Review: Charles Petersohn - Children Of Zu Zu (Short Version) (Compost Records)

To give it the full title, 'Children of Zu Zu' featuring Roberto Di Giola and the People of Tla'aga Samoa (Short Version), it's time that folks got to know Charles Petersohn.

We know Roberto Di Gioia from his collaboration with Peter Kruder (see review HERE) and the peoples of Samoa have a huge history but this is producer/DJ/Singer Charles Petersohn's first release in 18 years!

Having absorbed, take a deep breath, "Smooth deep house, different kinds of jazz and jazznotjazz, african rhythms, Brasil batucada, psychedelic funk poetry, inspired by Dr. John and most of all the space music and afrofuturist philosophy of Sun Ra and his Arkestra" this track is true to all these influences - the only problem, this is the 'Short Version'.

With echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith's 'Space Princess' on a visit to Jimi Tenor's Philophon studios with a touch of ragas going on, it's almost transglobal; but in a 'Compost Records' underground way.

We say, bring on the 'Long Version', we'll update you as soon as he get notificaiton. 

P.S. Also featured first track on Colour & Pitch Sessions February mix

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - February 2025

Artist: Charles Petersohn

Title: Children Of Zu Zu 

Release date: 28th February, 2025

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT648-5

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Prepared - Module (Compost Records)

I think about being 'Prepared' every day as  Aston Villa's old club moto: but now I'm even more Prepared with 'Module' on Compost Records.

'Modul Eins' was the first single from the album 'Module' (see review HERE) and I said then, "Don't spend all you're Xmas money...[as] ...you'll want to start the new year with this exciting trio".  And, not to sound too big headed about this, I was right!

As a variation on the traditional jazz-trio meets post classical chamber meets minimal dance, the Munich based line-up consists of Chris Gall ('prepared' piano), Flo Riedl (bass clarinet) and Christoph Holzhauser (drums).

'Module' is really more like four tracks in ten parts, 'Modul Eins' (I & II), 'Modul Zwei' (I & II), 'Modul Drei' (I & II) and 'Modul Vier' (I, II, III, & IV).

You'll recall that 'Modul Eins I' starts as a downtempo introduction with 'Modul Eins II' taking on an upbeat swing which is matched by 'Modul Zwei I & II' as a circus themed film noir score.  And then if you combine those two, there's 'Modul Drei I & II' which are a bit more hip-hop beats joined by a quiet section between the two.

It's clear this guys, all from different musical backgrounds, like a repetitive / cyclical motif; think Steve Reich '18 Musicians' and the like, which is a good point to mention the 15 minute opus of 'Modul Vier' (I, II, III & IV)' and as these four section swell like a changing of four seasons you can really appreciate the 'one-take' 3D recording technique.

Now we have the full album, the comparison with BadBadNotGood and The Bad Plus is still valid but having the bass clarinet in the line does move up to a very GoodGoodPlus!

Be Prepared! or as they say in Munich: Die Roten sind die Stern des Südens

Artist: Prepared

Title: Modul Eins 

Release date: 17th January, 2025

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT646

Format: LP (  €22.90)  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 3 Compiled by Fred und Luna (Compost Records)

Fred Und Luna (aka Rainer Buchmüller) passed away on the 8th Februry this year so it's with some sadness that Vol. 3 of his 'Future Sounds Of Kraut' is a posthumous release but then, it's also a fitting tribute too!

And whilst we don't want to dwell on the sad circumstances, the best of the 14 tracks (3 being exclusive and previously unreleased) feature Fred und Luna; the opener 'Der Allgemeine Tenore' and the disco-jazz friendly 'Water Map' featuring the 'free' Organza Ray.

But like Vols 1 & 2, this is all the what you' ad expect from modern kraut-electronica that 

can be traceed by to the originators Tangerene Dream, Kraftwerk, Neu! Cluster, Klaus Schulze and loads more and if you like, ENO (Ed. controversial).

And if modern is 2023, Philipp Johann Thimm's 'Meine Muse' as reworked "for The Düsseldorf Düsterboys" is probably the most Kraut on the album in that it's glichy, techno with an undercurrent of folky Stereolab.

Compare with a more trad.Kraftwerk. 'Zum Schmalen Handtuch' (Niklas Wandt) in German and 'Lambda' (Von Spar) in English, the synth/drum fest. 'Nachtraucher' (Christian Nainggolan) that sounds like a stream train from space and then an actual 'Space Taxi' (Sula Bassana) with a swarm of bees.

