1
Sansibar - We Rise
2
Sansibar - Elastic
3
Sansibar & Denzel - Sonic Minds
4
Sansibar - 2K
There’s a time for everything. To fill in another piece of the puzzle. To make the matrix make sense. Trying not to hide it, trying not to fight it. Just trying to recognize it and keep on going.
This four-tracker, the first release on Sansibar’s 'Sin Sistema' imprint, borrows the best elements of formulas we love, and for a good reason.
‘We Rise’ a spiraling, mesmerizing infusion of yearning pads and a twisting acidic wormhole that leaves no room for doubt: this is Sans on form, and we have lift-off.
‘Elastic’ continues the lysergic theme, turning the dials towards a more sinister entity. Growing, realizing one’s power, and using it.
And on to the B-side, joining forces with Denzel, becoming ‘Sonic Minds’, getting into Techy territory. This is strictly festival business. Tried and tested throughout summer ’23 to devastating effect. Call an ambulance.
The final track ‘2k’ ups the Tech ante and sprinkles some murky UK Garage dust on top: skippy drums, a bouncy bass section, and dubby atmospheric More
This four-tracker, the first release on Sansibar’s 'Sin Sistema' imprint, borrows the best elements of formulas we love, and for a good reason.
‘We Rise’ a spiraling, mesmerizing infusion of yearning pads and a twisting acidic wormhole that leaves no room for doubt: this is Sans on form, and we have lift-off.
‘Elastic’ continues the lysergic theme, turning the dials towards a more sinister entity. Growing, realizing one’s power, and using it.
And on to the B-side, joining forces with Denzel, becoming ‘Sonic Minds’, getting into Techy territory. This is strictly festival business. Tried and tested throughout summer ’23 to devastating effect. Call an ambulance.
The final track ‘2k’ ups the Tech ante and sprinkles some murky UK Garage dust on top: skippy drums, a bouncy bass section, and dubby atmospheric More
More records from Sansibar
1
Sansibar - Scully (Earth People Mix)
2
Sansibar - Force Of Equilibrium
3
Sansibar - NRJ
4
Sansibar - Teal'c
5
Sansibar - Send It
6
Sansibar - Fantasmas
7
Sansibar - Aurora Eclipse
Repress!
Rushing us headlong into a vorticist maelstrom of hard-edged drum stutter and polychromatic synth fragmentation, Sansibar sophomore long-player for Kalahari Oyster Cult - “Sans Musique” - tackles the very essence of post-trancey, breaks-loaded UK blends with unabashed joy to wreak havoc on his path. Throughout seven tracks oozing burnt kerosene and depleted uranium residue merged with a hint of sacred incense, Sansibar deploys his extra-wide vision for the present and future of dance music.
“Scully” attacks pedal to the metal, hi-intensity bass onslaughts and knee-buckling breaks roaring as the groove slings us at bullet-speed into a hot, narrow barrel of floor-focused aggression. Fusing rattling DnB engineering with Goa trance motifs, “Force of Equilibrium” showcases Sansibar’s hybrid attachment to functionality and headspace fractalisation. Hi-velocity rimshots, pep vox samples and alien basslines blazing, “NRJ” eases us into a shape-shifting network of underground tunnels dwelled by shady raving creatures, harking back to Prodigy’s early wares and subsequent offshoots of the 90s era.
One to bend your mind to, “Teal’c” taps into an even darker vein with its fast-cascading hats and von Oswald-ian dub whirlwind set against a surgically laid-down, unstoppable EBM bass comber. Jagged and oneiric to the finest extent, “Send It” peeps at prime Hokusai and Photek material in its first stretch, slowly making room for further spacious liquid junglism as bars run by. Cranking the 2-step/garage power levels up a notch, “Fantasmas” sends us spinning into orbit right away, while the LP’s closing track “Aurora” takes us on a languidly serene voyage of a finale, tempo slowed-down and suave trip-hop flavours exuding with increased sensitiveness.
--
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Sansibar is a non-pareil cosmic traveller - also producer, resident DJ at Kaiku and Post Bar and wave agitator on IDA Radio and EOS Radio - whose genre-unbound sound credentials for the likes of Kalahari Oyster Cult, Natural Sciences, Émotsiya, Darknet, Avoidance et al. have helped establish as one of today’s most intriguing talents in the European scene. More
Rushing us headlong into a vorticist maelstrom of hard-edged drum stutter and polychromatic synth fragmentation, Sansibar sophomore long-player for Kalahari Oyster Cult - “Sans Musique” - tackles the very essence of post-trancey, breaks-loaded UK blends with unabashed joy to wreak havoc on his path. Throughout seven tracks oozing burnt kerosene and depleted uranium residue merged with a hint of sacred incense, Sansibar deploys his extra-wide vision for the present and future of dance music.
“Scully” attacks pedal to the metal, hi-intensity bass onslaughts and knee-buckling breaks roaring as the groove slings us at bullet-speed into a hot, narrow barrel of floor-focused aggression. Fusing rattling DnB engineering with Goa trance motifs, “Force of Equilibrium” showcases Sansibar’s hybrid attachment to functionality and headspace fractalisation. Hi-velocity rimshots, pep vox samples and alien basslines blazing, “NRJ” eases us into a shape-shifting network of underground tunnels dwelled by shady raving creatures, harking back to Prodigy’s early wares and subsequent offshoots of the 90s era.
One to bend your mind to, “Teal’c” taps into an even darker vein with its fast-cascading hats and von Oswald-ian dub whirlwind set against a surgically laid-down, unstoppable EBM bass comber. Jagged and oneiric to the finest extent, “Send It” peeps at prime Hokusai and Photek material in its first stretch, slowly making room for further spacious liquid junglism as bars run by. Cranking the 2-step/garage power levels up a notch, “Fantasmas” sends us spinning into orbit right away, while the LP’s closing track “Aurora” takes us on a languidly serene voyage of a finale, tempo slowed-down and suave trip-hop flavours exuding with increased sensitiveness.
--
Hailing from Helsinki, Finland, Sansibar is a non-pareil cosmic traveller - also producer, resident DJ at Kaiku and Post Bar and wave agitator on IDA Radio and EOS Radio - whose genre-unbound sound credentials for the likes of Kalahari Oyster Cult, Natural Sciences, Émotsiya, Darknet, Avoidance et al. have helped establish as one of today’s most intriguing talents in the European scene. More
1
Sansibar - What Now
2
Sansibar - Absence Of Being
3
Sansibar - Cry
4
Sansibar - Gilde Till Dawn
REPRESS!
