In Strict Tempo, vol. 86: Reviews Round-Up
A quick look at what's what in the music world this week, plus a whole load of new tracks to get your ears around
Here’s my look at things going on in the world of music this week…
You probably saw, but if you didn’t I published the third in In Strict Tempo’s infrequent Ceremony mix series this week, coming from Casper Clark aka Volte-Face. If you like your techno deep then this one’s for you.
Sticking with In Strict Tempo news: thanks for all the feedback on my interview with Gary Burns from The Sabres of Paradise last week. I’ve got a few more interviews planned before the year is out, more on those when I can share them.
Spotify are adding ‘DJ-style transitions’ for premium subscribers. I guess this will be aimed at the student house party market rather than the professional DJ. You know they could always add DJ mixes like Apple Music and save users the bother of having to mix things themselves… actually they tried that once but it was a royal pain in the arse to licence each track individually they quietly gave up (it once took me a year to clear a mix by which time the DJ thought it out of date)
Now we’re talking! The early 12”s from “Britain’s Best Loved Absurdist Space-Rock Duo” are now available digitally for the first time. Download them off Bandcamp, or simply stream them via the DSP of your choice. Revisit my British Murder Boys article here.
Also in reissue news Warp continue to mine the back catalogue, this time hitting a rich seam of Polygon Window material. Remastered and reissued for 2025, this album & EP was AFX’s only outing under that name, this new version also includes the tracks from 1993’s Quoth EP as an expanded edition.
The End is coming back… well, kind of. For one night only Koko in Camden is turning into legendary nightclub The End. Quite what this means other than Layo & Bushwacka playing there I don’t know, after the recent refurb of Koko I’m informed you can now buy tables in a special VIP section behind the DJ booth which seems pretty at odds of the ethos of The End, but we’ll see…
New Music
The Lo Yo Yo - The Lo Yo Yo [Concentric Circles]
Early tape recordings here from one of many (but all utterly essential) Mick Hobbs side projects here. Recorded in the early 1980’s before debut album proper Extra Weapons this is a must-listen slice of the UK post-punk scene that’s as raw as it comes. If you’re into Flaming Tunes, or Hobbs’ work as Officer! then you can’t miss this.
The Shadow Ring - Hold On To I.D [Blank Forms Editions]
Blank Forms Editions continue their impressive retrospective of one of the weirdest, most beguiling British groups ever. Hold Onto I.D is the fourth Shadow Ring album, and probably their best known, dating back to 1997. As lo-fi and rough as you could possibly want, this is one record that is more than words could ever describe. Give it a listen.
VA - Still In My Arms (Compiled by Bayu & Moopie) [A Colourful Storm]
Bayu & Moopie’s last collaborative LP compiled the best of the Aussie underground indie scene. This sequel, originally released back in 2020 takes things in a more mellow, downtempo direction, less guitars, more soundscapes. Now reissued, this is the time to pick it up if you missed it before.
Mika Vainio - Sysivalo [Sahko]
Has Mika Vainio put out more material since he passed than when he was alive? It sure feels like it, but you know what? If it’s this good, then keep it coming. This album was the last thing Vainio worked on before he passed in 2017, compiled by label boss Tommi Gronlund from Mika’s notes this now acts as his final statement.
For Those I Love - Carving The Stone [September Recordings]
I really enjoyed the debut album from For Those I Love, even if a good friend described the Overmono remix of the title track as ‘Connor McGregor’ techno. This new album sees the artist return to the familiar format, upbeat, 90’s-influenced electronics with his Irish accented vocals sitting centre stage.
Bochum Welt - JS [BMG]
Created for the fashion designer Jil Sander this new album from Bochum Welt carries on the artists run of form going back some 30 odd years now. I really enjoyed his CPU album Seafire, one of the best electronic albums of the last decade, and this one is very nice too, with that typical BW IDM-esque sound.
Radiohead - Hail To The Thief Live 2003-2009 [XL]
I think Hail to the Thief is probably my least listened to Radiohead album. It’s not that I particularly dislike it, it’s just not the one I always draw for (OK Computer, The King of Limbs, Kid A, The Bends if you’re wondering). It’s nice to revisit it in live form, I’ve only ever seen Radiohead once live (V Festival, 2006, we went just for the day, just to see Radiohead, it wasn’t very good) so it’s nice to get that live experience from the comfort of my sofa
thredd - it’s lovely come on in [Scenic Route Records]
A new band to me, this is thredds debut album. Icy cold-wave pop songs, this sounds like what would happen if the XX were a little grittier, and a lot more interesting. Deffo a band to keep an eye on.
Jemima - Even The Dog Knows [All Night Flight]
Stockport’s All Night Flight is one of the best record shops going right now, and their in-house label is a reliable source of spellbinding new music. This debut release from London’s Jemima is one of those that will stay with u for a long long time, and lift you when you need it.
Semtek - Bubble Science (The Sands of Time Are Full of New Beginnings Pt. 2) [Don’t Be Afraid]
A fresh new track from DBA honcho Semtek. Percussive, and upbeat, this one is definitely for the dancers, and the DJs who are willing to take the crowd places they’re never been before.
Visible Light - Losing Leaves [Visible Light]
A new one here from Minneapolis duo Visible Light - a nice nine minute long piece combing cello, field recordings from the Minnesota wilderness to create an ethereal, reflecting piece. Fans of Sarah Davachi, Lucy Railton et al will find something to enjoy here ahead of a full album release next month.
Lukid - Underhand Brokery [Death Is Not The End]
Mark Grusane, Iggy Pop, Lukid… it’s fair to say Death Is Not The End is becoming hard to pigeonhole these days. This new one from one half of Rezzett is just what you’d expect, and that’s no bad thing. Slightly off-kilter electronics with drums to die for.
Coil - Live One [Retractor]
Possibly the definitive Coil live document, this recording from the turn of the millennium is widely regarded as the bands true live debut. Unavailable in any format for well over 20 years, this is a must buy if you’re into Coil. Doesn’t seem to have hit streaming services yet, so have a couple of Coil faves to finish us off.