For a 14 track compilation, you might think they'd be a couple of duff tracks, but not in this case possibly because it is hard to define what is Kraut [musically], ever lone the future sounds of the past electronic innovatons of 70s/80s meets tradition and culture of 60s hippy commune / improviations / squats to world percussion of today.  If you were going to push me, the duo called Twonky comes closest with a track called 'Dream Is Impossible'; oh, and a close second, get some post-punk disco 'Wer Macht Die Arbeit' by Savage Art 

So what you do get in Vol. 3 is a further education of what the previous editions brought to our attention and thankfully Fred und Luna was able to confirm these selections (along with ideas for a Vol. 4) before he passed as he was happy that Compost release this 'Sign Of Life' from him.

As on Vol. 1 and 2, the collage on the cover was designed exclusively by the fantastic artist Norika Nienstedt from the Kraut metropolis of Düsseldorf.

Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 Compiled by Fred und Luna (see review HERE)

Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1 Compiled by Fred und Luna (see review HERE)

I think we should repeat Compost Record's press statement: "We are deeply saddened that we lost a very close friend, a true creative musician, artist , poet, soulmate and beloved human being with a great sense of humour. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna died after a long carcinosis. Our thoughts and prayers in these days of mourning are with his wife and family. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna has made several albums, first one on Frank Wiedemann’s Bigamo label, then three albums plus several Maxi - Singles and 7 inches on Compost Records and Elaste Records. Rainer had several alter egos, too. Under his Fred und Luna moniker he recently compiled the highly acclaimed “Future Sounds Of Kraut” compilation series for Compost. Rainer also wrote circa 120 poems in the vein of Ernst Jandl, Dada, Kurt Schwitters. Rainer, we love you! R.I.P."

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 3 compiled by Fred und Luna
Release date: 6th December, 2024
Label: Compost Records
Cat. No: CPT 645
Format: 2xLP / Digital LINKS / Bandcamp

Review: Prepared - Modul Eins (Compost Records)

I think 'Prepared' was the motto of the Boy Scouts at one time, it was proudly and historically on Aston Villa's club badge before big footie executives dropped it, so here's one Prepared we can trust with 'Modul Eins' on Compost Records.

'Modul Eins' is the first single from the album 'Module' that's due for release early next year, i.e. don't spend all you're Xmas money.   And you'll want to start the new year with this exciting trio.

Like the InFiné label some years ago that flirted with jazzy-electronic-classical-minimal some years ago or Norma Winstone's backing band at this year's WeOutHere Festival (with Tuba and Sam 'Floating Points' Shepherd on synnths/keys), Plantford and even Daedelus, the unusual combination of trio Chris Gall (prepared piano), Flo Riedl (bass clarinet) and Christoph Holzhauser (drums) have a modern 'Take 5' vibe as vibrant as the cover artwork.

We only get 'Modul Eins I' (a downtempo introduction) and 'Modul Eins II' (an upbeat swing) on the single and it's sounds to me a bit Munich beer hall mixed with BadBadNotGood and The Bad Plus - how good is that?  It's very GoodGoodPlus!

Be Prepared!

Artist: Prepared

Title: Modul Eins 

Release date: 4th December, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT6046

Format: Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Inkswel & Andre Espeut - Synchronicities (Compost Records)

With a cover that looks very William Morris (that's the English textile designer, poet, artist, writer and socialist associated with the Arts and Craft movement at the end of the 19th Century) [and not the plumber], Inkswel and Andre Espeut combine artistically and soulfully on the album 'Synchronicities'.

We know from the singles, 'Dangerous Times' (see review HERE) and 'Downtown Love' (see review HERE) that soulfull hip-hop beats are what these guys excel at and with their super guests Abstract Rude (Project Blowed), flautist Han Litz ('Callin' 4 U') (Ed. is there some flute revival going on in late 2024? Where's the Flutestrumental mix?), Leonard Charles (multi-instrumentalist/producer) and between them, 'Synchronicities' is an album of eight tracks that fuses modern soul (sometimes R&B), hip-hop, broken beats, some jazz, house and more.

We first came across Inkswel at the time of fellow antipodean invasion to Europe of Fat Freddie's Drop, The Black Seeds, Joe Dukie et al and twenty years on, the synchronicisation with London based Andre Espuet (pronounced 'Esporr') gives this project a fusion that's like a Fat Freddie's Drop as the song writing is very heartfelt and crosses the pop boundary like 'Yesterday's Gone', 'Uprinsing' and the most FFD, 'Street Soul' and 'Play With Fire'.

