We are super happy to welcome Belfast DJ and long time record collector Marion Hawkes to the fold. Marion opened the ace record store Sound Advice Belfast in 2021 to cater for electronic & left of centre needs. The shop has been a hub for locals, hosting DJs, record launches, book talks & more, creating a vital outlet for music in the industrial East of the city. She'll be writing reviews as and when she feels. You can head to the Sound Advice website HERE where you can sign up for the mailing list and get in contact with Marion. We'll get her to do a mix soon to show you what she's all about. Over to Marion...

Compassion Crew Present : Compassion Crew Sins & Dollar Bins (Compassion Crew)

I wouldn't have had the return of the mysterious Irish Compassion Crew on my 2024 bingo card. Six releases in, they’re not a prolific label, preferring to drop each one without much fanfare or announcement before slipping back into the night.

Anyone who picked up the 2016's compilation (with Major Problems) know these guys (aka Rob) have a keen ear for not only a groove, but something a little different. Within the first three tracks, you'll encounter gospel, experimental noise, and zouk, ensuring a rich and multidimensional listen.

It's the soulful moment's that really shine for me, Siobhan McCarthy's 'Face The Truth (Special Long Edition)' buzzes along with a rhythmic bassline & 80s attitude , while Harmonia’s 'Adventure' is a joyful breezy listen While Rick the Catman's bonkers freestyle meets proto house 'Silent Catt (Club Mixx)', really is exceptional digging! Is it a cliché to say there is something for everyone here? But then again, there really is. Quality artwork too.

Out now in all good record stores. Wax only, zero digital.

Albinos 'Bamboo Night' (WRWTFWW)

French artist Albinos is king of the underground woozy lo-fi sound. Having released on Antinote & his own Astral Soda label, this his second album, has been picked up by eclectic Swiss chaps We Release Whatever The Fuck We Want aka WRWTFWW. 8 tracks of subtle morsels, let’s tuck in.

Blissed out sax intrigues on opening track 'Topaze', before 'Suburbia Girl' which is a wonky late night wet dream. Like most of the tracks that make up the album, 'Tattooed Soul' is a nuanced build with chopped vocals & steady rhythm, attracting hooks along the way like a magnet, blossoming into a hazy 5am roller. 'Under The Pipal Tree' is the most horizontal offering here, hypnotic chords reverb over a distant voice creating a crystalline embrace. The album finishes on a high with 'Mystic Rain', a sleazy late night deep houser that wouldn’t sound out of place on Motorbass’ 'Pansoul'.

My only gripe is the tracks are a touch too short leaving the listener craving more, but here that's not a bad thing is it.

Limited to 500 copies, don't sleep on copping! Available via the WRWTFWW Bandcamp and from all good vinyl slingers.

Albion / Hysteric / Ric Piccolo - Legalize Lambada Vol 6

A bit of a surprise release this, coming 3 years after the Balkan label's last appearance, Legalize Lambada drop their 6th E.P of tightly executed edits. (Is it me or are "edits' having another golden spell again?).

Swedish cosmic commander Albion (Macadam Mambo, Ambassador's Reception) kicks things off with the robotic sequencing of 'Nucleare', Ric Piccolo (Bordello A Parigi, Passport To Paradise) double drops 2 stormers, the Moroder-esque 'Disco Teacher' & hip house floorfiller 'Alright' sandwiched in between, before Aussie Italo don Hysteric (Mothball, Public Possession) rounds out the quattro with the playful lustrous 'Moment'.

If you are new to the label then a deep dive of their back catalogue is a necessity. Top stuff. Wax only.

Head to the Sound Advice website HERE for more info on the store and to sign up for their mailing list.