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Spotlight 4
Welcome to the Spot Light. Check out the latest psychedelic, cosmic, prog, freakbeat, folk, kraut, experimental, jazz, drone, mystical, and avant-garde sounds!
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PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE/FOLK
Child Of Panoptes
Down/magic Mirror
Child Of Panoptes channels the psychedelic spirit of the late '60s and early '70s, blending British freakbeat, popsike, and American garage-psych rock. Following their stunning debut album 'Child Of Panoptes' and their first 7" single 'Walk With Me,' this release offers two dark psychedelic tracks wrapped in a brilliant and truly "eyecatching" cover design. The title track 'Down' features the legendary Frank Durban (Les Playboys) on bass guitar and French drummer Daniel Aprosio. This rockin' tune is infused with cool vocals, a wild Hammond organ, and a trippy vibe. The B-side, 'Magic Mirror,' pays homage to Aphrodite's Child, with instrumental orchestration performed by Le Chiffre Organ-Ization, including drummer Alexandre Besson's effortlessly cool vocals. Child Of Panoptes delivers a perfect blend of late '60s psychedelia and jazzy, Hammond-driven '60s garage rock, all with a modern twist that is sure to blow your mind!
Frankie
Strange Tales
'Strange Tales' is the debut album of Dutch songwriter Frankie Lamberts. This young and talented lad writes double edged songs, like a head in the clouds and roots from your feet. Written like a dream but grounded in reality. His first two releases, the 7"s 'Als Sneeuw Voor De Zon' and 'Panic Attack' were universally praised, with Shindig! Magazine (UK) calling it "a wonderful slab of Dutch delight." But Frankie has many more stories to tell and those stories can be heard on this album filled with bizarre and touching fairytales about animated flowers, sinister machines, queer animals, love and fear. Metaphors that bring you up to the clouds and might let you look down at these modern times in a different way. If you dig the psychedelic baroque pop of Boudewijn de Groot, Syd Barrett, Broadcast and Jacco Gardner, the folk of Nick Drake and the fuzzy garage of The Music Machine you're in for a treat! Recorded and produced by Arjan Spies at Studio Teepdek, the album comes in a gatefold cover.
Dr. John
Gris-gris
Reissued with mono sound on black vinyl, it's the classic 1968 debut album from the king of the psychedelic bayou, the night tripper, the one and only Dr. John. Indeed, the hypnotic, mystical and powerful sound of the swamp comes to life once again.
Turquoise
The Return Of Captain Speed
Originally known as Captain Speed, Turquoise was a psychedelic rock band from Southern California who were managed by pioneering Tri-counties concert promoter Jim Salzer, who also operated the legendary Arcade Record Shop. Their sound was 100% psychedelic with swirling baroque organ, trippy guitar fills and driving percussion, all topped off by front man and Jim Morrison's lookalike Tim Pearson's lysergic lyrics. Turquoise shared stage with big names like Grateful Dead, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Country Joe & The Fish, The Seeds, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. During 1967-68, they recorded two 45s for Jim Salzer's Arcade label and they also laid down material for a planned LP that was never released... until now. Featuring keyboard player Bill Payne, who later went on be a founding member of Little Feat. Remastered from the original master tapes by Alec Palao. Including their two rare 45s plus eight previously unreleased tracks, 1967-68 and an insert with liner notes by Gray Newell (Ugly Things/Shindig!) and rare photos/memorabilia. Recommended if you like The Doors, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Country Joe & The Fish, Love, Iron Butterfly.
Minerall
Stromung
The second album by this jam collective. On January 27 and 28 in 2023 three musicians from three of the most creative psych bands in the German-speaking world came together for a session at Buffbergen Studios in Hannover. Birthdays were celebrated and hours upon hours of music were recorded. Through a broad spectrum of common ideas, the jams range from hard riffs to spherical ambient soundscapes and enchant not least through the interplay of these 3 experienced musicians. From these sessions Sulatron released the debut LP 'Bügeln' in January 2024, which has sold out already. And on the 2025 longgplayer 'Strömung' we can hear other jams from that weekend the band has selected, and Sula mixed them nicely for 2 sidelong journeys. We hope you enjoy this trip! Marcel Cultrera (Speck): guitar, fx, space echo, Tommy Handschick (Kombynat Robotron, Earthbong): drums, Dave Schmidt aka Sula Bassana (Zone Six, Interkosmos, ex-Electric Moon etc.): bass, fx, synthesizer. Limited to 500 copies on 180gr recycled vinyl with download code.