Paradise Industrial Complex is the incubation against greed and exploitation. Your imagination springs to life as Sansibar draws a mysterious map to his subconscious. He kept his ideas secret until bolstering them with additional observation and experiments. The result is an avalanche of detail—there seems to be no corner of his mind that he did not enter. The world of Sansibar evokes an electrifying sense of discovery where fragile sound waves evolve into something beautiful and powerful leading to trigger chills. More
Paradise Industrial Complex is the incubation against greed and exploitation. Your imagination springs to life as Sansibar draws a mysterious map to his subconscious. He kept his ideas secret until bolstering them with additional observation and experiments. The result is an avalanche of detail—there seems to be no corner of his mind that he did not enter. The world of Sansibar evokes an electrifying sense of discovery where fragile sound waves evolve into something beautiful and powerful leading to trigger chills. More
1
Sansibar - Game Over
2
Sansibar - S1 Type Beat
3
Sansibar - Sissi
4
Sansibar - Sunshine In Gomorrah
REPRESS!
The second release on Antti Salonen's Avoidance label comes from Sansibar who offers a new direction to his already diverse output. Four elegant and colourful tracks gliding through breakbeat, techno and trance.
More
The second release on Antti Salonen's Avoidance label comes from Sansibar who offers a new direction to his already diverse output. Four elegant and colourful tracks gliding through breakbeat, techno and trance.
More
More records from Sin Sistema
1
Denzel - HKI 13
2
Denzel - Nightrun
3
Denzel - Sus Mind
4
Denzel - Generational Funk
After Denzel’s debut EP ‘Techniques 4 Life’ last year, the quest for finding those approaches continues. The Helsinki night owl draws from a range of influences here on his sophmore EP ‘Glorified Intake’, taking things into a murkier territory than his previous, made during a transitional period of his life between two cities, H & B.
The first track HKI 13 is an ode to roots. The track is held together by a swerving astral arpeggio combined with chants from a village dance off and stabs that liken to that one Balearic house anthem… The Sun is well on its way below.
Nightrun reduces things to a darker core, howling into the night, embodying a state rather than telling a story. Time goes by, how is it already tomorrow? An after hours tune with a bassline for a hook. Doesn’t get much sleazier than that. Getting down, getting low.
On the flipside, we’ve made it to the beginning of the end, phased out the doubts and gathered up the strength to go on — things are looking brighter. A voice inside your head — trust only yourself.
Finally on the last stretch, light has subsided and darkness has landed once again. We’ve thrown out any notion of what, where and who. Those things don’t matter anymore: we’ve perfected “the state”. It’s go time. More
The first track HKI 13 is an ode to roots. The track is held together by a swerving astral arpeggio combined with chants from a village dance off and stabs that liken to that one Balearic house anthem… The Sun is well on its way below.
Nightrun reduces things to a darker core, howling into the night, embodying a state rather than telling a story. Time goes by, how is it already tomorrow? An after hours tune with a bassline for a hook. Doesn’t get much sleazier than that. Getting down, getting low.
On the flipside, we’ve made it to the beginning of the end, phased out the doubts and gathered up the strength to go on — things are looking brighter. A voice inside your head — trust only yourself.
Finally on the last stretch, light has subsided and darkness has landed once again. We’ve thrown out any notion of what, where and who. Those things don’t matter anymore: we’ve perfected “the state”. It’s go time. More
Customers who bought this also bought this
1
Denzel - HKI 13
2
Denzel - Nightrun
3
Denzel - Sus Mind
4
Denzel - Generational Funk
After Denzel’s debut EP ‘Techniques 4 Life’ last year, the quest for finding those approaches continues. The Helsinki night owl draws from a range of influences here on his sophmore EP ‘Glorified Intake’, taking things into a murkier territory than his previous, made during a transitional period of his life between two cities, H & B.
The first track HKI 13 is an ode to roots. The track is held together by a swerving astral arpeggio combined with chants from a village dance off and stabs that liken to that one Balearic house anthem… The Sun is well on its way below.
Nightrun reduces things to a darker core, howling into the night, embodying a state rather than telling a story. Time goes by, how is it already tomorrow? An after hours tune with a bassline for a hook. Doesn’t get much sleazier than that. Getting down, getting low.
On the flipside, we’ve made it to the beginning of the end, phased out the doubts and gathered up the strength to go on — things are looking brighter. A voice inside your head — trust only yourself.
Finally on the last stretch, light has subsided and darkness has landed once again. We’ve thrown out any notion of what, where and who. Those things don’t matter anymore: we’ve perfected “the state”. It’s go time. More
The first track HKI 13 is an ode to roots. The track is held together by a swerving astral arpeggio combined with chants from a village dance off and stabs that liken to that one Balearic house anthem… The Sun is well on its way below.
Nightrun reduces things to a darker core, howling into the night, embodying a state rather than telling a story. Time goes by, how is it already tomorrow? An after hours tune with a bassline for a hook. Doesn’t get much sleazier than that. Getting down, getting low.
On the flipside, we’ve made it to the beginning of the end, phased out the doubts and gathered up the strength to go on — things are looking brighter. A voice inside your head — trust only yourself.
Finally on the last stretch, light has subsided and darkness has landed once again. We’ve thrown out any notion of what, where and who. Those things don’t matter anymore: we’ve perfected “the state”. It’s go time. More
1
K-Lone - Give It Up
2
K-Lone - Wait 4 U
3
K-Lone - What I Want
4
K-Lone - Own Way
Track list:
A1. Give It Up
A2. Wait 4 U
B1. What I Want
B2. Own Way
Highlight:
Wisdom Teeth co-founder K-Lone is dropping two EPs on Aus Music: the first instalment nods to UKG and house flavours, landing mid-May, while the second offers a deeper, broken techno vibe, arriving in late June. 'Give It Up' opens Part 1 with a bubbly rhythm and bassline that percolates through the woody, organic percussion. Lush pads and neon lines swirl skyward to silky and seductive effect as various other samples and daubs of colour bring the groove to life. The heady 'Wait 4 U' is a textbook K-Lone house cut with low swinging bass, sultry sax stabs and molten R&B samples that get the juices going next to warm, diffused synth lines.
