Release-Highlights in March 2024 26 Items

Here is the debut, self-titled album from a.s.o., singer/songwriter Alia Seror-O'Neill, and producer Lewie Day. 'a.s.o.' is a thematic consolidation of the previous three singles and an impressive artistic progression. Day and Seror-O'Neill show they've mastered the format of the radio-friendly pop song and found how to subvert it completely. Across eleven songs, they have built a rich and compelling body of work.

We know where we are now, emotionally complex, trip-hop torch songs for club freaks. But the palette has broadened to encompass ethereal dream pop à la Cocteau Twins, slow-burning AOR-soul, and dubwise stylings. As a result, 'a.s.o.' is a satisfyingly coherent listen but never a musical monoculture. Variously there are nods toward Julee Cruise, Fleetwood Mac, and the uneasy listening of Portishead. It's an album that wears its influences lightly, is never weighed down by them, and always sure of its own identity.

It's anchored by Alia's unique voice. Her words speak of restraint and release, taking us from the elegiac to the euphoric. This elegantly crafted, perfect pop music sounds like it has had enough of your shit. And Day's music is the perfect foil; deep, slightly menacing, restrained, and powerful. The album has a cinematic texture, as with David Lynch; the seemingly familiar becomes uncanny and strange the closer we look. a.s.o. take our emotions for a joyride before leaving us floating in space.

'a.s.o.' is a journey; by its end, we all are changed.

Limited to 200 copies.

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, the mysterious steel pan out¬t hailing from Hamburg, Germany have amassed a cult following around the globe. With a slew of classic 7"s and three critically acclaimed full length albums, they set a high bar for themselves, one they clearly intend on pushing even higher with this new offering. On their fourth album Brsb, Bacao are back with more of the same, but more of the same with them is inherently different. Covering songs that span genres and range from mega hits to underground album cuts, they make them their own with their unique approach to the traditional steel pans of Trinidad and Tobago. While part of the allure of a new Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band album is ¬nding out what covers they do it is equally intriguing to see what original tunes they cooked upland this record is foul of stand out originals. The album opener, "In The Crosshairs" is a rough and tough mid tempo head nodder while both "Grilled" & "Treasure Quest" pick up the tempo with heavy African Funk in uences on both. Bacao goes deep with "Hazy Memories", a bass heavy slow burner that walks a line between hypnotic and hype. All these originals stand as testament that the term "cover band" is a shoe that could never ¬t Bacao. However, in the tradition of steel pan music, they do a heavy amount of covers. This time around there is a big West Coast Hip Hop in uence with covers of Game & 50 Cent's "How We Do", Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg's "Nuthin But A G Thang", and Tupac's "Got My Mind Made Up" all of which take on new energy and lend themselves to the Brsb steel treatment. Bacao puts another certi¬ed dance oor ¬ller on their resume with their cover of Claudja Barry's uber Disco classic "Love For The Sake Of Love" which they ip into a dubbed out affair aptly changing even the title to "Love For The Sake Of Dub". Pulling from the contemporary smash hit section of Hop Hop they cover Drake's "Hotline Bling" and "Love$ick" by Mura Masa & A$ap Rocky. Then they go very unexpected with "Stranger Things Theme" where they take the synth heavy theme song to the hit show and give it a more hypnotizing tone than the original. By the time Brsb is through, Bacao has taken the listener on a journey spanning a myriad of energies, tempos, and moods while keeping it all under one umbrella. For all that, these songs are alive, and they will be taken out of the context of this album and sewn into the fabric of DJ sets around the globe for many years to come. Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band continues building their legacy and pushing the boundaries of steel pan music forward with another rock solid musical offering. Enjoy.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on clear vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

Dry Cleaning will reissue their first two EPs, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks / Sweet Princess, on 8 March 2024. Remastered to celebrate the release, Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks and Sweet Princess will be pressed as one single vinyl. The former will be available on cassette for the first time and include an exclusive bonus single, a demo of New Long Leg single, ‘Strong Feelings’, recorded during the sessions for Boundary Road Snacks and Drinks.

Faye Webster's songs are a direct line to the human unconscious, and "Underdressed at the Symphony" documents what happens when one begins to build a new self from the wreckage of old routines. Her previously released songs "But Not Kiss" and "Lifetime" already show the rarely explored territory of emotional intimacy, where desire and passion conflict with comfort, understanding and even platonic love. These themes are echoed in "Underdressed at the Symphony," along with hyper-specific symbols that paint a picture of Webster's life, such as "eBay Purchase History" or the objects she covets at "Lego Ring."

