Music For Heart, Brain and Feet: New Release Reviews

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world With 2020 now in full swing there are a raft of great new releases springing out of hibernation to hit record store shelves. These are rare creatures though, only to be found if you know where to look. That’s why, this week, I shall be introducing you to some of the fabulous records which you might not find within the bland offerings of Amazon or HMV. We have the mournful electronica of Recondite and Steven Rutter & Bryonii, the 80s tinged house of Jordan, the wistful folk

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Tailored Cuts And All Encores: New Record Reviews

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world In the past, the time between December and February would see a dearth of quality new releases hitting the shops. But, as with many things, all that has changed in recent years. The music industry never stops, and this winter has found some fantastic new slabs of wax arrive on our shelves. This month we’ll both be looking back to some of the great releases which came to light at the end of 2019 and raving about some which are making the year 2020 a great place

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2019’s Albums Of The Year

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world With the year and decade coming to an end it is time for taking stock and reflecting on what has been and gone. Not wanting to break with tradition I decided to trawl through twelve months of releases to bring you my albums of the year. As usual, it is an extremely personal affair. Looking back, I picked the records which had some form of emotional resonance with me. From alt-pop to hip hop, ambiance to house, these were the albums which cut though the torrent of

Electronic Music With A Human Touch: An Interview With ISAN

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world The duo of Antony Ryan and Robin Saville have been releasing glacial electronica and hushed techno as ISAN for over 20 years now. Showing a deep understanding of ambiance and melody, their music is overflowing with both texture and emotion. Since meeting in Leicester back in 1996 the pair have worked together continuously, releasing classics such as Beautronics, Plan Drawn In Pencil and the subdued splendour of Glass Bird Movement from 2016. One of the top electronic acts of the last two decades, ISAN merge the production

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The Practice Of Love And Other Tall Tales: New Release Reviews

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world With September and October’s usual slew of releases it can be easy to get lost in the onslaught of new wax hitting record store shelves. Who has the time these days to browse in ignorance, not knowing what it is they seek? That’s why I have done the hard work for you, sorting through the crap to bring you the best new records any discerning music fan needs in their life. This week we have the lush, languid rock of Moon Duo, the post everything pop of

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If I Think Of Love, I Think Of You: New Release Reviews

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world With the autumn season firmly upon us most of us want nothing more than to lock our doors and peacefully hibernate for a month or two. What we need now are records made for listening to in the cosiness of your own home (or at least a club with a decent heating system). This week I will be raving about some new releases which make the perfect soundtrack for escaping the perils of the outside world. By JOHN BITTLES

A Smattering Of Records to Help You Dance Away Those Blues

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world In this month’s article I will be talking about some of the new 12”s which have been distracting me from the shit-storm that is modern life and brightening up my days. We have the lush house grooves of Demuja, Qnete and Cinthie, the experimental techno urges of Nina Kraviz, the ambient soundscapes of Umber & Gavin Miller, the undefinable sounds of Iron Curtis and Lone, and lots more. By JOHN BITTLES

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Connected Beats And Lush House Grooves

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world There are some songs which can make an entire generation of music lovers get misty-eyed. From the gorgeous synth swells and Sara Nelson’s stunning vocals that help make Massive Attack’s peerless Unfinished Sympathy such a delight, to the soaring strings of Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, these are songs which grip the listener by the lapels and drag them back to a better time in their life. Most bands/artists spend their entire careers attempting to create a track with the power to epitomise a specific time or

House Killed The Radio Star: New Release Reviews

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world With a strong emphasis on house music (for no other reason than this is what has been floating my boat recently), this month’s reviews section is full of deep dancefloor grooves. We have the smooth melodies of Robag Wruhme, the disco flecked eclecticism of Benjamin Fröhlich, Anthony Naples’ dark and gritty jams, the club friendly pop of Hot Chip, some deep techno pulses from Kölsch, and lots more. By JOHN BITTLES

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Music From The Margins: New Albums Reviewed

Music | Bittles’ Magazine: The music column from the end of the world Usually when I am sitting on the street with my placard reading ‘I write about music for a living, please give generously’ people will take pity and throw a few coins in my lap. The other day though, someone took umbrage at my sign, demanding that I follow them home. After a hearty meal of pot noodle and chips he insisted that I watch coverage of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Festival. 20 minutes of charmless pop later he switched the TV off, turned towards me

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