Bhajan Bhoy
Bhoy On The Wire
With Bhajan Bhoy, Ajay Saggar synthesizes all of the stylistic approaches he's explored over the years, swirling them into an intoxicating musical blend, with an earthy spirituality. Even the project's name reects the dual aspects of Saggar's upbringing coming together in harmony. In Hindi, a "bhajan" is a devotional song, sung in the mandir, or temple, while "bhoy" is a Scottish and Irish derivation for a young man. There's a searching quality to Bhajan Bhoy, as if Saggar is still hunting for transcendence with each track, whether through an expansive drone, an orchestral facility on the piano, or an electronics-augmented raga that threatens to dip into noise." (Erick Bradshaw/writer and WFMU DJ). This album presents a rich and varied set of compositions that showcase Saggar's skills as an incredibly talented and accomplished composer and musician. With each and every Bhajan Bhoy LP, you are are carried to a higher place. With 'Bhoy On The Wire,' the 35 minutes laid out unfolds like a cosmic tapestry, an extraordinary exploration that shimmers and reverberates with newfound vibrancy. The songs were broadcast as part of a session on Steve Barker's 'On The Wire' radio show in April 2024. They were a gift to Steve and his team for 40 years of broadcasting. 'On The Wire' is simply the greatest radio show in the world.
GARAGE/BEAT/SURF/ROCK’N’ROLL
Human Toys
At The Poor Cow
They are sexy, powerful, and subversive! Human Toys is a raw punk rock duo fronted by fierce female vocals. Poupée Mecanik (vocals, theremin) thrives on playing with female archetypes, bringing a subversive edge to their music, all flavored with a generous dose of irony. The addition of guitarist Jon Von, formerly of Rip Offs, since their previous hit record 'Spin To Win' (Topsy-Turvy Records), has revitalized the band with an all-new punk rock sound that lands somewhere between The Ramones and The Avengers. Since their debut album 'Excuse My French' (Records Ad Nauseam), Human Toys has evolved musically into a wild punk rock riot grrrl-style force. Anyone lucky enough to catch one of their electrifying live shows around the globe knows they deliver relentless energy, raw power, and a tough yet seductive attitude. That same fierce energy shines through in the album 'At The Poor Cow,' named after a legendary underground punk rock bar in Tokyo. The album features fantastic covers of Iggy Pop's 'I'm Sick Of You,' The Nerves' 'When You Find Out,' and Bob Center's 'Lost In The Jungle,' alongside addictive and wild Human Toys originals. This record is a true modern-day punkrock-classic!
Breadmakers
Lonesome Sundown
Wailin' rhythm 'n' blues ravers The Breadmakers from Melbourne, Australia, first formed back in 1989, deliver an explosive mixture of garage rock revival and rockin' rhythm 'n' blues. Featuring members of Shutdown 66, The Bo-Weevils and The Puritans, these guys have long achieved cult status in the garage punk scene. This 2025 album includes two smashing cover versions: Bo Diddley's classic 'She's Fine, She's Mine' and Andre Williams' 'Mojo Hanna,' alongside some fabulous Breadmakers originals. These guys prove they have rock'n'roll coursing through their veins. 'Lonesome Sundown' is yet another fantastic release from Australian garage rock legends The Breadmakers!