"Underdressed at the Symphony" was recorded with her longtime band at Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas and revels in experimentation, playfulness and adventure. Vocoder moments, orchestral flourishes, spooky harmonies and synthesizers emerge without compromising the spacious quality of Webster's earlier music, so her lyrics still have plenty of room to bubble to the surface with additional layers of meaning. Matt "Pistol" Stoessel's pedal steel tones provide just the right shimmer, while Wilco's Nels Cline contributes his undeniably soulful dexterity to a number of songs. Huddling together on the literal border between the US and Mexico gave the musicians room to isolate, focus and experiment. All of the songs on this album are live recordings, some of which were recorded on the first or second take, showcasing Webster's talent for drawing a universal experience from a very specific, seemingly small moment.

Written and produced by Kieran Hebden. Photography by Jason Evans. Design by Jason Evans and Matthew Cooper.

The return of Gaussian Curve - Gigi Masin, Jonny Nash and Marco Sterk’s much-loved trio are back for the first time since their 2016 sophomore album 'The Distance', presenting two new tracks entitled 'Winter Sun' and 'Fever Dream'.

Both tracks originate from recording sessions that took place in Amsterdam in 2016 for 'The Distance'. Despite not finding a place on the final album and being left as unfinished sketches for six years, the tracks represent an important part of the Gaussian Curve story which the band felt compelled to complete. Coinciding with the decision to perform a handful of live shows in 2022, they finally revisited the sketches, mixing and arranging them with the goal of giving them the full release that they deserve.

The trio’s trademark sound hits from first moments of 'Winter Sun'; a lush slow builder with all the classic GC ingredients; Nash’s airy and spacious guitar lines interplay with Masin’s warm rhodes, underpinned by Sterk’s subtle use of electronics and the minimal rhythm of a Cr-78 drum machine.

On 'Fever Dream', the trio subtly expand their palette; a gently building 303 bass line and 808 rhythm form the foundations of the piece, with Masin’s vocals adding to a slow-burning intensity. Arguably a fuller sound hinting at new areas of exploration for the trio, but unmistakably Gaussian Curve.

Graphic art by Qiu Yang, design by Steele Bonus,

Limited edition of 500 copies on black vinyl in gatefold sleeve. 19 tracks in total with cameos by Konz, Maluminsee, Doktor Sterben and Kaisa Natron.

Limited to 300 copies on clear vinyl only available at HHV.

Special edition, two-disc, remastered version of Ghost Pop-Tape on Vinyl with updated artwork

While the work of the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and composer has often explored memory and dreamlike futures in the past, her latest album is more grounded in the present. Her production and arrangements form a continuum of fretless electric bass tones in counterpoint to gliding vocal melodies, while glissading Yamaha CS-60 lines play around the reeds like warm winds. "I've tried to create a world that sounds fluid and water-like, reminiscent of the inner sound world of the body," says Holter about her flowing harmonic universe.

The last few years have brought an existential focus on human connection for Julia Holter, amidst the shattering changes that have come with the deaths of loved ones (including her young nephew, to whom the album is dedicated) and the birth of her daughter. On Something in the Room She Moves, Holter vividly processes the complexity, gravity and awe of this confluence of experiences.

After a string of dream-pop albums - from her breakthrough Ekstasis (2012) to Loud City Song and Have You in My Wilderness - Holter released the sprawling and thrillingly experimental Aviary in 2018. Since then, she has scored films such as Never Rarely Sometimes Always, performed a commissioned piece for The Passion of Joan of Arc with the Chorus of Opera North and collaborated with her partner, musician Tashi Wada, who plays synthesizer and bagpipes on her new album. Something in the Room She Moves is a remarkable step forward in Holter's work, combining her free improvisational energy with her characteristic eloquence.

The Madlib Invazion Music Library Series Entry #8: Karriem Riggins’ To The Jungle. Riggins is the type of drummer whose power and nesse shakes even Malcolm Catto. If you know what that means, this is the album for you. The Madlib Invazion Music Library Series was created by Madlib and Egon to give their creative friends a chance to stretch out and indulge in whatever type of music they wanted. This music was created for easy, one-stop clearance in film and television synchronization usage and for sampling. You can also enjoy these albums in the way that many do with the best of the best vintage library catalogs – listen, ponder, repeat.

