s development towards an increasingly psychedelic, bluesy and moody fusion sound aesthetic. The release also marks the launch of the new Cologne-based label PowerHouse Records. After several studio albums on the Estonian label RR Gems, a compilation on the British label Jazzman Records and an album on Jack White‘s Detroit label Third Man Records, ‘mgq live im King Georg, Köln’ is the discographically indispensable ‘Live at’ album.

At long last, Q Lazzarus says hello to Dark Entries. Q Lazzarus is the moniker of Diane Luckey, born in New Jersey in 1960. While living in the East Village in New York City in the 1980s, Diane met songwriter Bill Garvey at a party and they recorded “Goodbye Horses” in his home studio. As the story goes, Luckey met Hollywood director Jonathan Demme when she picked him up in her taxi during a snowstorm in 1986. Demme was wowed by her demo tape, which was playing in the cab, and they ended up hanging out at a restaurant for hours talking about life and music. “He liked it so much, I gave him the tape I was listening to, he said he would call me for one of his movies, but I didn’t really take it seriously.” said Luckey. Demme would have the song “Goodbye Horses” first appear in his offbeat comedy Married to the Mob, and then again more memorably in Silence of the Lambs when Buffalo Bill changes into women’s clothing while drowning out his intended victim’s pleas with loud music. Despite the exposure, both Luckey and Garvey languished in relative obscurity. “Goodbye Horses” is the definition of a cult classic, an ethereal tearjerker driven by Garvey’s lush synth work and Luckey’s unmistakably powerful voice. Garvey says, "the song is about transcendence over those who see the world as only earthly and finite." Over 15 years of effort have gone into the making of this release. All five songs on this record were previously unreleased and are sourced from original master tapes. The extended version of “Goodbye Horses” was newly mixed from the original stems by Alberto Hernandez at Fantasy Studios. Instrumental and acapella versions of the song are included, which are also available for the first time. Side B opens with “Hellfire,” a brooding number about the New York Bdsm nightclub of the same name, showcasing the range and force of Luckey’s voice. “Summertime” follows, with a sauntering synth-reggae spin on the 1937 George Gershwin number. Both B-side tracks are also new mixdowns and edits from the original stems. This record is released alongside Eva Aridjis Fuentes’s documentary on Q Lazzarus, Goodbye Horses: The Many Lives of Q Lazzarus, a work chronicling the life of the enigmatic Luckey. It is an opportune moment to reflect on the underrecognized artists we have lost and the undeniable brilliance of both Diane Luckey and William Garvey.

Reissue of the 1983's classic Messages From The Stars by British Electronic Funk outfit, The Rah Band.

Released in 1983, "Messages From The Stars" by The RAH Band—AKA multi-instrumentalist and producer Richard Anthony Hewson—emerged as a modest club hit, peaking at number 42 on the UK charts. Four decades later, the song has been rediscovered and revered as a cult classic, transcending time and generations. This reissue celebrates The RAH Band’s pioneering sound and the track’s unexpected rise from obscurity to international acclaim, largely thanks to devoted selectors and fans who never let it fade away.

Created on a Roland SH5 synthesizer in Hewson’s home studio, the track’s iconic vocals, spontaneously delivered with playful innocence by Hewson’s then-wife Liz, proved to be a masterstroke, with her warm, conversational tone giving the track an authentic charm. The interstellar lyrics, cosmic synth-line and funky bassline combined are addictively catchy, undoubtedly contributing to the track's success as a crossover boogie-funk classic.

The RAH Band’s resurgence owes much to DJs like DāM-FunK and Martin Iveson (Atjazz), who introduced "Messages" to new audiences in the ‘90s and ‘00s. DāM-FunK recalls discovering the track in the late '90s and making it the centrepiece of his sets, with crowds demanding repeat plays during his iconic Funkmosphere nights in Los Angeles. Fast-forward to 2019, “Messages” was selected as the opening track on pop superstar Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonded’ radio show and playlist, fuelling the track's viral explosion on TikTok in 2020 and sparking a relentless, enduring internet popularity that continues to this day.

Hewson, now in his eighties and residing quietly near the Sussex coast, continues to create music every day in his garage-turned-studio, using the original vintage gear that once brought "Messages From The Stars" to life. Enjoy this slice of space-disco history, where messages from the past have made their way to the present.

Hello, Do you read me? I have a message A message from the stars

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the reissue of Sho-Nuff"s highly sought-after album "Body Pressure" from 1983. Recorded for Japanese label King Records, the album was only ever released in Japan and disappeared without trace making it one of the most coveted Modern Soul/Boogie albums on the international collectors scene. Mixing funk and Boogie with a few juicy ballads for good measure, Body Pressure is a superb album that lives up to its reputation, hence the hefty price tag of up to 1000â,¬ for an original. The audio was remastered in Tokyo by King from the master tapes and the album is reissued here with its original artwork and OBI for the first time since 1983 with new liner notes by Charles Waring.