Batman & The Mighty Antiheros
Punk's Not Dead, Punk Is Bat! (10")
It was in 2007 when Bachelor put out the first single of Batman, way back then he was just a noisy duo, with is comrade Robin. With this recording he has gathered a smelly group of people around him who call themselves Mighty Antiheros. It's no less than Green Hornet on guitar, Wonderwoman on bass and Ghost Rider pounding the skins. As unusual as this garage punk combo is as strange is the format of this Batman release. It is the first 10" vinyl release Bachelor is doing since 15 years!!! Extraordinary releases demand going the extra mile, and as soon as you put the needle on this record you will be delighted that they decided to press this on beautiful black vinyl. Here are the latest recordings of Batman's garage punk band, and we have to say this is their opus magnus. Limited to 300 copies.
Plastic Act
Now!
Rock & roll from Montreal, Canada, that's constantly on the verge of falling apart, like mid-flight turbulence that makes your stomach sink. This fuzzed out nugget of catchy proto-punk is brought to you by Bachelor Records. Limited to 300 copies.
Knight Shades
Why (baby Why!)/make You Mine
The Knight Shades are a New York based garage rock band blending high-energy rhythms with elements of R&B and old-school rock and roll. Their style is dynamic and engaging, featuring fast tempos and spirited live performances. They've been performing at venues across New York and internationally, gaining attention for their raw and vibrant approach to rock music. The band released their digital only debut single, 'Up, Down, In, Way-OUT,' in October 2023, which showcases their retro-inspired yet modern sound. Rogue Records is very proud to release the band's first vinyl single.
Sound Reasons
Today's Another Day
Los Angeles based '60s garage mainstays The Sound Reasons are back from the grave to give you their latest evolution in sound in this four song EP on Rogue Records! This is their third release, following their first EP in 2013 and a LP in 2018, both on Groovie Records from Portugal. The A side includes 'Today's Another Day,' a punchy early psych driven stomper and 'The Five Questions,' an ode to protest and rebellion of the current world psyche. The B side has the Zombie-esque 'No Memories' and a raucous cover of 'Why, Baby, Why,' a 1967 song by the Japanese band The Beavers.
POP/ROCK/WAVE/NOISE
Chapter 24
Dwarves/coming Of Age
7-inch release from the masters of lo-fi post-punk/psych, Chapter 24! 2 recently unearthed tracks, recorded in 1989, right after the release of their classic debut album 'Tin Invaders,' due out now on an extremely limited (100 numbered pink vinyl copies) collectors' 7-inch single, released by the bandthemselves and distributed by Sound Effect (Athens).
PUNK/HARDCORE
Fastbacks
For What Reason!
The Fastbacks have a special place in the heart of Bachelor Records. When they found out that they recorded a new album which they wanted to release in an edition of just 500 copies at their own No Threes imprint, they jumped on the wagon and asked to do a European pressing, and tahtah! Here it is! Pure Fastbacks pop punk taking you back to the good days, late '80s/ early '90s, when life was fun, music was fresh, you could discover new bands every other week by just going to a record store, skipping classes at college/university, and procrastinate with your walkman/boombox in the park. Limited to 500 copies.
Various
Killed By Bloodstains #0
'HISTORY OF EAST EUROPEAN PUNK ROCK' - The Eastern Bloc, also known as the Communist Bloc, the Socialist Bloc, and the Soviet Bloc, was the coalition of communist states of Eastern Europe that were aligned with the Soviet Union and existed during the Cold War (1947-1991). The resulting states aspired to total control of a political center backed by an extensive and active repressive apparatus, and a central role of Marxist-Leninist ideology. 50 years ago young band called The Ramones in fact became the first punk band due to them fulfilling the criteria of the sound, the style and the attitude. Another 50 years have passed and after an unbelievable long time East European punk rock finally found their way into vinyl records series inspired by classic compilations like 'Killed By Death' and 'Bloodstains Across...'. Before punk rock entered East Europe a few bands existed who are now considered proto-punk or these bands influenced the very first punk bands with their music, energy and attitude. So before first issue of classic punk bands here on number #0 you will find various "proto" bands which were created during authoritarian regime and gave rebellion and strength to young punks to form their own bands. Limited to 250 copies, be fast!