On the flip, 'What I Want' ups the pace but keeps it deep and smooth with rubbery kicks and gooey bass overlaid with soft-edged chord stabs that will pump the floor. Lastly, 'Own Way' closes down with a tumbling bassline that takes you deeper as muted vocal sounds and glowing chords hook you into an infectious groove suited to the most intimate dancefloors.
UK trailblazer K-Lone heads up the label Wisdom Teeth with fellow producer Facta and has released everything from club-primed garage to innovative home listening records. Whether cooking up kinetic beats and bouncy bass or soundtracking a lazy summer's afternoon with synthesised bird calls and lush marimbas, the London-bred artist is a proven studio wizard. Critical acclaim has come for both his ‘Swells’ and ‘Cape Cira’ albums, and now his ‘Catching Wild’ EPs for Aus Music offer yet another portal into the colourful world of his idiosyncratic, signature sound.
More
A1. Give It Up
A2. Wait 4 U
B1. What I Want
B2. Own Way
Highlight:
Wisdom Teeth co-founder K-Lone is dropping two EPs on Aus Music: the first instalment nods to UKG and house flavours, landing mid-May, while the second offers a deeper, broken techno vibe, arriving in late June. 'Give It Up' opens Part 1 with a bubbly rhythm and bassline that percolates through the woody, organic percussion. Lush pads and neon lines swirl skyward to silky and seductive effect as various other samples and daubs of colour bring the groove to life. The heady 'Wait 4 U' is a textbook K-Lone house cut with low swinging bass, sultry sax stabs and molten R&B samples that get the juices going next to warm, diffused synth lines.
On the flip, 'What I Want' ups the pace but keeps it deep and smooth with rubbery kicks and gooey bass overlaid with soft-edged chord stabs that will pump the floor. Lastly, 'Own Way' closes down with a tumbling bassline that takes you deeper as muted vocal sounds and glowing chords hook you into an infectious groove suited to the most intimate dancefloors.
UK trailblazer K-Lone heads up the label Wisdom Teeth with fellow producer Facta and has released everything from club-primed garage to innovative home listening records. Whether cooking up kinetic beats and bouncy bass or soundtracking a lazy summer's afternoon with synthesised bird calls and lush marimbas, the London-bred artist is a proven studio wizard. Critical acclaim has come for both his ‘Swells’ and ‘Cape Cira’ albums, and now his ‘Catching Wild’ EPs for Aus Music offer yet another portal into the colourful world of his idiosyncratic, signature sound.
More
1
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Strange Clouds
2
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Abstract Pets
3
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Simoom
4
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Tangerine Fields
5
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Observatory
6
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Mosaic
7
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - King in a Nutshell
8
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Xiloteca
9
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Solivago
10
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Berceuse
11
Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land - Axolotl Dreams
1. LTD LP - Territory: WW Minus UK/Eire,Usa, Canada
For fans of: 'Kankyo Ongaku', Hiroshi Yoshimura (Green, Surround), Yasuaki Shimizu, the new album ‘Radio Yugawara’
is a masterclass in 'Kankyo Ongaku' (environmental music), new age and ambient.
-- Limited Edition (300 copies worldwide)
- Transparent Clear vinyl
- Locked Groove
- Printed on heavyweight board outer sleeve
- Vinyl comes in black poly-lined protective bag
- Housed in a heavyweight PVC protective outer sleeve
- Hype front sticker
- Vinyl pressed at Optimal media GmbH
- Printed at Delga in the UK
2. GENRE/S: Electronic / Ambient
3. TRACKLISTS:
Please add track lists for all listed formats.
A1. Strange Clouds
A2. Abstract Pets
A3. Simoom
A4. Tangerine Fields
A5. Observatory
B1. Mosaic
B2. King in a Nutshell
B3. Xiloteca
B4. Solivago
B5. Berceuse
B6. Axolotl Dreams
4. SHORT INFO:
Kindred spirits Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land embody the essence of play - charting a new chapter and reinvigorating the environmental music and electronic landscape.
Passepartout Duo is formed of Nicoletta Favari (IT) and Christopher Salvito (IT/US), who since 2015 have been on a continuous journey travelling the world's corners, engaged in a creative process they term "slow music". Having been guests of many notable artist residencies and with live performances in cultural spaces and institutions, their evocative music escapes categorisation. With no fixed abode their musical pilgrimage brought them to Japan first in 2019, which prompted a deep connection to Kanky? Ongaku 'environmental music', a genre in which Inoyama Land is often associated with, soundtracking the duo's first immersive experience. In 2023 the duo revisited Japan and set out to reconnect in particular with the music of Inoyama Land, performed by Makoto Inoue and Yasushi Yamashita. The highly revered album 'Danzindan-Pojidon' (1983) produced by Haruomi Hosono amongst other well publicized and acclaimed reissues (Light in The Attic Records' Grammy-nominated compilation 'Kanky? Ongaku'), produced a global resurgence and admiration of the environmental music movement. Nicoletta took the lead to seek out Inoyama Land and in making contact successfully their intrigue and eagerness to meet was warmly reciprocated, and the group scheduled to meet in the form of a spontaneous improvisation session. "We're deeply concerned with what it means to be a duo, and what it means for people to connect through music."
Radio Yugawara is a unique one-off transmission from a specific place and point in time, unlikely to ever occur again. The respective duo's approach can really be described as "tuning in", a tuning into each other, to themselves, and to the surrounding nature of Yugawara. Like waves that travel off-world, sounds travel through the universe and can be lost forever if we don't seek them out. In finding a harmonic affinity within their instruments and a spiritual kinship in their interwoven performance, Radio Yugawara at its core is an interpretation of feeling, of close human interaction and the true essence of discovery.
"The album is both a transmission from a location, but also a tuning into the surroundings and to each other. Music in this kind of ephemeral moment is much less about active creation and more about discovering something which is already there in the air."
More
For fans of: 'Kankyo Ongaku', Hiroshi Yoshimura (Green, Surround), Yasuaki Shimizu, the new album ‘Radio Yugawara’
is a masterclass in 'Kankyo Ongaku' (environmental music), new age and ambient.
-- Limited Edition (300 copies worldwide)
- Transparent Clear vinyl
- Locked Groove
- Printed on heavyweight board outer sleeve
- Vinyl comes in black poly-lined protective bag
- Housed in a heavyweight PVC protective outer sleeve
- Hype front sticker
- Vinyl pressed at Optimal media GmbH
- Printed at Delga in the UK
2. GENRE/S: Electronic / Ambient
3. TRACKLISTS:
Please add track lists for all listed formats.
