Recycle Spitz

The first thing that hits you about Alive 2 is how terrific it sounds. Opening with "Among the Living," Charlie Benante's drums and the sludgy, churning guitars of Scott Ian and Dan Spitz peel out of the speakers at 4,000 decibels. It's like they're trying to make up for a decade lost. And maybe they are. Alive 2 chronicles a June 3, 2005 show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, and features Anthrax's classic lineup reunited for its 20th anniversary…

While the instrumental alliances that take place throughout Recycled aren't nearly as solid as on Journey to the Center of the Eye or Remember the Future, the album still harbors some of Nektar's intergalactic progressive rock penchants, although a slight decline in the band's cohesion is apparent. Guitarist Roy Albrighton lacks his usual gusto on most of the tracks, but tends to show signs of earlier days on both "Flight to Reality" and "Automatic Horrorscope." What does hold strong is Nektar's ability to conjure up a science-fiction atmosphere through the unorthodox application of percussion, guitar, and keyboards. Tracks like "Unendless Imagination" and "Cybernetic Consumption" wallow in a futuristic amalgam of strings and synth, with Larry Fast working the keyboards this time around…

Steyoyoke returns with another unforgettable edition of our ethereal Paradigm compilation. A dark treasure excavated from the depths of the techno trenches. Each production features unique basslines, synthetic and organic sounds, as well as arrangements that cohesively bring forth a harmonious tune. This unique collection incorporates six new originals from artists such as Dub Recycle and Frezel & The Note V, as well as newcomers such as Aalson, Diazar, DJ Aroze and First Of The Last. Representing the Steyoyoke artists are Clawz SG, Soul Button, Nick Devon and JOBE. This is a must have for all of you Ethereal Techno lovers.

The second installment of the Paradigm compilation once again showcases the ‘Ethereal Techno‘ sound. Characterized by its uplifting nature and bold attitude, making it both fierce and powerful. The latest Paradigm Vol.02 features tracks of contrasting natures, both soft and rough in their emotive translations. The compilation shamelessly boasts artists such as Erly Tepshy, Sarcasmo, Nairo, Dub Recycle, Soto Voce and Strinner. Representing the Steyoyoke artists are Soul Button, Clawz SG, Nick Devon, Binaryh and Never Lost.

"Ritual Ground" (1993) is the collaboration between Steve Roach and Elmar Schulte.
The album is a spontaneous sonic combustion, rich in cinematic overtones, deep atmospheres and tribal-electronic grooves. Steve Roach's musical explorations have taken him into many different realms, always touching a primal nerve and evoking brilliant mindscapes for the listener. A respected and much followed solo artist, Roach has also embarked on many collaborations in which the interplay between musicians nourishes the creative process. "Ritual Ground" is the result of one of those instrumental partnerships and stands as an important landmark in the development of tribal music. In 1993, Roach went to Europe for his first series of concerts outside the United States…

Elixir is the first album Danish percussionist Marilyn Mazur has recorded as a leader for ECM in 14 years. It is an interesting number for Mazur, because she has also spent 14 years as a member of saxophonist Jan Garbarek's recording and touring ensembles. He appears on about half of Elixir as Mazur's only collaborator (apart from producer Manfred Eicher). That said, the solo pieces are the first remarkable aspect of this set. When Mazur works alone, her pieces defy everything we think we know about solo percussion recordings: there is a warmth and directness in these proceedings that is songlike rather than merely hypnotic or virtuosic.

This 1980 quartet session, unavailable in the U.S., features a young Kenny Kirkland on piano along with John Surman on soprano sax and bass clarinet and Jon Christensen on drums. Vitous wrote all but the title track, a tension-filled group improvisation. The dramatic "Silver Lake" begins the disc with rubato filigree and evolves into a driving yet impressionistic feel. "Beautiful Place To" follows, with its odd, Zen-like repeated melody, leading into "Trees," another rubato exploration with a short, precise melodic theme at its core.