Various
Killed By Bloodstains #1
'HISTORY OF EAST EUROPEAN PUNK ROCK' - 1976 is considered a "year zero" in punk rock history. In American and British cities young punks forming bands and starting to create music revolution. Music from West is slowly finding way through Iron Curtain and fascinate people with short and powerful songs full of frustration. Also in 1976 - The Eastern Bloc and Yugoslavia gave birth the first punk band Paraf (from Croatia/Yugoslavia). Punk rock has started spreading to young people dissatisfied with current political situation. With shortages of good music equipment and 1% chance to record their music in studios the bands and fans recording their music on cassettes during rehearsals and live gigs. The sound of bands from each country is different from various tape recorders and musical skills, but representing unique punk rock groups, which never had a opportunity to release their music in official way. Limited to 250 copies, be fast!
Various
Hellenic Punk (greek Punk '82-'91)
Another tape reissued in Death Is Not The End's ongoing partnership with Philadelphia's World Gone Mad label. A 70 minute snapshot of Greek punk from 1982 to 1991.
INDUSTRIAL/EXPERIMENTAL/NOISE/NEOFOLK/GOTHIC
Bertoni, Martina
Electroacoustic Works For Halldorophone (2lp)
For her 2025 and most radical album 'Electroacoustic Works for Halldorophone,' Martina Bertoni used the electronic instrument at EMS Stockholm to create four pieces that are massive in scale and incredibly intimate, sonically restrained and emotionally overwhelming - almost ambient and always demanding your full attention.
Ono, Yoko -performed By The Great Learning Orchestra-
Selected Recordings From Grapefruit (2lp)
For the first time a full album with recordings based on Yoko Ono's 1964 collection of texts, event scores and drawings 'Grapefruit,' a foundational cornerstone of what became known as conceptual art, and enveloping the orbits of Fluxus and experimental music. Performed by The Great Learning Orchestra.
Purple Trap
The Stone
Purple Trap, the powerful trio of Keiji Haino (voice, guitar), Bill Laswell on bass and Rashied Ali (drums), recorded live on stage at The Stone. Recorded in december 2005, this furious live album by what can easily be called a super group remained unreleased till in 2023 Bill Laswell made it accessible in a rough-mixed digital version for his Bandcamp subscribers program exclusively. For this vinyl version, the music has been newly mixed by Dirk Dresselhaus (SchneiderTM) and mastered/cut by Ruy Mariné at Dubplates & Mastering Berlin. The trio of Laswell/Haino/Ali reunited for this one-off gig as part of a 5-day-Haino-festival at John Zorn's venue The Stone, seven years after its only album 'Decided ... Already The Motionless Heart Of Tranquility, Tangling The Prayer Called "I"' had been recorded (released on Tzadik in 1999).
Garcia, Violeta
In/out
After years of exploring classical and popular music on the violoncello, as well as delving into contemporary composition and improvisation, Violeta Garcia presents 'IN/OUT,' an album that pushes the boundaries of musical convention. Recorded in an underground reservoir in Geneva, this unique project transforms the site's natural acoustics into an integral part of the compositions. Through nine meticulously crafted pieces, Garcia blends minimalist contemporary music, dark ambient, and experimental noise. By using expanded cello techniques, microtonality, and alternative tunings, she creates sonic landscapes that evoke the depth and complexity of a multi-cello ensemble. The resonance and reverberation of the cavernous space infuse the album with a haunting, immersive quality, where each sound interacts organically with its environment. Drawing inspiration from composers like La Monte Young, Eliane Radigue, Jürg Frey and Arvo Pärt, Garcia integrates elements of sacral minimalism and acoustic experimentation into her work. The result is a project that bridges improvisation and composition, showcasing the cello's versatility while challenging traditional notions of recording and performance.