A1. Strange Clouds
A2. Abstract Pets
A3. Simoom
A4. Tangerine Fields
A5. Observatory
B1. Mosaic
B2. King in a Nutshell
B3. Xiloteca
B4. Solivago
B5. Berceuse
B6. Axolotl Dreams
4. SHORT INFO:
Kindred spirits Passepartout Duo and Inoyama Land embody the essence of play - charting a new chapter and reinvigorating the environmental music and electronic landscape.
Passepartout Duo is formed of Nicoletta Favari (IT) and Christopher Salvito (IT/US), who since 2015 have been on a continuous journey travelling the world's corners, engaged in a creative process they term "slow music". Having been guests of many notable artist residencies and with live performances in cultural spaces and institutions, their evocative music escapes categorisation. With no fixed abode their musical pilgrimage brought them to Japan first in 2019, which prompted a deep connection to Kanky? Ongaku 'environmental music', a genre in which Inoyama Land is often associated with, soundtracking the duo's first immersive experience. In 2023 the duo revisited Japan and set out to reconnect in particular with the music of Inoyama Land, performed by Makoto Inoue and Yasushi Yamashita. The highly revered album 'Danzindan-Pojidon' (1983) produced by Haruomi Hosono amongst other well publicized and acclaimed reissues (Light in The Attic Records' Grammy-nominated compilation 'Kanky? Ongaku'), produced a global resurgence and admiration of the environmental music movement. Nicoletta took the lead to seek out Inoyama Land and in making contact successfully their intrigue and eagerness to meet was warmly reciprocated, and the group scheduled to meet in the form of a spontaneous improvisation session. "We're deeply concerned with what it means to be a duo, and what it means for people to connect through music."
Radio Yugawara is a unique one-off transmission from a specific place and point in time, unlikely to ever occur again. The respective duo's approach can really be described as "tuning in", a tuning into each other, to themselves, and to the surrounding nature of Yugawara. Like waves that travel off-world, sounds travel through the universe and can be lost forever if we don't seek them out. In finding a harmonic affinity within their instruments and a spiritual kinship in their interwoven performance, Radio Yugawara at its core is an interpretation of feeling, of close human interaction and the true essence of discovery.
"The album is both a transmission from a location, but also a tuning into the surroundings and to each other. Music in this kind of ephemeral moment is much less about active creation and more about discovering something which is already there in the air."
More
1
Loidis - A1. Tell Me
2
Loidis - A2. Wait & See
3
Loidis - B1. Tequa
4
Loidis - B2 .Love's Lineaments
5
Loidis - C1. Sugar Snot
6
Loidis - C2. Dollarama
7
Loidis - D1. All Of Em
8
Loidis - D2. Why Do
Format: 2LP
Tracklist
A1. Tell Me
A2. Wait & See
B1. Tequa
B2. Love's Lineaments
C1. Sugar Snot
C2. Dollarama
D1. All Of Em
D2. Why Do
Six years after the release of the "A Parade, In The Place I Sit, The Floating World (& All Its Pleasures)" EP on anno Records, Brian Leeds, aka Huerco S., returns to the Loidis project with his debut album "One Day" on Incienso.
More
Tracklist
A1. Tell Me
A2. Wait & See
B1. Tequa
B2. Love's Lineaments
C1. Sugar Snot
C2. Dollarama
D1. All Of Em
D2. Why Do
Six years after the release of the "A Parade, In The Place I Sit, The Floating World (& All Its Pleasures)" EP on anno Records, Brian Leeds, aka Huerco S., returns to the Loidis project with his debut album "One Day" on Incienso.
More
1
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Of Florals
2
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - The Garden's Humble
3
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Five Folk
4
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Polka Gigue
5
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - For the Faint of Heart
6
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Moonlit
7
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Gnome Worthy
8
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Dance of the Petals
9
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Brook
10
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Hidden Glow
11
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Of Giving
12
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Waltz of the Clocks
13
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Locust Tale
14
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - Travelers Gift
15
Nitai Hershkovits & Daniel Dor - More Clocks
Genre: Electronic, Jazz, Ambient
Tracklist LP:
A1. Of Florals - A2. The Garden's Humble - A3. Five Folk - A4. Polka Gigue - A5. For the Faint of Heart - A6. Moonlit - A7. Gnome Worthy - A8. Dance of the Petals - B1. Brook - B2. Hidden Glow - B3. Of Giving - B4. Waltz of the Clocks - B5. Locust Tale - B6. Travelers Gift - B7. More Clocks
Short Info:
Acclaimed musicians Nitai Hershkovits and Daniel Dor will release their highly anticipated album, “The Garden Suite”, on Circus Company. Following their previous collaboration on Daniel Dor’s debut album, “Four Petals”, this new project sees the duo exploring uncharted musical territory with an innovative, Moog-based sound.
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of synth pioneer Malcolm Cecil, “The Garden Suite” marries electronic textures with the richness of orchestral sound. Drawing from a vast range of influences, including the works of Benjamin Britten and Fredrick Delius, Hershkovits and Dor meticulously composed each track, layering Moog synthesizer melodies to emulate various instruments from the orchestra - from French horn to percussion, guitar, brass, and woodwinds. The result is a sound that is lush yet light, deeply textured yet not dense.
“The Garden Suite” marks a significant evolution in the partnership between Hershkovits and Dor, with their new compositions shifting from the rhythmic focus of “Four Petals” to a more texture-driven approach. The album showcases their ability to create genre-defying soundscapes, blending Daniel’s rhythmic system, “The Flower,” with lush, ambient layers of sound created on the Moog.
Nitai Hershkovits, known for his extensive work in jazz and classical music, began his musical journey as a clarinetist before transitioning to piano at the age of 15. His early passion for improvisation and jazz earned him several jazz competition awards in Tel Aviv. Nitai’s career highlights include his fiveyear tenure with the Avishai Cohen Trio, and his numerous projects as a solo artist, including work with ECM and his band Apifera.
Daniel Dor, a drummer and multi-instrumentalist, was born into a family of musicians in Tel Aviv. He began exploring rhythm at the age of 10, building his first drum set out of household objects. His innovative rhythmic method, “The Flower”, gained attention with his debut solo piano album, “Four Petals”, which led to his collaboration with Hershkovits. Daniel has performed with notable artists such as NOA, Avishai Cohen, and Chano Dominguez, and regularly lectures on rhythmic symmetry and music.
