Axel Boman
Luz / Quest For Fire

Nigel Rolfe’s “Island Stories” is a unique record for 80’s Ireland. An unusually experimental electronic and abstract record for the time, it was originally released to little fanfare on Reekus records in 1986. Based around the DX7 synth and key collaborations with studio engineers and vocalists it was created as a soundtrack to a performance work of the same name.Born and raised in the Isle of Wight performance artist Nigel Rolfe has made Ireland his home since he arrived at Dublin Port in 1974. An art school graduate who witnessed the British rock explosion of the late 60s in person and as participant, he had been an organ player in a number of British rock bands of the time and a roadie for a number of the early 60’s UK tours by legendary US blues musicians. As the music world freaked out in the later part of the decade he moved with it, and after completing a fine art degree in the West Coast of England in the early 70s he moved to Ireland despite having no connections with the country – “ Drawn by the archeology” – settling straight into the experimental arts scene which was based around the Project Arts Centre where he worked. Organising exhibitions and teaching, his interest in music was rekindled by the explosion of punk.The key to his music making and this LP here was access to a studio – in this case Windmill Lane. A busy place in the early to mid 80s it had a production and video arm and acted as the centre for U2’s recording operations. Rolfe worked there doing carpentry and building jobs in exchange for off peak studio recording time. Coming in contact with the bands passing through and working closely with the engineers and tape operatives employed by the studio he was also able to take advantage of Brian Eno’s presence (he was there working with U2) and figure out the DX7 which forms the backbone of the LP and which – like most else - on the LP is played by Rolfe. Released by Reekus records in 1986 a year after it was completed, there was little expectation placed on the record and Rolfe had no careerist ambitions. We’ve remastered it and added a bonus track that was featured on the African Flower 12” off the LP “PW Botha’s Funeral March”.

Muriel Grossmann's album from 2016 "Natural Time" released for the first time on a black 2LP with a thick old style tip-on gatefold outer sleeve on her own imprint Dreamlandrecords and distributed by RR Gems. This record marked a beginning for her in terms of direction and it includes a bonus composition "Inner Fire '' recorded especially for the vinyl release. Available only in a physical format."As we began this task, we realized that we would need another song to fit in with the vinyl format. This compelled me to imagine how I could add something worthy to a record that is a complete journey in itself from beginning to end. As it turned out, composing and recording the extra track went as smooth as honey and I hope that you all enjoy this additional piece of music. I believe it adds an interesting twist and perhaps suggests what is yet to come. I am very thankful for this opportunity. I also want to give thanks to all you wonderful listeners and supporters for staying with us all this time. You are the reason we pour our hearts into this music."- Muriel, September 2021, Ibiza. Edition of 1500 ex.

Jondo's Little Princess EP sees Cologne's finest producer/DJ debut Dekmantel with a 4-track set of expansive atmospheres and reconstructed club tunes, alongside double bassist Maxwell Sterling and Australian producer DJ Plead.Each track draws elements from the bass music trajectory, but effortlessly reassembles them in song-like arrangements that work just as fine in any headphone or home listening scenario.The A-side has Jondo and Sterling team up for two dynamic pieces called "Dunkelziffer I" and "Dunkelziffer II". Whereas A1 serves drumless, RPG-like atmospheres reminiscent of Sterling's long-time collaborator James Ferraro, A2 is a full-on club joint packed with icy synths and complex rhythms that slowly eases into comforting ambient. On the B-side's "Whowhuwho", Jondo creates a powerful piece of instrumental-grime-turned-quasi-jungle with DJ Plead. For his remix, Russian techno prodigy Moa Pillar warps the already minimalist lead synth into an even more sparse yet effective dancefloor weapon.Just as his celebrated DJ sets, the Little Princess EP proudly exhibits all of Jondo's musical roots – but instead of sticking with one style, tempo or formula, he innately trusts the music to let it take us into unexpected territories, time and time again.

The collectable Artifact imprint is taking a detour from incendiary and obscure disco re-issues into releasing even more obscure material. Mysterious Italian electro-wave band Cristalli Liquidi are featured here with a killer rare italo gem produced by Tinto B. (also known for Robots Are Un-American, re-released on Italians Do It Better last year). Inspired by a LCD Soundsystem song Tinto B. comes with this great record! We cant find the connection to the LCD Soundsystem track that supposed to have been his source of inspiration, and actually we dont care... its some of the best recent Italo disco we've heard in a while!If you are big on italo vocals the A side is for you, if instead you dig deep electro disco but without the chanting, the dub version on the flip side will more than certainly send you into italo space. Another hot Artifact release from mr. Bottin. Tip!