I don't know what coincidential occurance happened to create 'Push N Pull (Synchronicites)' but I think the this is the peak of the meeting of the musical minds; shame about the 'sharp' ending.

Obviously comparisons with Inkswel's past collaborations with Colonel Red (see 'Holders Of The Sun' review HERE) or further back to his more hip-hop rooted 'Super Foods' release (see review HERE) that included some of the big name acts that are still get us excited now like DJ Nature, Linkwood and Tom Noble (who has just released his long awaited album, 'House Of Spirits' - see review HERE).

I wonder at the timing of the release as it seems more summer sound but at least it will keep us going through the winter months.

PS. Props to PECUE for the artwork and recommend a vist to the William Morris Museum, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17.

Artist: Inkswel & Andre Espeut

Title: Synchronicities

Release date: 29th November, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT6044

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Beatkozina feat. El Mago & Axel Camil - Merhba EP (Compost Records)

Afro-futuristica flute gang house (with cover artwork to match) with a release on the always adventurous Compost Records label.

We know of Beatkozinan after the release on Afroterraneo, 'Nusrat Passion' featuring Abirah Shah (see review HERE) but this 'Merhba EP' sounds even better as it's got added to the equally mesmerising vocals is some jazz flute: Flute Gang members have been blessed.

Not only that, this seems more jazzy too with a super cool dub version.that crosses Lonnie Liston Smith, Herbert Laws, Bobbi Humphrey, Ron Trent, Joe Clausell, Osunlade, Louie Vega, King Tubby (and more) in dance with "Moroccan rhythmic patterns, minimalism, transposition, and confrontation producing a tribal, complex, contemporary sound that carries a subliminal message of universality and identity at the same time."

Beatkozina is a London and Marrakech based duo of Mehdi Baami and Gregory Jouandon and 'Merhba' needs to be a vinyl release (I'll keep you posted on that) and the smart money is that it's going on this months' "Best Of" Colour & Pitch Sessions mixtape with Sumsuch.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - November 2024

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - November 2024

Artist: Beatkozina feat. El Mago & Axel Camil

Title: Merhba EP

Release date: 22nd November, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT64-3 / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Inkswel & Andre Espeut - Dangerous Times (Compost Records)

Inkswel & Andre Espeut have brought us some renewed hope of soul and love with thier track, 'Dangerous Times'.

Long term fans will recall that nearly ten years ago Inkswel was making his name on BBE with his 'Super Foods' series (see review HERE - side note, always worth checking of a Kid Sublime remix; one of Paul 'Jazz Room' Murphy's favourites don't you know?)

And then, last year he re-imerged on Compost Records as Inkswel & Colonel Red with the 'Holders Of The Sun Remix EP' (see review HERE) and his latest single, 'Dangerous Times' is a fore taste of a new album with London based Andre Espeut who is well known in deep soul circles and has collaborated with many a YATM favourite from Elbert Phillips to King Bee (see review HERE) and Situation to name just three.

This pair are perfect partners to sooth us with this modern soul room and the album, 'Synchronicites', indicates how well these two pair up.

Artist: Inkswel & Andre Espeut

Title: Dangerous Times

Release date: 18th October, 2024

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT6044 

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Peter Gall - Love Avatar (Compost Records)

Compost Records have had their eyes on Peter Gall for the past six years since hisebut album as they can now release the jazz drummers second album, 'Love Avatar'.

Jazz drumming group/band leaders were de-rigeur in the be-bop days and the likes of Yussef Dayes, Seb Roachford, Nick Woodmansey (Emanative) and Teppo "Teddy Rock" Mäkynen (The Stance Brothers) to name a few, are some of the current 'new wave'.  

To that list we can add Peter Gall as the German who has written and produced the ten tracks on 'Love Avatar' and is supported by Wanja Slavin (saxes, flute, keys, synth), Reiner Baas (guitar), Rainer Böhm (paino, keys, synth), Matthias Pichler (bass) with Peter on drums, percussion and synth.

Last months' 12" of the 'Love Avatar' / 'Echoes Of A Dystopian World' (see review HERE), that happen to be the opening and closing tracks on the album, with some heavy 'meat' in the middle of the jazz sandwich.

'Luz Solar' and 'Heartbeat' best show the fusion influence and the BRUK/stutter/nu-jazz that's under-pinned by Gall's (the groups') love of giants such as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter (particularly 'Oasis'), Hermeto Pascoal to Flying Lotus (all crammed into 'Heroes'?)