With “The Garden Suite”, Hershkovits and Dor offer a unique listening experience that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Their seamless fusion of rhythm, melody, and texture creates a soundscape that is as experimental as it is captivating. More
Tracklist LP:
A1. Of Florals - A2. The Garden's Humble - A3. Five Folk - A4. Polka Gigue - A5. For the Faint of Heart - A6. Moonlit - A7. Gnome Worthy - A8. Dance of the Petals - B1. Brook - B2. Hidden Glow - B3. Of Giving - B4. Waltz of the Clocks - B5. Locust Tale - B6. Travelers Gift - B7. More Clocks
Short Info:
Acclaimed musicians Nitai Hershkovits and Daniel Dor will release their highly anticipated album, “The Garden Suite”, on Circus Company. Following their previous collaboration on Daniel Dor’s debut album, “Four Petals”, this new project sees the duo exploring uncharted musical territory with an innovative, Moog-based sound.
Inspired by the groundbreaking work of synth pioneer Malcolm Cecil, “The Garden Suite” marries electronic textures with the richness of orchestral sound. Drawing from a vast range of influences, including the works of Benjamin Britten and Fredrick Delius, Hershkovits and Dor meticulously composed each track, layering Moog synthesizer melodies to emulate various instruments from the orchestra - from French horn to percussion, guitar, brass, and woodwinds. The result is a sound that is lush yet light, deeply textured yet not dense.
“The Garden Suite” marks a significant evolution in the partnership between Hershkovits and Dor, with their new compositions shifting from the rhythmic focus of “Four Petals” to a more texture-driven approach. The album showcases their ability to create genre-defying soundscapes, blending Daniel’s rhythmic system, “The Flower,” with lush, ambient layers of sound created on the Moog.
Nitai Hershkovits, known for his extensive work in jazz and classical music, began his musical journey as a clarinetist before transitioning to piano at the age of 15. His early passion for improvisation and jazz earned him several jazz competition awards in Tel Aviv. Nitai’s career highlights include his fiveyear tenure with the Avishai Cohen Trio, and his numerous projects as a solo artist, including work with ECM and his band Apifera.
Daniel Dor, a drummer and multi-instrumentalist, was born into a family of musicians in Tel Aviv. He began exploring rhythm at the age of 10, building his first drum set out of household objects. His innovative rhythmic method, “The Flower”, gained attention with his debut solo piano album, “Four Petals”, which led to his collaboration with Hershkovits. Daniel has performed with notable artists such as NOA, Avishai Cohen, and Chano Dominguez, and regularly lectures on rhythmic symmetry and music.
With “The Garden Suite”, Hershkovits and Dor offer a unique listening experience that challenges traditional genre boundaries. Their seamless fusion of rhythm, melody, and texture creates a soundscape that is as experimental as it is captivating. More
1
Hotspring - Blood
2
Hotspring - Could You?
3
Hotspring - Day, Moment
4
Hotspring - Dealt Hand
5
Hotspring - Don't Hum Without Me
6
Hotspring - Fifty Summers
7
Hotspring - Glanzstrasse 6
8
Hotspring - Organ With Fire
9
Hotspring - Three Of Swords
Hotspring is the alias of musician Scott Gailey.
Recent collaborative releases include a 2023 appearance on 0 Records’ 02 alongside C3D-E and Hashman, and a 2022 drop of three releases by loose Vancouver collective Kinda Green; past solo releases include 2019’s Polysensuality on Séance Centre and 2020’s Obit for Sunshade, also on Mood Hut.
The forthcoming Apodelia is Gailey’s second solo release on Canadian mainstay electronic label Mood Hut, and is partly a further exploration of song forms, studio techniques and instrumentation explored on 2020’s Obit for Sunshade. Apodelia explores lifting into revealing; scouring fidelities, playing with emotion, and improvising by night. More
Recent collaborative releases include a 2023 appearance on 0 Records’ 02 alongside C3D-E and Hashman, and a 2022 drop of three releases by loose Vancouver collective Kinda Green; past solo releases include 2019’s Polysensuality on Séance Centre and 2020’s Obit for Sunshade, also on Mood Hut.
The forthcoming Apodelia is Gailey’s second solo release on Canadian mainstay electronic label Mood Hut, and is partly a further exploration of song forms, studio techniques and instrumentation explored on 2020’s Obit for Sunshade. Apodelia explores lifting into revealing; scouring fidelities, playing with emotion, and improvising by night. More
1
Danny Scott Lane - 21st Street
2
Danny Scott Lane - Mike’s Kitchen
3
Danny Scott Lane - Too Much Time
4
Danny Scott Lane - Each Day Is Every day
5
Danny Scott Lane - Be Outside Talking
6
Danny Scott Lane - Closing In 5 Minutes, Customers
7
Danny Scott Lane - 10’Clock Ride
8
Danny Scott Lane - Not Home
9
Danny Scott Lane - Spring Street
10
Danny Scott Lane - Late Love Walk
11
Danny Scott Lane - Metal From Out A Window
12
Danny Scott Lane - Her Coming In
Genre: Ambient, Chillout, Cool Jazz, Minimalism, Downtempo
LP: Limited Edition of 500, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Sticker
Tracklisting LP
A1. 21st Street
A2. Mike’s Kitchen
A3. Too Much Time
A4. Each Day Is Every day
A5. Be Outside Talking
A6. Closing In 5 Minutes, Customers
B1. 10’Clock Ride
B2. Not Home
B3. Spring Street
B4. Late Love Walk
B5. Metal From Out A Window
B6. Her Coming In
Info
WRWTFWW Records is continuing its fruitful and blissful collaboration with New York ambient / jazz / downtempo musician Danny Scott Lane with the first ever vinyl release for his 2021 cassette album Caput. The 12-track beauty is available as a limited edition LP (500 copies worldwide) housed in a marvelously designed heavy 350gsm sleeve. The album is also available digitally.
Originally released on cassette only, Caput is desert music inspired by the city, a serene and cozy soundtrack of contemplative synth, mini pleasure-grooves, and botanical ambient jazz, sure to gently pacify the emotionally conflicted and make small moments the best moments. Scott Lane’s smooth downtempo is like a cushiony bubble of simple life, protecting the mind from noise and stress. It’s the comforting hand on the shoulder, the blanket that keeps warm, the easy Sunday morning breakfast - caring chillout music to escape from the brouhaha.