Pressed ON Blue Swirl AND Orange Swirl Colored Vinyl Packaged IN A Gatefold Jacket With Printed Fold OUT Lyrics Sheet Originally released in the fall of 1993 Return of the Boom Bap is KRS-One's first official solo album. The album is pure 90's Hip-Hop filled with KRS-One's trademark conscious raps and storytelling with boom bap beats from the man himself, DJ Premier, Showbiz, and Kid Capri. The album kicks off with a Preemo trademark intro leading into "Outta Here", a tale about coming up in the 80s with a message to emcees not staying true to their roots. Throughout the album KRS-One tackles corrupt police, fake emcees, religion and provides some comical relief on "I Can't Wake Up" where he dreams about being a blunt passed around by a who's who of 90s emcees and Bill Clinton! The album was selected as one of The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums and received a 4 four mics rating in The Source in 1993. Get On Down is proud to present a limited edition pressing of Return of The Boom Bap to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the blast master's classic debut solo album. Includes the bonus freestyle track "Hip-Hop vs Rap" that was on the original "Sound of Da Police" 12-inch.

The slo-beat pioneers Kruder &Dorfmeister of Vienna are among thehottest producers in the dance universe.Even though they only produced twounreleased maxis, big names like CountBasie, Bomb The Bass, Alex Reece orUnited Future Organization had some oftheir tracks remixed by these exceptionalproducers. Their productions oncompilations of Ninja Tune, SSR and WallOf Sound are considered mile stonesregarding the trip-hop genre.During the work for DJ-Kicks and theirdebut album they refused doing remixesfor U2, Grace Jones, Elvis Costello and theFantastic Four!

Matthew Halsall announces a limited-edition Vinyl only pressing of Bright
Sparkling Light, a luminous three track EP featuring some of his most
gorgeous compositions.
Originally conceived as a tour only exclusive, Bright Sparkling Light was
recorded alongside, last year’s expansive beguiling long-player An Ever
Changing View and draws on the same trademark blend of jazz, electronica,
global and spiritual jazz influences.
The original pressing sold-out on Matthew’s EU and UK tour last October
and November and so many people got in touch with us here at Gondwana
asking how they could get a copy that we decided to make a further 2000
copies available for retail and online sales.
The title track is a hypnotic meditation built on one of the lushest loops
Halsall has ever created and featuring stellar work from Halsall and flautist
Matt Cliffe. Newborough Forest is a brisk, uplifting composition celebrating
one of Halsall’s favourite landscapes and the wonderous Tide and the Moon
paints a sonic picture of late-night waters and deep mindfulness and
features some of Matt Cliffe’s most beautiful tenor playing.
Like An Ever Changing View, Bright Sparkling Light comes in a package as
striking as the music, with handmade fonts designed by Ian Anderson and a
beautifully realised embossed artwork that offers a perfect compliment to
the LP. Strictly limited and featuring a download code, Bright Sparkling
Light will not be re-pressed.

Moor Mother is an American musician, poet, and interdisciplinary artist known for her avant-garde and experimental work. The Great Bailout is an expansive meditation that acts as a non-linear word map about colonialism, slavery, and commerce in Great Britain. Featuring guest contributions from Lonnie Holley, Angel Bat Dawid & Sistas of the Nitty Gritty, Vijay Iyer, Mary Lattimore, and more, it"s Moor Mother"s most uncompromising vision to date. Moor Mother has gained recognition for her unique blend of spoken word, noise, and electronic music, addressing themes of race, gender, and socio-political issues. She hails from Philadelphia and has been an influential figure in the city"s vibrant arts and music scene. She has received critical acclaim for her albums, with reviewers praising her fearless approach to sound and her thought-provoking lyrical content on albums like "Jazz Codes" and "Analog Fluids of Sonic Black Holes", showcasing her boundary-pushing sonic experiments.

Acclaimed composer and producer Nils Frahm is surprisingly releasing a new solo piano album on 1 March: Day is the first release since his three-hour ambient epic "Music For Animals" from 2022. The six new tracks will be released via Leiter and will be available in a limited edition on vinyl as well as via all digital platforms. The album was recorded in the summer of 2022 in complete seclusion and not in his usual studio in Berlin's Funkhaus. The first single "Butter Notes" has already been released and the album is available to pre-order now. Day may come as a surprise to those who have followed the process of Frahm slowly moving from the distinctive piano compositions with which he first made a name for himself to a more complex and elaborately arranged sound over the last ten years. Indeed, Frahm has never been able to resist returning to his first love, and so fans of earlier successful albums such as "The Bells", "Felt" and "Screws" will also enjoy Day. Day is the first of two albums that Frahm has planned for 2024. The recordings are characterised by a familiar mood and prove that Frahm - even though he is best known today for his epic concerts in which he uses a whole collection of pianos, organs, keyboards, synthesizers and even a glass harmonica - is still a master of simple and tender tones.