'Heartbeat' is ideal jazzdance manic is in huge contrast to the dark and light of 'Unreal' plus 'Love Lines' highlighed with some Metheny-esque wanderings that's very Jazz on 3 along with the synth-proggy 'Closing The Chapter' and 'Indie Flowers'.

I suspect this album is likely to become a reference point for many a future "Tomorrow's Warriors" as much as some of us remember the birth of the Nu-troop. 

Artist: Peter Gall

Title: Love Avatar  

Release date: 27th September, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 635

Format:Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Peter Gall - Love Avatar / Echoes Of A Dystopian World (Compost Records)

It's not love actually, it's better that that with 'Love Avatar' as Peter Gall does it in his own name.

Similar in format to Michael Reinboth's single 'Let The Spirit' / 'RS6 Avant' (see review HERE) but totally different in approach as drummer/composer Peter Gall gets ready for the album, 'Love Avcatar'.

The title track is a brilliant take on 60s Blue Note jazz/fusion for a nu-jazz/broken generation for fans of Herbie Hancock in the 70s. It's that whimiscal/clever.

'Echoes Of A Dystopian World' is just that as it's got the depth of a OST and a live jazz gig; i.e. it's special.

Peter's worked in the past with Max Herre (see review HERE), Roberto di Giola (see review HERE) and some pretty popular bands as one of the best drummers in Germany so there's a big buzz for the follow-up to his debut album, 'Paradox Dreambox'.

Put it in your diaries, the album ' Love Avatar' is out on 27th September

Artist: Peter Gall

Title: Love Avatar / Echoes Of A Dystopian World

Release date: 2nd August, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 635-5

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Yuu Udagawa - Ride It / Set Me Sneakers (Remixes by JKriv & Fred Everything) (Compost Records)

"Going the extra mile" is such an over used phrase these day, it often doesn't cover the first step; Compost Records ain't like that though as Yuu Udagawa's new single, 'Ride It' / 'The Peaceful Dawn' has a trio of remixes by three of our favourites on the know twiddles: JKriv, Fred Everything, Manuel Tur.

You can tell from the cover that this is special as Yuu's jazzy keys feel like an update of Herbie Hancock and Bugge Wesseltoft combined for clubland cool on both tracks

The incredible 'Set Me Sneakers' (think that might be missing a 'free' at the end) as it grooves for nearly eight minutes and the lead track, 'Ride It' with the remixes by JKriv and Fred Everything (fresh from his Lazy Days release of 'Never' with Robert Owens and Osunlade and Waajeed remixes (see review HERE).

'Ride It' certainly has that West Coast freeway about it with sexy dawn whispers that's just disco enough for JKriv (who we know from Detroit's Rocksteady Disco label with main man Peter Croce; but he's just as likely to turn up on Razor 'n' Tape, BBE or Defected) to give it more depth to groove too.

The Fred Everything mix take on the whispers and makes it more mainroom.

So what's this about Manuel Tur? Well, that's part 2 of this set with a track called 'The Peaceful Dawn' as Fred Everything's mate Mr Tur providing 2 remix variations; 'Octamix' and 'Deep Dub' for some big house.  That's not out until the 6th September but 'Ride It' will more than keep you entertained in the meantime.

Highlight of the summer so far!.

Note: Check the JKriv & Manuel Tur remixes on Colour & Pitch Sessions August mix (see below)

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - August 2024

Artist: Yuu Udagawa 

Title: Ride It inc remixes by JKriv & Fred Everything

Release date: 26th July, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 640

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

 Artist: Yuu Udagawa 

Title: The Peaceful Dawn (inc Remix Manuel Tur)

Release date: 6th September, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 641

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Michael Reinboth - Let The Spirit / RS6 Avant (Compost Records)

There's no no weeds growing up to his knees but this is a rare one, a release by Michael Reinboth! 

Fresh from the Anna Schreit 12"/DNLD, 'Duck EP' (see review HERE), he's another waddle on the pond with the head honcho of Compost Records.

Having been such an ever present on the German/European/World scene and releasing so many tracks by so many artists, it's interesting to find that Michael is loving instrumental spacey synth house as he team up with his mate, Jan Krause (also of Beanfield) on 'Let The Spirit'.  

On the flip there's a avant-house mix of percussive goth bells (al la 'Blood Red Hands') in Cosmic and Club versions that's not just for fans of Audi cars or Hamburg's Mojo Club where he's DJ'd at recently. The club version isn't an old banger - it's proper bangin'.

