In Strict Tempo, vol. 66: A Rough Couple of Weeks
A round up of this weeks news, music reviews and some bonus Bandcamp Friday links.
It really feels like it’s been a rough few weeks in the world of music doesn’t it? We’ve lost a number of beloved artists recently, all of whom made their mark in a number of different genres. Roy Ayres, DJ Funk, Yam Who? and Brian James from The Damned this week, Roberta Flack, Terror Danjah and Rick Buckler last month, it’s been a really sad time for music lovers.
Sandwell District gave their first interview as a duo following the untimely death of Silent Servant, who died this time last year. I give RA a fair amount (of fairly just) criticism at times, but articles like this show that when they want to they can still provide excellent content. There’s a new Sandwell album coming, and the interview is accompanied by a mix that features influences, inspirations and some exclusive SD music. It works well as a tribute to Silent Servant who by all accounts was the glue that held the whole outfit (and the often warring Regis and Function) together. It ends with Suicide’s Dream Baby Dream, which should be the case of all mixes really.
Did anyone see a Supreme/Aphex Twin collaboration coming? Imagine some of the blokes you’re gonna see wearing this down at Field Day this year.
Industrial Coast has been one of my favourite labels for a while, single-handedly making Middlesbrough the centre of the experimental/noise music universe. They’ve made a load of their previously unavailable and long sold out releases available digitally for the first time, with all proceeds going towards a local charity.
The Glastonbury line-up was announced this week. This is probably only second to the Record Store Day list announcement for the amount of hot-takes generated online. I’m not going, if any of you are I’m sure you’ll have a great time regardless.
One thing I noticed this week - a label selling expensive items from their record collection on Bandcamp - I guess to take advantage of Bandcamp Friday. It’s a bit murky ethically, that. I’m not going to name them as it’s a label I quite like, but still…
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As well as being a Friday today, it’s also Bandcamp Friday, so as well as the usual playlist I’m going to share some extra-Bandcamp only releases. Remember to support labels directly and your local record stores/online stores equally. Without record shops your favourite label will find it even harder to survive.
Sandwell District - Dreaming [Point of Departure]
I mentioned the SD comeback trail above, here’s the next single for their upcoming album. Classic Sandwell at their finest here. You won’t be disappointed when the album drops.
Shell Company & Older Brother - 4U [Numbers]
Murky Manc gear here straight outta the White Hotel. The vocals are what lifts this above a lot of the other stuff that’s coming out really - vulnerable yet confident. Looking forward to the full EP.
RS Tangent - Crinkle [The Trilogy Tapes]
When TTT drops a new release you pay attention. Will Bankhead’s label has long been one of the UK’s most essential imprints for interesting and out-there music. Heavy, percussive rolling techno tackle is the order of the day here.
Actress - Grey Interiors [Smalltown Supersound]
Actress is hitting a rich vein of form at the moment (although you could argue that’s been the case since Hazyville dropped back in ‘08). It seems the long-form, single track method of releasing really suits what he’s putting out best. Hit play, drift off.
upsammy - Open Catalyst [Dekmantel]
Why aren’t Warp putting out stuff like this any more? IDM-or-whatever-you-want-to-call-it still has a place in all our hearts, and still does the business on the dancefloor (I imagine, I’ve not set foot on to a dancefloor in years lol).
Years of Denial - Suicide Disco [Veyl]
This came out a good few years ago now but has just been repressed for 2025. A modern classic, combining a Soft Cell via AFX sensibility that’s as sexy as it is upfront. Body Musik at it’s finest.
Ghost Dubs - Extended Damaged Versions [PRESSURE]
That Ghost Dubs LP was one of my faves of last year, so this album of reworked and extended material from that is very welcome. If you’ve any interest in the heavyweight, dubbier side of electronic music (think Rhythm & Sound, Pole etc.) then you’re gonna enjoy this.
As a Bandcamp Friday bonus, here’s some interesting Bandcamp only bits that are worth your time this week.
VA - Five Years of Failure [Discreet]
Compilation of one of the most essential labels out of the Gothenburg Underground. Highly recommend this.
VA - In Search of Revolutionary Voices: Mexican Wax Cylinder Recordings 1900-1910.
I’m always astounded as to how DINTE finds this stuff. A fascinating, crackly collection of early 20th century recordings from Mexico.
Stonecirclesampler - Somebody’s Found Your Allotment [Sleep Fuse]
Okay, it’s not actually on Bandcamp, but new music from Stonecirclesampler is always essential. Lathe cut 7” RIYL ponds.
Mucha - Skin (Surgeon Reworks)
Surgeon’s one of the best to ever do it, so get yer ears around this.
Annie Hogan - Always Wasting Time
One of my favourite voices, incredible new master of an old recording from the 80’s.
That’s all for this week - thanks as always for reading, sharing, subscribing etc. It’s really appreciated. Enjoy the playlist!