Pimao's debut album, 'Duangkamol,' is set to hit the shelves on March 22, 2024. The Berlin-based producer, DJ, and avid vinyl collector, Pimao skillfully weaves together samples from Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian rarities, framing them with a cinematic sound design. The title, 'Duangkamol,' means ‘straight from the heart' in Thai, reflecting the album's deeply personal essence. It embodies the culmination of Pimao's long musical journey and his deep thirst for exploring diverse sounds and cultures. From the striking melodies of Southeast Asia to the bass heavy undercurrents of Berlin, 'Duangkamol' encompasses a rich sonic tapestry. The music flows effortlessly, taking unexpected turns but always remaining tethered to a soulful core, as heard on the captivating single 'Suay Isan.' With a musical career spanning back to 2005, Pimao's sound is both forward-looking and nostalgic, evoking the depth of iconic releases from labels like Ninja Tune and Stones Throw Records. Scheduled for release on March 22, 2024, 'Duangkamol' was polished by Blanka at Kasablanka Mastering Studio in France. The album's artwork, crafted by Subwway, features the imposing figure of 'Yaksha,' a protector deity whose calling into ward off malevolent forces. Pimao's 'Duangkamol' is a captivating musical journey, blending traditional influences with contemporary innovation, delivered uncut straight from the heart.

Brand new album, released digitally in September of 2023 - now on vinyl. Black vinyl.

"The idea was to make something that would diminish the heavy times we were all experiencing in 2020/21.
Something perhaps uplifting with a hint of beauty... or at least a respite from the ugliness outside.
Not sure any of this was achieved but it’s a bit of a departure from my normal mode/style… which is necessary from time to time.

70’s drum machines, tremmed-out baritone guitars, verbed-out synth pads, warbly keys, and a slight 80’s sensibility add up to what I have coined, “Surf Goth”.

Yes, I joke but it might be on point. Who knows?
Thank you all for the continued support!!
Big Love"
TG

Viscardi & Il Duo Magnetico is the collaborative project between italo-swiss DJ, producer and singer Pascal Viscardi, Yavor Lilov and Alain Sandri, respectively drummer and percussionist of the swiss cult band L’Éclair. The three musicians joined forces in Geneva and worked in the studio for the past two years with Viscardi as the main vocalist, Lilov producing the tracks and playing drums, bass and keys, and Sandri on guitar, percussions, and backing vocals. The result is a unique and contemporary version of italian pop, peppered with new-wave, boogie, disco and world music references.

After the release of the first two singles, Sale Sole & Jamba Club in June 2023, Cosmic Romance is proud to present their first full-length effort: Elka Mare.

Like a mystical portal that opens on a digital journey through sunny Boogie and Mellow Reggae, Art Pop and Ambient New Age, the eight songs that make up the album draw on a vocabulary composed of fragmentary images, unusual verses and original assonances, where maritime themes mix with the gray of the city and the Neapolitan dialect sparsely appears; witness to a paternal emigration. The journey sounds like dreaming of Campania beaches in the midst of Geneva traffic, or fantasizing about speeding motorboats and Balearic bonfires while listening to Enzo Carella on the sixth floor of a council building. And then dance until the sun rises on the last slow song of the night.

One of the hardest working singer-songwriters in the game is named Katie Crutchfield. She was born in Alabama, grew up near Waxahatchee Creek. Skipped town and struck out on her own as Waxahatchee. That was over a decade ago. Crutchfield says she never knew the road would lead her here, but after six critically acclaimed albums, she"s never felt more confident in herself as an artist. While her sound has evolved from lo-fi folk to lush alt-tinged country, her voice has always remained the same. Honest and close, poetic with Southern lilting. Much like Carson McCullers"s Mick Kelly, determined in her desires and convictions, ready to tell whoever will listen. And after years of being sober and stable in Kansas City-after years of sacrificing herself to her work and the road-Crutchfield has arrived at her most potent songwriting yet. On her new album, Tigers Blood, Crutchfield emerges as a powerhouse-an ethnologist of the self-forever dedicated to revisiting her wins and losses But now she"s arriving at revelations and she ain"t holding them back.