Best Of July '15

We Lost The Sea - Departure Songs

 "Departure Songs" marks We Lost The Sea's third release and due to the tragic passing of the band's vocalist it is also their first instrumental effort. This is the kind of music that comes to you as a sonic trip. It's not about traditional song structures or fancy riffs - these are authentic experiences through sound. Just take a listen to the first single "A Gallant Gentleman" and its calm atmosphere that still seems to bare a certain tension. The same phenomenon can be witnessed in the following tracks. It's the kind of music that tends to make you stop whatever you're doing and get lost in the repetitive yet overwhelming sounds. And that's the key to the post rock genre that only a few bands are truly able archieve - being able to repeat and develop simple motives into massive sonic walls...more

Adam & Cuth - Formwork 

 

Even if you don't remember this little post I wrote on Adam and Cuth's single "The Look Up" you will surely remember their new LP "Formwork" once you've given it a spin - guaranteed. In case you do recall the name of this London based Hip Hop duo you know that something great is coming your way. Right into the new album you'll hear another example of producer Cuth's excellent stutter beats in "Troubles At The Door". "Formwork" features a great variety of beats and a remarkable use of samples from all kinds of genres. So it's all set for for the rhymes of Adam the rapper who surely knows how to move through Cuth's gritty vibes... more

The Sorcerers S/T LP 

If you happen to remember an older post on a very special introduction to ATA records you might be familiar with the name of "The Sorcerers". Because even on this high quality compilation their two tracks definitely marked some highlights. Now the dynamic group from Leeds is about to release their debut record on the very same label. The sound of The Sorcerers is rooted in a very groovy interpretation of Ethiopian vibes and vintage horror movies. So the name of the first single "The Horror" doesn't really come as a surprise. When you know that even Mulatu Astatke is overwhelmed by this group, you should realize that something big is coming your way. And everything that you can already listen to is a perfect proof of quality. You will find excellent grooves, intense vibes and a very dynamic instrumentalists... more

Speedometer & Junior James - No Turning Back 

When London's Speedometer prepare to release a new record you always have to prepare for a big tremor in the funk and soul genre. The name of the album is "No Turning Back" and it is everything you would expect from this ensemble and even more. The group's version of "Happy" already made the latest Craig Charles Funk & Soul collection. But aside from stunning instrumentals this new album awaits with an incredible and fresh voice in James Junior. The singer who is already compared to the greats of his craft (Donny Hathaway & Stevie Wonder) puts some nice vibes in the tunes on "No Turning Back"... more

Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill - Fabreeze Brothers

The word was out long ago that Paul Nice and Phill Most Chill would collaborate as the Fabreeze Brothers and now the highly anticipated full length album is finally out on AE Productions. When you see the name of rapper Phill Most Chill on a record you basically know that you can't go wrong. He certainly enjoys the company of talented beatmakers like Jorun Bombay, DJ Format or in this case producer Paul Nice from New York who provides the funky framework for this album. Positive Old School hip hop vibes with fresh productions is what the Fabreeze Brothers will bring you... more

Hair Of The Dog - The Siren's Song 

 

With their second album "The Siren's Song" just out on Kozmik Artifactz Hair Of The Dog from Scotland prepare to create a big impact on the heavy rock scene. Last year's S/T album by the trio already showcased a very mature rock sound which now finds an excellent successor in this new release. Blending sounds of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and numerous 70s rock acts Hair Of The Dog create their own heavy approach to the stoner genre. The songwriting is always straight forward and so is the raw energy behind every riff and the great vocals. A band that just knows how to produce quality rock and roll music simply doesn't have to include any extraordinary or surprising elements. With this group you know what you will get in every song - and you're gonna like it... more