Chalk, Andrew
Dioramas
On Andrew Chalk's 2025 album for An'archives, 'Dioramas,' he returns to the art of the miniaturist, after the long-form exploration of 2024's 'Songs Of The Sea.' It's an appropriate mode of address given the title - each of these fifteen pieces indeed feels like a replica of a specific scene, rendered in miniature. As with much of Chalk's music, they set out to explore humble terrain, a thread of melody in slow motion, or a weave of texture, sometimes in aquatic repose, moving like slow tides. There's a becalmed warmth to much of 'Dioramas,' along with some curious developments: a pronounced folksy lilt to the melody that's turned over and over, like a jewel slowly spinning on a dial, in 'The Carrach,' the lush churchiness of the organ in the hymnal 'The Changes,' the stretched strings that quiver and whisper on the closing 'Lonely House.' These subtle changes can seem profound at first blush, but they simply highlight aspects of Chalk's music that we sometimes miss; they eventually settle into the scenery. Limited to 350 copies in offset jacket with obi, large insert and postcard.
METAL/STONER/HARDROCK
Wicca 333/no Stone
Evil Woman, Bloody Murder
Get ready for a Sabbathian assault on the ears courtesy of 2 notorious Argentinian fuzz peddlers, Wicca 333 and No Stone, as they joined forces to bring you 4 hymns of enchanting witchery entitled 'Evil Woman, Bloody Murder.' Limited to 250 copies worldwide and comes on wicked lavender marbled 12" with a double sided insert and A3 poster.
Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra
The Key To The Gates Of Apocalypse (2lp)
Reissue of the 1999 album by Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra, the dark ambient/black metal project of Knjaz Varggoth (the leader of the Kharkiv band Nokturnal Mortum). More metal oriented this time.
REGGAE/DUB/SKA/ROCKSTEADY
Sly & The Revolutionairies With Jah Thomas
Black Ash Dub
Originally released in 1980. Drum and bass reggae legends, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare are the featured strongholds of The Revolutionaries, a conglomeration of many of reggae's finest studio musicians, brought together to create some of the best dub of the late '70s.
SOUL/FUNK/LATIN/R&B/GOSPEL
Excitements
Hard Times
The Excitements are back and more intense than ever. Three years after their last work, the band is releasing their fifth album, 'Hard Times,' a record full of emotion and energy that showcases their ongoing artistic quest and ambition to achieve "something more" with each new project. Under the production of Neal Sugarman, The Excitements have worked with unwavering determination, sweat, and a deep love for their sound to deliver one of their most passionate and sophisticated works to date. Inspired by the rich African American sounds of the '60s and '70s, The Excitements offer a powerful fusion of r&b, soul, funk, and jazz that pays homage to that golden age of music while still sounding fresh and modern. This album takes their love for these genres to a new level, solidifying their unique style and presenting some of their most accomplished compositions. 'Hard Times' consists mainly of original tracks but also includes a surprising and electrifying cover of 'My Life's Right' by Chris Bell from the legendary group Big Star. The band has transformed this song into a powerful and vibrant soul number, resonating with their signature energetic style. This album is more than just music; it's an experience. 'Hard Times' invites you to feel, reflect, dance, and love. The Excitements capture the essence of Soul but take their music even further, creating something that defies labels. Whether in a club or on a live stage, 'Hard Times' promises to be a revelation for the audience. Grab the power with your hands!
James, Etta
The Second Time Around
A smash of jazz and rock, 'The Second Time Around' spawned two top 20 R&B singles but more importantly, landed Etta James on the Pop charts with three separate singles: the devastating lead-off track 'Don't Cry Baby,' the slow burn of 'Fool That I Am' and the swing from the rafters/twist until you hurt of 'Seven Day Fool.' The beauty of this album is in the contradiction of these two stylistic worlds: heart-on-your-sleeve ballads sitting next to all-out rockers. Like her debut, this follow-up record was produced by Phil and Leonard Chess, who added orchestral backing to create a sound that was as spectacular as the best of Frank Sinatra or Ray Charles. It's that unique combination of James' voice that can go from heavenly angel to devilish rasp with the same song that makes her not only a sonic icon but also one of the greatest vocal interpreters of all time. Listening to this early glimpse into Etta's power and style, you can hear a legend in the making and why, time and time again, Etta James was not only one of the most celebrated singers of all time, but the deserved winner of three Grammys and an inductee into three separate Music Hall of Fames: (Rock and Roll, Grammy, and Blues). Now that's a legend. So dig in! You can't lose. Originally released in 1961. Comes on orange marbled vinyl.
