Staff picks
This week
No Thrills (2013) by Amateur Best
“Anything involving a combination of the words “pop”, “electronic” and “London” makes me think of the kind of hipster-fuelled nu-rave that I had hoped was long behind us. Fortunate then, that I didn’t take Thrills on description alone, and discovered a record that laughs in the face of stereotypes with a solid sense of humour, upbeat melodies and expertly compressed-to-the-max, radio-ready production. If this is the sound of London’s electro-pop today, I’m sold.” Nick Skelton
Singles and Sessions 1979-1981 (2009) by Delta 5
“Shouty, danceable, fun-loving, post-punk group Delta 5 suffered from a classic case of over-hype. This collection of their singles and sessions presents them at their best – leading the party with infectious tunes and lyrics. ‘You’ is still one of my favourites.” Sam Gething
Excavation (2013) by The Haxan Cloak
“Straddling the nebulous border between sound design and electronica, Bobby Krlic’s second album offers a masterclass in creating claustrophobic horrorscapes. It also contains some of the most bowel-bothering bass notes you’ll hear this year.” Gemma Samways
Space Pong / Space Break (2013) by T++
“Nautical techno steppas from erstwhile Monolake member Torsten Pröfrock. Still sounding state of the art seven years after its original release; hi-def soundscape and merciless sub-bass.” Matt Gray
Last week
Floating Coffin (2013) by Thee Oh Sees
“Another tour de force from legendary garage-rockers Thee Oh Sees. Seriously, there can’t be many bands that sound this good 25 years into their career.” Gemma Samways
Ceremony (2013) by Anna von Hausswolff
“Maybe Anna von Hausswolff’s second album was influenced by her tour with fellow countrywoman Lykke Li… Dark, serious and morbid, but deliciously beautiful and haunting.” Julia Killer
Namaste EP (2013) by Kryptic Minds
“While many from the dubstep scene have jumped ship to house quicker than the evacuating passengers of the Costa Concordia, it’s refreshing to see such a figurehead keeping true to their roots. The traditional, dread halfstep-vibe that Kryptic Minds are known for is present on both the title track ‘Namaste’ and the long-awaited anthem re-work of ‘Badman VIP’, but it’s ‘Nebula’ and ‘To Feel’ that fly the flag for the future of dubstep, mutating the classic sound into broken techno territory. Fre-ki-fre-ki-freshhh.” Dan Smith
The Dark of the Psychic Unknown (2011) by Milton bradley
“New wave dark techno from Berlin. Cold, uncompromising sounds and ludicrously hammy track titles, I’m sold.” Matt Gray
The week before last week
Hudson Square EP (2011) by Homework
“Terrace season is almost upon us! This is hands-in-the-air sunshine music from the Homework boys. Out on Exploited in 2011, this has timeless all over it, probably because the Taana Gardner’s 'Heartbeat' sample is always going to be so damn infectious...” Ben Lee
The Hearse (2013) by Wampire
“David Lynchian, creepy-camp, electro-rock (and witty with it!), this EP trails the album due in May. I cannot wait!” Sam Gething
Welcome To Mikrosector-50 (2013) by Space Dimension Controller
“The very idea of a house/tech/funk concept album surely makes it worth checking this out?” Will Munn
Greatest Hits (2013) by Fleetwood Mac
“Such a good Greatest Hits. I bloomin’ love this.” Phil Quigley
The week before that
Cosmos (2013) by Slow Knights
“Slow Knights is the solo project of Scissor Sister’s Del Marquis, and features Rod “Bright Light Bright Light” Thomas and members of Prince’s New Power Generation amongst others. Their debut release is Cosmos, a cohesive collection of high-style, 80s-inspired pop, which could serve as the warm-up soundtrack to the now iconic Horse Meat Disco compilations and/or the ideal addition to your “so-cool-right-now”-themed playlist (squeezed between Kindness and Blood Orange).” Dimitris Ballas
Maiden England '88 (2013) by Iron Maiden
“A classic live concert, remastered and released as a download for the first time. Maiden England '88 showcases a superb performance from Iron Maiden at their commercial peak.” Alex Markham
Black Habit (2007) by Rings
“NY trio whose only release (from 2007) sounds a bit like an analogue take on Gang Gang Dance. Touching and adorable.” Mia Filisch
Yearning EP (2013) by HNNY
“Smooth, garage-inspired release from HNNY, arriving hot on the heels of his For The Very First Time EP and also released on Local Talk Records.” Reece Daniels
And so on...
Sunburn EP (2012) by Baio
“This is the solo project of Vampire Weekend’s front man Chris Baio. Released on Joe Goddard’s label Greco-Roman, this EP tastes as sweet as honey. Track three will get you picturing yourself sipping mojitos in the sun and leave you hugely excited about the warmer months creeping up on us!” Sharri Morris
“This is Sam Howard’s Ark. Soundtrack to the Great Flood or emissary of the Angels of Death? With a field-recorded foundation of the hushed holy harmony heard in the eponymous hallowed Halls, it could be either, skittering seraphically in the beats between Burial and Blake and Murcof’s monastic melodies. To be listened to somewhere safe, and watched over by top men. Top. Men.” Nick Skelton
The Four Quarters (2005) by Vladislav Delay
“Dub/experimental improvisations in Vladislav Delay’s unique style. Very beautiful sounds – freer and more organic than his icy, earlier work. Like listening to the Finnish tundra springing into life with the first rays of the summer sun.” Matt Gray
“One of the best electronic albums ever. Should be listened to from start to finish, with no distractions.” James Wheatley