Caput follows the adorable, so comfy, and beloved soundscapes Home Decor and Shower, both available on WRWTFWW Records, and thus marks the third Danny Scott Lane release on the label…and surely not the last! Complete the collection now and feel the joy of being alive.
Points of interests
For fans of ambient jazz, cool jazz, downtempo, lofi, bedroom tapes, cassettes becoming vinyl records, the simple good life, easy mornings and cozy nights, finding solace in this world of madness.
Super limited imited edition vinyl for Danny Scott Lane’s 2021 cult cassette release Caput.
More
LP: Limited Edition of 500, Heavy 350gsm Sleeve, Sticker
Tracklisting LP
A1. 21st Street
A2. Mike’s Kitchen
A3. Too Much Time
A4. Each Day Is Every day
A5. Be Outside Talking
A6. Closing In 5 Minutes, Customers
B1. 10’Clock Ride
B2. Not Home
B3. Spring Street
B4. Late Love Walk
B5. Metal From Out A Window
B6. Her Coming In
Info
WRWTFWW Records is continuing its fruitful and blissful collaboration with New York ambient / jazz / downtempo musician Danny Scott Lane with the first ever vinyl release for his 2021 cassette album Caput. The 12-track beauty is available as a limited edition LP (500 copies worldwide) housed in a marvelously designed heavy 350gsm sleeve. The album is also available digitally.
Originally released on cassette only, Caput is desert music inspired by the city, a serene and cozy soundtrack of contemplative synth, mini pleasure-grooves, and botanical ambient jazz, sure to gently pacify the emotionally conflicted and make small moments the best moments. Scott Lane’s smooth downtempo is like a cushiony bubble of simple life, protecting the mind from noise and stress. It’s the comforting hand on the shoulder, the blanket that keeps warm, the easy Sunday morning breakfast - caring chillout music to escape from the brouhaha.
Caput follows the adorable, so comfy, and beloved soundscapes Home Decor and Shower, both available on WRWTFWW Records, and thus marks the third Danny Scott Lane release on the label…and surely not the last! Complete the collection now and feel the joy of being alive.
Points of interests
For fans of ambient jazz, cool jazz, downtempo, lofi, bedroom tapes, cassettes becoming vinyl records, the simple good life, easy mornings and cozy nights, finding solace in this world of madness.
Super limited imited edition vinyl for Danny Scott Lane’s 2021 cult cassette release Caput.
More
1
Brainwaltzera - 9 Kurrytee [MIDI_2_CV]
2
Brainwaltzera - Smit
3
Brainwaltzera - Day Aft8r [The_Greyz]
4
Brainwaltzera - Poly_Ana Summers [Schoolyard Surph Beat]
5
Brainwaltzera - Carniblurr.Lane 6
6
Brainwaltzera - Mixolydian Transition 18
7
Brainwaltzera - Kurzweil Dame
8
Brainwaltzera - BouheD Trot
9
Brainwaltzera - [Take1]
10
Brainwaltzera - Triangulate Dither [Night More Sleepy Version]
11
Brainwaltzera - Frikandel [The End Bit]
12
Brainwaltzera - Yamaha Hills [Edit]
13
Brainwaltzera - Late Hither [Ma8ema8mati7s Afsxissor Nap Version]
Special remarks :2 LP Gatefold,Relief Varnish, 2022 Repress Edition, Orig. Art
Tracklist LP:
A1: 9 Kurrytee [MIDI_2_CV]
A2: Smit
A3: Day Aft8r [The_Greyz]
B1: Poly_Ana Summers [Schoolyard Surph Beat]
B2: Carniblurr.Lane 6
B3: Mixolydian Transition 18
C1: Kurzweil Dame
C2: BouheD Trot
C3: [Take1]
D1: Triangulate Dither [Night More Sleepy Version]
D2: Frikandel [The End Bit]
D3: Yamaha Hills [Edit]
D4: Late Hither [Ma8ema8mati7s Afsxissor Nap Version]
short Info:
Brainwaltzera's debut LP "Poly-ana" follows quickly on the heels of the producer's Aescoba EP - also released this year via FILM.
Across thirteen tracks of both previously released material and fresh excursions into the artist's world, Brainwaltzera explores sounds ranging from luscious, downtempo grooves and expertly reduced braindance cuts with nods to early 90's experimental IDM to harder, more caustic outings - all bound together by a recurring theme of otherworldly ambience.
Taking its name from a variety of sources dear to the artist, including polyphonic analogue synthesizers and the Pol-lyanna Principle itself - a theory that suggests individuals recall pleasurable experience more acutely than displeasing ones - the title represents a meeting point in the artistic process between creative method and conceptual choices.
Production techniques range from more traditional hardware synthesis to the incorporation of a modified dot matrix printer acting as a modulation source for MIDI parameters. Sample sources include VHS material from the produ-cer's own childhood and ambient Bullet Train samples from an on-the-fly production session traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.
According to the enigmatic producer, memory and its fundamental role in the human experience is one of the central themes of the record. While the artist's own experiences shaped the sound of the record, there is no attempt to impose them on the listener through blatant exposition. This is also evident in the artwork, which provides an identity and bold referential outline but, much like a coloring book, leaves the colors, tones and shades to others.
In the same vein, the concept suggests that particular stimuli such as sound or scent, can transport an individual back to a particular point in their life. Scent has long been identified as the most efficient agent for this phenomenon, pro-viding perhaps the most visceral form of "braintravel". With this in mind, a unique fragrance was engineered, from the ground up, by creative director Mario Lombardo's Atelier Oblique brand, exclusively for the album's physical release. This was designed to act as a vehicle to assist the listener in retaining the first experience of hearing the record and to act as a future trigger - transporting the individual back to that moment.
Brainwaltzera's work has quickly found plaudits amongst a host of industry tastemakers and artists alike - not least Aphex Twin himself, who has appeared sporadically online with comments praising the music via his now infamous user18081971 Soundcloud account. BBC6's Tom Ravenscroft has already named the Aescoba EP amongst his Best of 2017 So Far, whilst underground heavyweights Eclair Fifi (LuckyMe) and Oliver Hafenbauer (Live At Robert Johnson) have declared themselves fans.
Mature and wonderfully executed, the Poly-ana LP represents some of the finest recent work within the genre, and yet another noteworthy addition to the FILM discography.
