Unicorn Ship Explosion: Horn Of Plenty
A detuned mass of driving electronics, oblique kosmische vibes and out-there transmissions, the first album by Stroud duo Unicorn Ship Explosion is an almighty statement of left-field intent
Propaganda: Wishful Thinking
German synth supremo Ralf Dörper invited classical percussionist Michael Mertens to join Propaganda in 1983. Their debut album, ‘A Secret Wish’, is still a dark-hearted classic, but the reunited pair are now looking to the future with a fresh incarnation of the outfit that made their names
Suzanne Ciani: Every Trick In The Buchla
With a recording from a live performance in New York surfacing 50 years after she made it, Suzanne Ciani reflects on playing with Beck, getting tear-gassed, parking karma and, of course, quadraphonic sound
Alex Paterson’s Record Collection
Norwood, London, September 2022
Tristwch Y Fenywod: A Kind Of Magick
Channelling early 4AD and ‘Pornography’-era Cure, the haunting liturgies of Welsh-language, avant-goth trio Tristwch Y Fenywod are rooted in atmospheric darkwave and alien folk music. Dry ice optional
Thomas Dolby: Cover Story
Thomas Dolby and ‘The Flat Earth’ graphic designers Malcolm Garrett and Baker Dave discuss the album’s striking artwork, which depicts the dashing Dolby as “explorer, prospector and adventurer”
Thomas Dolby: This Charming Man
In 1984, Thomas Dolby’s ‘The Flat Earth’ album saw him outgrow his persona as MTV’s favourite “outgoing boffin” and flourish into a songwriter of impressive versatility. With an expanded digital version recently released, is he still “hyperactive now he’s grown”? He may be more reflective, but as he explains, life still has its fair share of adventure and excitement
Robyn Miller ‘Myst Soundtrack’ (Cyan, 1995)
It’s the mid-1990s and my daughter and I are sitting with our noses practically rammed up against the screen of our Power Mac 5200
This Heat ‘24 Track Loop’
Charles Hayward and Charles Bullen of This Heat talk about ‘24 Track Loop’, an astonishing cut which anticipated jungle through sheer post-punk audacity
The Castlemorton Common Festival
The Castlemorton Common Festival took place 32 years ago. The week-long free party sent panic through British society and is recounted here in glorious technicolour