Beanfield were at their zenith 20 years ago with 'Tides' with Ripperton and Carl Craig remixes so it's great to have a 'revival' of sorts and hopefully an album to follow.

Artist: Michael Reinboth

Title: Let The Spirit / RS6 Avant 

Release date: 7th June, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 631-1/-3

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Anna Schreit - Duck EP (Compost Records)

What's the phrase, "You can take a duck to water, but you can't make 'em dance"? 

The last release on Compost we took to our dancing hearts was Arnau Obiols & KAYYAK's fantastic 'Faith / San Diago EP' (see review HERE) and that was immediate 'YES from me'.

And you can get that from the deep synths and busy percussion on 'Enzio On Rainbow Road' but there's classic Kraut-leftfield about this EP.

Perhaps that's to be anticipated on a track called, 'Tobi For Morning Spliffs' (kids, if you're reading this, "morning spliffs" ain't clever so don't do it) and there's a strange conflict of twinkly electric piano with deep bass thump on 'Julian Is A Hero' that swims in a pond of duck weed that's Chicago, Detroit, Berlin - who knows what the duck names are here.

This is Anna's debut on Compost having been a DJ for over ten years and turning heads with 'What Did You Say' released on Berlin House Music a couple of years ago and it's clear this aint 'standard' fair: indeed, I'd say it was first class - now where's me swimming googles?

Artist: Anna Schreit 

Title: Duck EP 

Release date: 3rd May, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 632-3

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Arnau Obiols & KAYYAK - Faith / San Diago EP (Compost Records)

What! Compost have got Wah Wah 45's super duo Medlar & Dele Sosimi, Boiler Room/BBE's current favourite mainline Chicago master Rahaan and long time disco kid Prins Thomas all on the remix - why? 

The simple answer is in the facts that the original tracks 'Faith' and 'San Diago' are such brilliant Afrohouse/disco/boogie dancefloor tracks you'd need "masterminds" or their quality and experience to even contemplate a remix.

I'd be happy with a 12" of the originals but this is just an awesome bonus that the like of Colour and Pitch founder Will Sumsuch will not be missing off his April mix sessions (links to follow).

Artist: Arnau Obiols & KAYYAK

Title: Faith / San Diago EP 

Release date: 12th April, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 630

Format:Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various - Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 Compiled by Fred und Luna (Compost Records)

As long time fans of Kraut Music, we've been shocked by the passing of former Can front man Damo Suzuki on the 9th February only to subsequently hear that Fred Und Luna (aka Rainer Buchmüller) passed away the day before.

This is such sad news as Fred/Luna/Rainer had found his groove with the release of Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1 (see review HERE) last year.  It was clear early on that his knowledge and expertise were fundamental to the success of that first compilation and more were due to follow including this one.

And if Vol. 1 was great, this is even better as the Kraftwerk, Can, Neu!, Harmonia, Klaus Schulze fatherhood that inspired these tracks (17 in total and 9 of them exclusive to this release) including Fred und Luna's intro, outro (that sound like they were made for an electronic cathedral) and 'Monotonikum' from 2016 that's a heady mix of 'We Are The Robots', 'Autobhan' and '(The Theme From) Shaft'.

The selections are all in the "Krautified" (thank you Compost for that one) synth-rock/pop/wave folder including another one from I-Cube (represented here with the heady 'Basso'), Sanki Otten ('Angekommen In Der Letzten Reihe') and the fantastic 'Rules' by Roman Flügel.

This double LP release is a limited (so act fast if you want the vinyl) and the album is full of new names to me like the Can fans that 'Minami Deutsch' clearly are and the Tangerine Dreamers, Gilgamesh Mata Hari Duo; but it's all great - particularly Lucas Coon's 'Krautwickel' (and you don't get to say that everyday!)

As ever, the label have excelled themselves with the artwork which is a collage made by Norika Nienstedt (Düsseldorf) and hopefully they will dig deep into the vaults of Fred und Luna back catalog (like 'Im Fünfmibutentak' - see review HERE)  I think we ould repeat Compost Record's press statement:

"We are deeply saddened that we lost a very close friend, a true creative musician, artist , poet, soulmate and beloved human being with a great sense of humour. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna died after a long carcinosis. Our thoughts and prayers in these days of mourning are with his wife and family. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna has made several albums, first one on Frank Wiedemann’s Bigamo label, then three albums plus several Maxi - Singles and 7 inches on Compost Records and Elaste Records. Rainer had several alter egos, too. Under his Fred und Luna moniker he recently compiled the highly acclaimed “Future Sounds Of Kraut” compilation series for Compost. Rainer also wrote circa 120 poems in the vein of Ernst Jandl, Dada, Kurt Schwitters. Rainer, we love you! R.I.P."

