In Strict Tempo, vol. 49: Music Music Music
A quick bite of some music news then into a feast of new tracks and albums this week.
It’s all about the music this week as there’s been a smorgasbord (or rather a giant four-topping pizza) of great tunes out over the past couple of weeks. First a couple of things I wanted to touch on:
I spent last week at ADE in Amsterdam. As always a great event to catch up with peers and it was heartening to hear so much lovely feedback for In Strict Tempo. It was at ADE last year after a couple of conversations with friends that I decided to start writing, and to reinvigorate and re-inspire my love of music and sharing it with people. Twitter has basically gone to shit now, and I’ve no inclination to do Instagram Reels or TikTok’s (Fish56Octagon seems to have the middle-aged bald man playing dance records thing wrapped up on social media) so I thought I’d start writing down my thoughts. I appreciate that so many of you (getting on for 150 now!) are interested and take time out of your busy days to read what I write
Talking of TikTok, they’re currently playing hardball with music rights organisation Merlin and refusing to sign a deal to allow their members music to be used on the platform, instead trying to force indie labels and distributors to deal directly with them, on terms that aren’t as good as those enjoyed by the majors. Merlin represent many of the biggest (and smallest) independent labels and are an important organisation in getting fair deals from DSPs. It doesn’t look like there’s going to be a happy resolution to this one which is a shame. My personal views on TikTok will remain that way - I get it’s a promotional platform but it’s success is built off the back of a lot of indie music and it should make sure content providers are paid fairly.
It was a shock to learn of the tragic death of Jackmaster a couple of weeks ago. One of the most influential DJs of our time, and a key player in the Glasgow scene that shapes so much of what we listen to. For ages I would open all my DJ sets with Actress’ Maze as he used it to such powerful effect in his Numbers Warehouse mix back in 2011 of so, still one of my favourite mixes. One result of his death is that it’s bought on a lot of soul searching from people in the industry in how they dealt with Jack in the wake of his abhorrent behaviour at Love Saves The Day back in 2017. Some of it was a little heavy-handed given the circumstances, but there’s no denying it’s a serious topic. I’m in no way defending him or trying to minimise the impact of what he did, but I wonder if his death will reopen the conversation in how we as an industry deal with people who’s behaviour has been unacceptable. As a society we have to allow people to rehabilitate otherwise what’s the point? There’s far worse people than Jackmaster still operating, still getting booked and still getting positive press, and it’s a shame it’s taken the death of someone for there to be a conversation about this.
New Music
On to this weeks new music then, I promised a bumper mailout this week so strap in…
DJ Persuasion - Jameela EP [Ulterior Motives]
One of the UK’s most essential producers, DJ Persuasion has turned his hand to everything from mixdowns to mixtapes (his jungle tapes for Tape Echo, Blackest Ever Black, Kindred and The Trilogy tapes are essential) whilst also being a highly regarded producer and the man behind much-missed UK techno powerhouse Don’t Be Afraid. On Jameela we get three Persuasion originals and a ferocious Liftin’ Spirits remix, switching between acid, ‘ardcore and deep, grooving house. For the Dedicated.
Low End Activist - Municipal Dreams [Sneaker Social Club]
I reviewed TWOC a couple of weeks ago but now the full album has dropped. Does what it says on the tin, this - proper inner-city grime and scuzzed out electronics. This time of year always tends to give us Album of the Year contenders, this will be on a lot of your end of year lists for sure.
Fergus Jones - Ephemera [Numbers]
Another one that’s gonna feature highly on EOY lists, Ephemera is the latest from Fergus Jones aka Perko. The first time I heard this a few weeks back I thought it’s basically what a Tricky album would sound like in 2024: downbeat, melancholy, crucial.
Moin - You Never End [AD93]
Yet another AOTY contender here, Moin are making dingy post-punk for a new generation. This album gives me something new every time I listen to it and makes a case for Moin (and Raime) as THE most influential artists of the 2000’s.
Underworld - Strawberry Hotel [Underworld]
You know I can’t ignore a new Underworld album. This is typical Underworld, some bangers, some ballads, well, not really ballads, but the more downtempo stuff Underworld can do just as well as the big slammers. Looking forward to spending some time with this one.
The Cure - A Fragile Thing [Universal]
This is basically Disintegration 2 isn’t it? Can’t believe I haven’t spoken about these yet, I’m very excited for a return of the Cure.
Jabu - A Soft & Gatherable Star [Do You Have Peace?]
I reviewed a couple of singles from this a couple of weeks ago, from what I’ve heard the rest of the album sounds just as good. Another one I need to spend some time with.
UEVPD - 1 [World of Echo]
UEVPD is a side project of Mosquitoes and Komare member Dominic Goodman. This new album has been recorded over the past five years, and calls to mind stuff like Pan Sonic, Civilistjavel and Klara Lewis. Give it a listen, make your own mind up. I like it.
Objekt - Chicken Garage [Kapsela]
New one from Objekt. It’s broken techno, a bit acid-y. Sounds good.
Prefuse 73 - Polygonum Perfoliatum [College Music]
I had a big conversation with my friend Ben a few weeks ago as to what is the best Prefuse 73 album. I’m not sure we came to an agreement, but basically all the early Warp stuff is untouchable. This is quite different to that, it’s pretty nice and floaty.
Speakers Corner Quartet, Tirzah - This Is How We Walk On The Moon [OTIH Records]
I’ll be the first to admit, it took me a long time to get in to Arthur Russell. There’s still a fair bit of his stuff I’m not that keen on, but I’m discovering more. Euan from Athens of the North got me in to Iowa Dream which I love, and Ben’s been slowly convincing me of his other tracks. This Is How We Walk On The Moon was one I did enjoy right away, and this cover is lovely and treats the original respectfully.
VA - Afro-Indigenous Music From The Northwestern Andes [Honest Jon’s]
A place I’m not really familiar with, but it’s always a delight to discover something completely new. These tracks are all from Ecuador, and a lot of it hasn’t really been heard outside of the region. Worth dipping into for sure.
Manic Street Preachers - Hiding In Plain Sight [Sony]
I love the Manics, but I don’t really love this. There’s a new album coming, the other single from it ‘Decline and Fall’ is much better, more classic Manics.
Squarepusher - Ultravisitor 20th Anniversary [Warp]
Warp have been on a bit of a roll recently, reissuing some really good stuff (SAW II, all those Seefeel records, now this) as well as dipping into the Broadcast archives. Ultravisitor is Squarepusher at his most… mature? But it’s still got a playful side you’d come to expect from him.
That’s it for this week, if you’ve got this far thanks for reading! Please tell your friends if you’ve enjoyed any of this music and try and buy from independent record shops where you can!