[engl] The Ceramic Hobs are the band in the corner of the old man's pub round the back of the venue getting drunk before they either a) slay your senses with a mind boggling set of punk inspired psychedelia or b) fall over screaming and fighting. They make The Fall look as stable as U2 and the Butthole Surfers as mainstream as R.E.M. They're from Blackpool and have been going since 1985. This double LP retrospective of the North of England's most unique, overlooked and long-lasting underground band spans 25 years of recordings, with tracks taken from numerous releases carefully selected and sequenced by Philip Best (Consumer Electronics), ergot trip front cover art from John Godbert (Vibracathedral Orchestra), gatefold bad vibe intricate line drawing from Darren Brian Adcock and a twelve page booklet featuring an extended interview/essay by Chris Sienko and a band family tree.

[engl] This collection of scarce and sought-after recordings was originally released by Louder Than War and sold out pretty much straight away. Girls In Synthesis have quickly forged a fearsome reputation as one of the most exciting and volatile live acts in London. In equal parts frantic, considered, ear-splitting and melodic. "Pre/Post" LP sees Girls In Synthesis compile their 3 previous E.P releases and also sees inclusion of their debut single 'The Mound'/'Disappear', never released before on vinyl. Experimentation has seen them transgress the punk bracket into something more original and unique while stage shows present a complete and controlled spectacle, with the group moving from playing on stage to dragging equipment into the audience, desperately trying to remove the group/audience barrier. Their explosive shows have seen them hand picked for support slots with bands as disparate as Bad Breeding, Slaves, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, Wolf Alice, Warmduscher and Damo Suzuki. The lopsided, fuzz groove of 'Disappear' rubs shoulders with the bass-driven, future crowd favourite 'The Mound' to add up to a frantic and stripped back, stunning calling card. Follow up E.P 'Suburban Hell' saw the group develop the sonic aspects of their music, with the harshness ramped up and subtle but powerful production aspects pushing songs like 'Suburban Hell' and 'Phases' into harsh, noise-punk territory. Second E.P, 'We Might Not Make Tomorrow', added a slight melodic edge to the previous aural bludgeon, whilst the lyrics to songs like the title track, 'Sentient' and 'Tainted' explore deeper issues such as the threat of nuclear war, animal cruelty and the outcome of the USA presidential election. The third E.P 'Fan The Flames' further presses into deeper lyrical territory, with songs focusing on government neglect, anxiety and mental health issues. The production receives even further toughening up and also features the group's first foray into spoken word in 'Howling', albeit with a glitchy, unmusical, harsh noise backdrop.

[engl] Swiss Industrial-Dada-Noise-Rock band based in Berlin. Their 2014 album "Wölfli's Nightmare" on Voodoo Rhythm Records was produced by Roli Mosimann (Swans, The Young Gods, Wiseblood) and was very well received by critics and audiences. "Buddhist Nihilism" will consolidate the bands ability for bizarre and intense compositions full of left field humour, powerful rhythms and twisted structures. Brilliantly mixed and mastered by Martin Siewert (Radian) in his Vienna studio. "Buddhist Nihilism is a real fistful of sturm und drang, a real departure for the band. The new record leaves some of the noise and industrial elements behind and sees the band streamlining its approach. "Sudden Infant go all the way. Nothing is held back." - Keith Moline / The Wire "One of Europe's finest Noise provocateurs!" - Matthew Kosloff / Skyscraper Magazine