In Strict Tempo, vol. 44: Another News Round-Up
A variety of bits and bobs this week, plus the usual new & newish music
It’s been a busy busy week at In Strict Tempo towers this week, I’m in the middle of moving house so you’ll have to forgive this newsletter being a bit shorter than usual. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in the world of music:
It looks like there’s a new Cure album coming. I’ve not heard anything of it yet, but they announced it in typically understated fashion, with a flyer outside a venue they’d played some early gigs at. Their last album was 4:13 Dream back in 2008 or so, which I quiet liked. Coming 1st November apparently.
Watergate in Berlin is closing. I’ve never been, but it’s still a shame when you see clubs closing. I used to enjoy their mix CD series, which were always pretty decent.
ADE is coming. It’s a couple of weeks away, but I’ll be about on Thursday & Friday so if you fancy grabbing a coffee or beer or just saying hello please do. I’m hosting a production workshop on the Friday which I’ll share more details of later. It was actually whilst at ADE last year (or on the delayed Eurostar back) that I decided to start this newsletter so we’re coming up for it’s first anniversary. Am I surprised I’ve stuck at it for almost a year? Yes, absolutely.
Pitchfork did a decent review of the old Basic Channel album. I’m certain you all know this already, but if you don’t then give it a listen.
Warp are reissuing Squarepushers Ultravisitor. Probably his last really good album (although the recent one was decent too).
Just Like Heaven
On to this weeks playlist then, I’ve kicked it off with a couple of Ultravisitor tracks because why not?
Fergus Jones/Perko - Heima [Numbers]
Fergus Jones runs the Felt label in Copenhagen that’s put out some great records over the years, the Catburgers 7”, tunes from Carrier, that incredible live tape from Mother and of course the Civilistjavel stuff that’s incredible. He now heads back over to fellow Glaswegians Numbers for this new album, and it’s one of the best things I’ve heard all year.
Three Quarter Skies - Fade In [Sonic Cathederal]
One last hurrah for Post-Rock summer! Three Quarter Skies is the newest project from Slowdive’s Simon Scott, and this ticks all the right boxes. Big recommendation from me if you’re into this kind of stuff.
DJ Stingray - Industry 4.0 [Tresor]
Detroit via Berlin, the axis of bangers. This sounds like the future of techno, with a hard edge that’s sharp as a knife.
Jamie XX - In Waves [Young]
A new album from Jamie XX eh? Guess what, it wears it’s UK rave influences firmly on it’s sleeve. I was reminded a bit of the Avalanches listening to this, so imagine my surprise when I saw their name pop up on one of the tracks. Other collaborators include Robyn, Panda Bear and Honey Dijon.
Nala Sinephro - Endlessness [Warp]
The last Nala Sinephro album was a nice departure for Warp, and one of the few jazz albums I go back to on a regular basis. This new one is up there with the first for me.
Skeet - Simple Reality [Efficent Space]
Found this on the World of Echo mailout which won’t come as much surprise, it’s right up their street, I’m surprised it’s not on their label. Instead it’s Efficent Space (another label that’s been responsible for some amazing releases lately) that has the honour of putting out these tunes from mid-80’s Coventry. There’s a jangly vibe to it all, but it’s a bit darker, a bit dubbier than the usual C86 fare.
Tristwych Y Fenywod - Tristwych Y Fenywod [Night School]
Have you ever found yourself asking ‘What if Tropic of Cancer were Welsh?’ If so, then this is the answer to your questions. I can’t understand a word of it, but it’s very good.
That’s it for this week. Next Friday is moving day for me so expect another short newsletter I’m afraid. If you want to come and shift piles of records into the back of a van I’d appreciate the help and will pay in tea, coffee and dark chocolate digestives. Otherwise, business as usual will return in a couple of weeks. Thanks for reading!