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 compiled by Fred und Luna

Release date: 1st March, 2024

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 625

Format: 2xLP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: All Is Well - A Break In Time (Compost Records)

Well, you might have thought you knew everything about Fred Everything you needed to know only to find out that he's 'All Is Well' too and 'A Break In Time' is just the musical album refresher we all need.

I was somewhat surprised to find out that, Fred Everyting (aka Frédéric Blais, DJ,producer and remixer for over 25 years from Quebec, Canada and best mates with Martin 'Atjazz' Iverson and many more on the cool side of deep house) was also known as just 'Everything' in his early career and was a big fan of all things ambient.  And it proved that lockdown was 'A Break In Time' that he used to re-address this area to affirm, 'All Is Well'.

Luckily, this album of ten tracks have found a home at Compost Records and it draws inspiration from all electronic and non-electronic ground breakers, Reich, Terry Riley, Eno (both of them), Tangerine Dream/Krautrock, System 7 and many more, even Carl Craig.

Thankfully, we're not drawn into 20 minute chill-out drones but beautiful pre-Balearic 'intros' as the titles allude to; 'Day One', 'Day Two', 'Tranquillity' and 'Risqué.  'Forever And A Year' is most Reich like but any of this tracks could get picked up for Film/TV/Advert as they are captivating.  The dreamy 'Towards' and 'Phillippe' are another two and it's easy to see why German electronic stars like Dixon and Âme are fans; getting back to Berlin-Canadian links, time for a Wagon Repair revival?

'Cosmic Winter' is the most 'upbeat of the set whilst 'At Well' starts a bit too 'Big Brother' for my liking but that's a small gripe as mostly it's warm and lush. 

Apparently Fred has also been working under the moniker Incognito and teaming up with an old Beats In Space favorite, Lauer and Atjazz as a trio so lets hope we don't have to have another 'lockdown' period for the All Is Well follow up album.

P.S. And check out Will Sumsuch's interview on 5 Magazine HERE.

Artist: All Is Well

Title: A Break In Time

Release date: 24th November, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 624 LP / Digital / Bandcamp [The album is also available in Dolby Atmos, as well as vinyl and digital formats]

Review: A08 - Waiting For Zion (Compost Records)

We've already had a taste of the 'new' A08 (formerly known as AFRICAINE 808) with the single 'Life' and 'Sunset' on Compost Records, but wait 'til you here the rest of the album!

As mentioned previously, (see review HERE) that since they were releasing albums/12" on the seminal New York label Golf Channel there been a sideways step more to a Afro-tech-Carrib-dancehall-dub as the two Berliners,  Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad bring us twelve tracks on the album called 'Waiting For Zion'.

Whilst the title sounds like it it should be all roots-reggae-dub, the album that features artists from Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Trinidad as well as Germany, is electronic,jazzy and world: just chcek out the title track to get you hooked.

'Yamahaica' and 'Sunset' are more reggae dub and at the other extreme, 'Kisumu Bound Bus (Nyatiti Mix) and  'Water' twist into electronic West African Hi-Life a little lik the Afro-percussive 'Life'.  

You get this idea that there's no over-ridding genre to put this album in.   At times it reminds me of version of David Walters' 'Soul Tropical' (see review HERE) crossed with the Best Seven Records (the old Berlin-based sub-label of Sonar Kollektiv run by DJ Daniel W. Best), and others, something I could DJ, put in mixtapes, dance to or just listen at home with. 

Another two tracks that also stand out, dancehall-esque, 'I Want More' and 'Big City Blues' that's one's big band funky Afro-rock-rap more than blues. Jazzdance you say? I say too, along with some Italo/Jap house with the incredible, 'Pomolemouse' (just when i was thinking, "how can you pick a favourite track!") along with a 808 style Miami Vice style dub with 'Nineoneone'.

It's stunning stuff and definitely the best double album of the year and just to repeat, A08 perform live either as a Soundsystem as Dirk Leyers and DJ Nomad or as a live act with live percussion: I'd book 'em now as they are going to be very busy.

Artist: A08

Title: Waiting For Zion

Release date: 17th November, 2023

Label : Compost Records

Catalog Number :  CPT 620 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp   .