FUTURE.IS.LISTENING.MUSIC
More
Tracklist LP:
A1: 9 Kurrytee [MIDI_2_CV]
A2: Smit
A3: Day Aft8r [The_Greyz]
B1: Poly_Ana Summers [Schoolyard Surph Beat]
B2: Carniblurr.Lane 6
B3: Mixolydian Transition 18
C1: Kurzweil Dame
C2: BouheD Trot
C3: [Take1]
D1: Triangulate Dither [Night More Sleepy Version]
D2: Frikandel [The End Bit]
D3: Yamaha Hills [Edit]
D4: Late Hither [Ma8ema8mati7s Afsxissor Nap Version]
short Info:
Brainwaltzera's debut LP "Poly-ana" follows quickly on the heels of the producer's Aescoba EP - also released this year via FILM.
Across thirteen tracks of both previously released material and fresh excursions into the artist's world, Brainwaltzera explores sounds ranging from luscious, downtempo grooves and expertly reduced braindance cuts with nods to early 90's experimental IDM to harder, more caustic outings - all bound together by a recurring theme of otherworldly ambience.
Taking its name from a variety of sources dear to the artist, including polyphonic analogue synthesizers and the Pol-lyanna Principle itself - a theory that suggests individuals recall pleasurable experience more acutely than displeasing ones - the title represents a meeting point in the artistic process between creative method and conceptual choices.
Production techniques range from more traditional hardware synthesis to the incorporation of a modified dot matrix printer acting as a modulation source for MIDI parameters. Sample sources include VHS material from the produ-cer's own childhood and ambient Bullet Train samples from an on-the-fly production session traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.
According to the enigmatic producer, memory and its fundamental role in the human experience is one of the central themes of the record. While the artist's own experiences shaped the sound of the record, there is no attempt to impose them on the listener through blatant exposition. This is also evident in the artwork, which provides an identity and bold referential outline but, much like a coloring book, leaves the colors, tones and shades to others.
In the same vein, the concept suggests that particular stimuli such as sound or scent, can transport an individual back to a particular point in their life. Scent has long been identified as the most efficient agent for this phenomenon, pro-viding perhaps the most visceral form of "braintravel". With this in mind, a unique fragrance was engineered, from the ground up, by creative director Mario Lombardo's Atelier Oblique brand, exclusively for the album's physical release. This was designed to act as a vehicle to assist the listener in retaining the first experience of hearing the record and to act as a future trigger - transporting the individual back to that moment.
Brainwaltzera's work has quickly found plaudits amongst a host of industry tastemakers and artists alike - not least Aphex Twin himself, who has appeared sporadically online with comments praising the music via his now infamous user18081971 Soundcloud account. BBC6's Tom Ravenscroft has already named the Aescoba EP amongst his Best of 2017 So Far, whilst underground heavyweights Eclair Fifi (LuckyMe) and Oliver Hafenbauer (Live At Robert Johnson) have declared themselves fans.
Mature and wonderfully executed, the Poly-ana LP represents some of the finest recent work within the genre, and yet another noteworthy addition to the FILM discography.
FUTURE.IS.LISTENING.MUSIC
More
1
Jonathan Bockelmann - Aoneko No Torso (02:15 min)
2
Jonathan Bockelmann - Dream (01:15 min)
3
Jonathan Bockelmann - Bibo No Aozora (03:19 min)
4
Jonathan Bockelmann - Blu (02:59 min)
5
Jonathan Bockelmann - A Flower Is Not a Flower (03:12 min)
6
Jonathan Bockelmann - 20220302 (02:42 min)
7
Jonathan Bockelmann - Opus (05:21 min)
8
Jonathan Bockelmann - Dancing in the Sky (01:04 min)
9
Jonathan Bockelmann - Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement I. (06:30 min)
10
Jonathan Bockelmann - Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement II. (07:10 min)
11
Jonathan Bockelmann - Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement III. (05:14 min)
LP
Special remarks: 180g
Tracklist:
A1) Aoneko No Torso 02:15 min
A2) Dream 01:15 min
A3) Bibo No Aozora 03:19 min
A4) Blu 02:59 min
A5) A Flower Is Not a Flower 03:12 min
A6) 20220302 02:42 min
A7) Opus 05:21 min
A8) Dancing in the Sky 01:04 min
B1) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement I. 06:30 min
B2) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement II. 07:10 min
B3) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement III. 05:14 min
Info:
Jonathan Bockelmann is a classical guitarist and composer based in Munich who first made waves in 2023 with his debut album ‘Childish Mind’. His entry into composing were arrangements he had made of pieces by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Some of these have been released digitally in three editions and are now available on vinyl for the first time. The record comes in high quality packaging with an embossed art print and features both some of Sakamoto’s lesser-known works like the ‘Suite for Krug’ as well as iconic pieces like ‘Bibo No Aozora’.
More
Special remarks: 180g
Tracklist:
A1) Aoneko No Torso 02:15 min
A2) Dream 01:15 min
A3) Bibo No Aozora 03:19 min
A4) Blu 02:59 min
A5) A Flower Is Not a Flower 03:12 min
A6) 20220302 02:42 min
A7) Opus 05:21 min
A8) Dancing in the Sky 01:04 min
B1) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement I. 06:30 min
B2) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement II. 07:10 min
B3) Suite for Krug in 2008: Movement III. 05:14 min
Info:
Jonathan Bockelmann is a classical guitarist and composer based in Munich who first made waves in 2023 with his debut album ‘Childish Mind’. His entry into composing were arrangements he had made of pieces by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Some of these have been released digitally in three editions and are now available on vinyl for the first time. The record comes in high quality packaging with an embossed art print and features both some of Sakamoto’s lesser-known works like the ‘Suite for Krug’ as well as iconic pieces like ‘Bibo No Aozora’.
More
1
Spooky Bizzle - March Forward
2
Spooky Bizzle - Dub Shack
3
Spooky Bizzle - Meryless Dub
4
Spooky Bizzle - House Of Cards
5
Spooky Bizzle - Herbman
6
Spooky Bizzle - Rum Punch Dub
NO RETURNS!
6 track 12" EP, Strictly limited to 360 copies, Bundled with 2 bonus tracks, only for vinyl
purchasers, and details for purchase of a ultra limited 3 track poly cut (With an additional
bonus VIP only on the poly).
Spooky has long been one of the hardest working soundmen in East London. At any given time
you can see him streaming sets on Insta, blasting out tunes, and being the OG cat he always
has been, with a reverence for the roots of Dub, from the Jamaican roots to US Garage and
back to his backyard via his Grime/Dubstep/UKG cuts, which are always full of raw depth and
swing.
