Soichi Terada
Sounds From The Far East

Experimental synth quartet S U R V I V E brings the shmood on this full-length debut, a dark and sweeping exercise in analog synth mastery. The pulsating, 9 instrumental cuts showcase immense diversity between tracks - ranging from grim tom-tom thunder to space-age epics, pairing tense plodding grooves with meditative ambience and driving, rhythmic beats. Inspired by IDM and horror scores alike, 'RR7349' is simultaneously ominous and hopeful; tense and relaxed; percussive and melodic. Additionally, two of the group’s members are responsible for the iconic theme and score for the Netflix sensation Stranger Things!

Tempo Dischi's second release is one of electronic music’s seminal albums; 1978 Italian space disco album, 'Automat' by Automat. The album moves in the furrows of an atypical space disco, with abstract classical arias alternating with more sustained rhythms, which combine electronic experiments, and progressive psychedelic journeys with cinematic themes. This is a record that has influenced the music of our days and after 40 years still sounds contemporary. Tip!

This 2015 reissue from Awesome Tapes From Africa is the whole reason founder Brian Shimkovitz started the blog and the label that grew out of it. Some 13 years before, Brian found a cassette copy of Obaa Sima in Ghana, leading to the foundation of the ATFA blog and long-running effort to track Ata Kak. 4 years after ATFA became a label, Brian finally tracked down the musician and was granted permission to reissue Obaa Sima, using the second-hand tape purchased in Ghana as the source. The seven tracks on this LP are a winning tinny combination of highlife, rap, pop, and more. Not everyone's cup of tea but I think it's sensational.