ELECTRONIC MUSIC/AMBIENT/D’N’B/TRIPHOP
Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra
Midnight Fullmoon
Reissue of the 1997 album by Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra, the dark ambient/black metal project of Knjaz Varggoth (the leader of the Kharkiv band Nokturnal Mortum).
Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra
Insatiable Moon
Reissue of the 2000 album by Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra, the dark ambient/black metal project of Knjaz Varggoth (the leader of the Kharkiv band Nokturnal Mortum).
PRESS: SELECTED REVIEW QUOTES, INTERVIEWS A.S.
FVZZ POPVLI – Melting Pot (CD-LP, Heavy Psych Sounds)
“Imagine heavy garage and proto-punk meeting with loose-groove fuzz, shades of Ramones getting their feet under them, but grown up on Fu Manchu and desert riffing.” (The Obelisk)
HUMAN TEOREMA – Le Premier Soleil De Jan Calet (LP, Sulatron)
“…a successful journey into psychedelic and neo-krautrock soundworlds ” (Horst Straske for Baby Blaue Seiten)
SCHIZO FUN ADDICT – An Introduction To… (2CD, Fruits De Mer)
“Schizo Fun Addicts’ “An Introdion To” contains 37 excellent songs that give an excellent of the band’s music… I recommend this double-CD to any fan of psychedelic music and quality pop.” (Carry Munter for Carry’s New Underground)
KNIGHT SHADES – Why (Baby Why) (7”,Rogue)
“..two fantastic garage rock songs that could have been made in the ‘60s and which I enjoyed a lot.” (Carry Munter for Carry’s New Underground)
DOCTOR VELVET – New Breed (LP, Wap Shoo Wap)
It’s like the sound of ‘66 coming back to life, 60 years later.” A quote taken from a recent interview with the band. (Klemen Breznikar for It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine)
BALTIC SISTERS – Varav/varti/vartai (CD, Cpl-music)
“The result is a soundscape as unique as it is timeless.” (Rudy Carerra for Music You Need To Hear)
MAGICK POTION – Magick Potion (CD-LP, RidingEasy Records)
“These dudes rock and they rock HARD.” (Joe Miller for Defenders Of The Faith)
WILD BILLY CHILDISH & THE CHATHAM SINGERS – Step Out! (CD-LP, Spinout Nuggets)
“...a hobby gone out of control” (Darryl Sterdan for Tinnitist)
CHAT PILE – God's Country (CD-LP, Flenser)
“What’s scariest is the path these songs travel as they devolve from garden-variety societal ills into a kind of free-associative chaos.” (Philip Sherburne for Pitchfork)
FLOWER MACHINE – Waterloo Green (LP, Pink Pony Airlines)
“Excellent new album from the Flower Machine. Waterloo Green may be their best yet. Every track is an intriguing listen into the realm of psychedelic pop. Highly recommended!” (Art_O_Facts on Discogs)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
NICK WHEELDON (LE POP CLUB)
23-01-2025: Paris (F) – Le Point Ephémère
24-01-2025: Rennes (F) - Marquis De Sade
25-01-2025: St. Brieuc (F) – t.b.a.
26-01-2025: Rouen (F) – Secret location
28-01-2025: Troyes (F) – Le Fer À Gus
29-01-2-25: Dijon (F) – Un Singe En Hiver
31-01-2025: Colmar (F) – Le Grillen
KACIMI (LE POP CLUB)
23-01-2025: Paris (F) – Le Point Ephémère
11-02-2025: Genève (CH) – Urgence Disk
SOCCER COMMITTEE (MORC)
26-01-2025: Rotterdam (NL) – Koffie & Ambacht (afternoon)
LABASHEEDA (PRESTO CHANGO)
14-02-2025: Amsterdam (NL) – Nieuwe Anita
SULA BASSANA - with band (SULATRON)
28-03-2025: Berlin (D) - Neue Zukunft
17-04-2025: Bochum (D) - Planetarium
FORD’S FUZZ INFERNO (SUBUNDERGROUND C.A.)
26-04: Leiden (NL) - Resistor