This is why it was more a matter of what to fit on his first EP on LoDubs, given when the
conversation was started about RAS Riddims a whole deluge of tracks came our way. Clarty
Steppers is not only 6 of the best of those, but 2 bonus tracks in the accompanying DL, and
the option to get those 2, and a extra VIP of one of those tunes which will only ever be
available via the companion Poly Cut of this release (Details are once again in the DL file). More
6 track 12" EP, Strictly limited to 360 copies, Bundled with 2 bonus tracks, only for vinyl
purchasers, and details for purchase of a ultra limited 3 track poly cut (With an additional
bonus VIP only on the poly).
Spooky has long been one of the hardest working soundmen in East London. At any given time
you can see him streaming sets on Insta, blasting out tunes, and being the OG cat he always
has been, with a reverence for the roots of Dub, from the Jamaican roots to US Garage and
back to his backyard via his Grime/Dubstep/UKG cuts, which are always full of raw depth and
swing.
This is why it was more a matter of what to fit on his first EP on LoDubs, given when the
conversation was started about RAS Riddims a whole deluge of tracks came our way. Clarty
Steppers is not only 6 of the best of those, but 2 bonus tracks in the accompanying DL, and
the option to get those 2, and a extra VIP of one of those tunes which will only ever be
available via the companion Poly Cut of this release (Details are once again in the DL file). More
1
Ranga - Kong
2
Ranga - Banga 2
3
Sangre Voss - One Bad Mango (Ranga's Coconut Mix)
4
Ranga - Terryagi
Restock soon.
Next in line for the Third Place Dance Discs is Liverpool based Ranga. 4 freshly baked tracks straight outta the MPC - including a fresh take on Sangre Voss’ fabric favourite, ‘One Bad Mango’.
Support for ‘Banga 2’ from Dixon More
Next in line for the Third Place Dance Discs is Liverpool based Ranga. 4 freshly baked tracks straight outta the MPC - including a fresh take on Sangre Voss’ fabric favourite, ‘One Bad Mango’.
Support for ‘Banga 2’ from Dixon More
1
Niningashi - Ameagari (After the rain)
2
Niningashi - Semai Boku No Heyade (In My Small Room)
3
Niningashi - Ososugite (Too Late)
4
Niningashi - Miyo Chan
5
Niningashi - Oraga Murano Soncho San (Our Village Chief)
6
Niningashi - Restaurant
7
Niningashi - Natsu (Summer)
8
Niningashi - Chikan No Uta (Molester Song)
9
Niningashi - Hitoribotchi (On My Own)
A long-lost Japanese acid folk gem, Niningashi’s 1974 private press debut Heavy Way shimmers with originality, deft song writing and a dream-like groove.
Although he was training as a pharmacist, Kazuhisa Okubo was much more interested in prescribing musical medicine.
A coming-of-age album, Heavy Way captured a turning point in Okubo’s life, and Japanese society more widely as a nostalgia for the pastoral calm of the traditional life, met the cosmopolitan thrill of coffee, sex and cigarettes in the big city.
Intoxicated by Tokyo, driven by a passion for music and surrounded by a thriving acid folk scene, the young student filtered his experiences through a psychedelic cocktail of soulful influences from the US and Japan.
Niningashi was his first band, and Heavy Way was their only album. It was honest and raw, deep and strangely funky, in an off-beat kind of way. Across nine tracks, Okubo and the 6-piece band put their own spin on the new folk sound of Japan, combining witty lyrics with electric guitar-driven solos and crisp, understated grooves.
Melancholy and profound, opening track ‘Ameagari’ feels like a synthesis of Harvest-era Neil Young and Haruomi Hosono’s Happy End. Then there’s the whimsical washboard country sound of ‘Semai Boku No Heyade’; the moody, low-lit charm of ‘Restaurant’; and ‘Hitoribotchi’, a sensitive portrayal of childhood, steeped in memories of rainfall that will resonate with fans of Woo and Mac Demarco.
While Okubo would go on to taste success with psychedelic folk bands Neko and Kaze, the latter of which scored three #1 albums, little is known about his mysterious debut with Niningashi.
Self-released by Okubo in 1974, and featuring album artwork by his brother, it has slowly generated a cult following online, intrigued by its soft and enchanting sound. So few records were ultimately pressed that those remaining have fetched up to £1,500 online.
Featured on Time Capsule’s era-spanning collection Nippon Acid Folk, Niningashi’s Heavy Way is a deep-cut grail of a vibrant time in Japan’s musical history, where even the pharmacists were making jams. More
Although he was training as a pharmacist, Kazuhisa Okubo was much more interested in prescribing musical medicine.
A coming-of-age album, Heavy Way captured a turning point in Okubo’s life, and Japanese society more widely as a nostalgia for the pastoral calm of the traditional life, met the cosmopolitan thrill of coffee, sex and cigarettes in the big city.
Intoxicated by Tokyo, driven by a passion for music and surrounded by a thriving acid folk scene, the young student filtered his experiences through a psychedelic cocktail of soulful influences from the US and Japan.
Niningashi was his first band, and Heavy Way was their only album. It was honest and raw, deep and strangely funky, in an off-beat kind of way. Across nine tracks, Okubo and the 6-piece band put their own spin on the new folk sound of Japan, combining witty lyrics with electric guitar-driven solos and crisp, understated grooves.
Melancholy and profound, opening track ‘Ameagari’ feels like a synthesis of Harvest-era Neil Young and Haruomi Hosono’s Happy End. Then there’s the whimsical washboard country sound of ‘Semai Boku No Heyade’; the moody, low-lit charm of ‘Restaurant’; and ‘Hitoribotchi’, a sensitive portrayal of childhood, steeped in memories of rainfall that will resonate with fans of Woo and Mac Demarco.
While Okubo would go on to taste success with psychedelic folk bands Neko and Kaze, the latter of which scored three #1 albums, little is known about his mysterious debut with Niningashi.
Self-released by Okubo in 1974, and featuring album artwork by his brother, it has slowly generated a cult following online, intrigued by its soft and enchanting sound. So few records were ultimately pressed that those remaining have fetched up to £1,500 online.
Featured on Time Capsule’s era-spanning collection Nippon Acid Folk, Niningashi’s Heavy Way is a deep-cut grail of a vibrant time in Japan’s musical history, where even the pharmacists were making jams. More