Limited to 100 copies.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on orange vinyl, limited to 100 copies.

T.N.T’s 1972 LP "Making Tracks" is a Caribbean soul masterpiece, blending island vibes with American funk energy. Led by percussionist Rudy Auguste, the band delivers an electric and vibrant sound that will ignite dancefloors and delight crate diggers worldwide. Making Tracks is a must-have for fans of deep cuts and lost funk classics. This limited vinyl reissue brings this highly sought after classic back into the spotlight where it belongs.

Originally released in 1973, this jazz funk album features Steve Grossman and a lineup of exceptional musicians, appealing not only to jazz fans but also gaining significant support from the Rare Groove and DJ generation worldwide. Now reissued by the legendary "Wa-Jazz" label, TBM (Three Blind Mice), this iconic label has gained popularity in Europe, the U.S., and beyond. The long-awaited reissue of the original titles on vinyl has been expertly remastered and cut by the renowned Bernie Grundman, preserving the essence of the music. Each release includes original reissue liner notes, making this a must-have for jazz enthusiasts.

"Farming, often associated with toil and drudgery, can also be a surprisingly sensual and playful activity. The rhythm of the seasons, the tactile experience of working the land, and the shared sense of accomplishment can all contribute to a heightened sense of intimacy and pleasure. Consider the act of planting seeds. The gentle touch of fingers on delicate seedlings, the anticipation of growth, and the nurturing care required can create a deeply satisfying and sensual experience.

Harvesting, too, can be a sensual affair, as one plucks ripe fruits and vegetables from the earth, feeling their warmth and succulence. Beyond the physical aspects, farming can also foster emotional intimacy. Couples can work together in the garden, sharing laughter, sweat, and a sense of shared purpose. The feeling of accomplishment that comes from growing one's own food can also strengthen bonds and create a sense of shared pride."

Japanese artists Yumiko Morioka and Takashi Kokubo unite for Gaiaphilia, a journey through ambient soundscapes that seamlessly blends Morioka’s graceful piano compositions with Kokubo’s immersive field recordings and atmospheric synthesisers. This collaboration brings together two of Japan’s most influential pioneers in ambient and new age music, each with decades of groundbreaking work. Morioka, celebrated for her 1987 album Resonance—reissued to critical acclaim by Métron Records—infuses her introspective playing with Kokubo’s vivid environmental textures, creating a dialogue between nature and melody. After releasing Resonance, Morioka stepped away from music, moving to America to raise her family. For years, her work was quietly cherished by fans, only gaining wider recognition with its reissue in 2020. A devastating wildfire destroyed her California home seven years ago, prompting her return to Tokyo where she became a chocolatier before rediscovering her passion for the piano in recent years, playing live shows and making new recordings. Takashi Kokubo’s legendary discography spans over 30 years, and has found wider acclaim in recent years via YouTube algorithms and bootleg uploads, wracking up tens of millions of plays. Yet he is probably best known for his sound design work, specifically the Japanese earthquake alert sound as well as credit card payment jingles - his creations are pervasive in Japanese society. “From our love and concern for our planet, we both offer a unique sensibility and spirit of inquiry which we express through our music.” Rooted in shared philosophical interests, Gaiaphilia reflects a profound reverence for nature’s resilience and harmony. Themes of Gaia, Mother Earth’s renewal, and the interconnectedness of life are central, with inspirations drawn from cosmology, sacred geometry, and Japan’s mystical Katakamuna tradition. The album invites listeners into a meditative space where sound mirrors the delicate balance of the natural world. A master of sound design, Kokubo enhances this vision with his distinctive field recordings, captured using a self-made binaural microphone shaped like a crash test dummy’s head. From the jungles of Borneo to the gentle rhythm of ocean waves, Kokubo’s globe-spanning recordings transform into immersive soundscapes that perfectly complement Morioka’s introspective piano compositions. “The title, Gaiaphilia, is a newly created word to encompass our love and respect for nature and life, this feeling is the theme we hoped to express.” Released on Métron Records on 12/03/25 and with artwork from Ventral Is Golden, Gaiaphilia marks a remarkable new chapter for Morioka and Kokubo. Recorded at Kokubo’s log house studio named Studio Ion in Yamanashi, their collaboration offers listeners a deeply emotional and transcendent experience, rooted in the timeless beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes.