マーク・バロットから〈Runnnng back〉に引き継がれ、現在は〈Acid test〉などを展開していたOliver Bristowがマネージするバレアリックサウンドの名門〈International Feel Recordings〉にLexx登場。レーベルカラーを象徴するような南国のビーチサンセット・トリップ。B1「Ode To The Mode」にはFlorin BüchelにypるTB-303のベースラインをフィーチャリングしています。 (サイトウ)

▫️information▫️
『After finding their feet with a couple of remixes for Before I Die, Talking Drums ditch their sea legs and swap the pirate booty of their cult edit series for a five-track EP of original productions, each swimming in LinnDrums, digital chimes and synth-vox sunshine. Summer sounds abound as the crew refract house, disco, ambient ...Read moreand dub through shimmering sea glass, bringing the beach to the bar, club, garden or grotto.

Inspired equally by tropical Sceneries (but Not Songs), Ecco the Dolphin and Echoes of Wally, as well as a few tall tales about trendy whales, this 16-bit caper makes a splash from wave top to bikini bottom. Written and produced as a cohesive EP over three sun-baked weeks in 2025, and stitched together with field recordings and found sounds from Sicily, rural France, Japan and Singapore, Pier Pressure sees each track flow into the next: distinct seas that make up one larger ocean.

Opener ‘Fashionable Whale’ surfaces with mystic motifs and dreamy pads arcing above the spray before a purring low end and drum-box shuffle plunge us into Balearic house depths. A rippling breakdown, bookended by insistent arps, provides respite from the rhythm before the low-tempo pulse returns to take us home. Sticking with Zone 2 cardio, ‘Salmon Hats’ serves wonky disco at Valium pace, its beatific vox and glittering sequences underpinned by a hip-swivelling bassline and topped with a future-primitive melody. After drifting into dream house for a sunset lull, it’s back to the beat and the enduring question of how best to dance on a lilo.

‘Mangrove’ offers an intertidal intermission as tuned percussion finds a place among the cicadas and lapping waves, gently unfolding into an RPGambient ode to humid languor. Refreshed, albeit ailed by a sunstroke haze, we’re back on the dance floor with the optimistic motifs and jolly polyrhythms of ‘Flutti Di Mare’, an uptempo, Afro-adjacent house workout designed to inspire mile-wide smiles. Then the EP sails off into the sunset with the fathoms-deep delight of ‘Squid Dub’, a Cousteau-coded cod-reggae stepper with digi-dub bass, pound-shop marimba and all manner of THCtinged FX. Don’t be deceived by the loose and limber opening: a solid sequencer emerging at the midpoint sees the Squid squeeze every bit of bump out of the finale.

Forget ATOL protection - Talking Drums deliver your summer holiday directly to your stereo.

』

Drawing inspiration from late-’80s acid sounds, Italian dream house, and early ’90s Balearic music, this album was crafted using classic sounds—such as the rhythms of the Roland TB-303 and 808, and M1-style piano tones—resulting in a sound that’s somehow both nostalgic and fresh? Featuring six tracks with sparse, cheap-sounding grooves that are ref ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)reshingly Balearic and dreamy—ready to hit the dance floor.
The latest 12-inch release from London-based Cold Blow—known for its unique and impressive releases, including the debut album by Sun Dog, the solo project of Eeti Nieminen (drummer for the Jimi Tenor band and a master jazz drummer), which was also fantastic, as well as its DMX Krew and rare techno reissues—continues to draw attention. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Featuring Greg Fort on grand piano, Fender Rhodes, and synthesizer, along with Tokyo-based jazz musicians Kensuke Miyaki (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet) and Yoshihiro Kaneko (double bass), and Ash Robinson on drum machine. Each track captures special memories from their Japan tour, ranging from the opening track A1, “Shirahama Beach” (sample 1) ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)—a Balearic ambient 4/4 jazz piece themed around Shirahama Beach, the venue for the wonderful “FFKT” festival— “Shirahama Beach” (sample 1)—a Balearic ambient 4/4 jazz track—as the theme for Shirahama Beach, the venue of the wonderful “FFKT” festival; A2 “Lost in Shinjuku” (sample 2), where a saxophone solo weaves through a beat created solely by the percussion of a cheap drum machine; A3 “Ikaho Onsen,” a mellow chill-out ambient track in the style of Ronnie Liston Smith, and “Lake Haruna Boat Ride” (sample 3), a playful jazz house track featuring a piano jazz 4/4 beat with an acid-infused groove—the album features a diverse collection of eight tracks. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

This is the new release from YSE SAINT LAUR'ANT—also known as ANT PLATE—who has released music under the name YSE on house labels such as *ORNATE MUSIC* and, under his own moniker, on edit-focused labels like *WHISKEY DISCO* and *EDITORIAL*. He is currently based in Hong Kong, where he continues to put out a steady stream of solid releases. Startin ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Akie)g with “Space Ride” (sample 1), which blends nostalgic, melancholic cosmic keys with a lively Latin disco vibe, followed by “Saint Tropez” (sample 2)—a soothing boogie jam featuring a supple funk bassline and bohemian percussion— to “Monaco” (sample 3)—a romantic track featuring lavish strings and sweet chord progressions—YSL’s work, which is both quirky and elegant, is once again top-notch! (Original Japanese text by Akie)

A release on Biram, the label that was home to the Gibson Brothers, L.A.X. and Yamasuki. Issued in 1975 on the label run by Jean Kluger, a Belgian musician active in both Belgium and France. Kluger was involved in the writing and production of many Biram releases, but this record carries no credits, so the details remain a mystery — though there's ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Saito)no doubt it's a professional-sounding piece of work. A stunning track that dubs out guitar, beatbox, percussion and vocal harmonies. The B-side features an edit by MEDLER. The back of the sleeve carries the message: "Don't judge a record by its cover." (Original Japanese text by Saito)

Paul Takahashi, a man who knows the underground scene inside out, having co-hosted Sarcastic Disco in LA with DJ Harvey; Alex Olson, a legendary skater who also releases music under the name Balearic Skip via Jolly Jams; and Alberto Bof, a composer and pianist known for collaborations with Quincy Jones and Lady Gaga as well as numerous film scores— ...Read more (Original Japanese text by KANO)these West Coast legends form the golden trio “&Co.”, and this is their latest release. A1 "Lean Like A Cello" is a Balearic track where Alberto’s characteristically beautiful keyboard work creates an emotional atmosphere, the addition of cello lends a cinematic quality, and a dubby, robotic bassline provides the perfect balance. B1 "Liquor Run" was first played by Paul T on the New York radio show "Beats In Space" in 2017, and many have been eagerly awaiting its release. With its lighthearted rhythm and undulating synth sounds that gradually gain wild energy, this track is utterly cool—and 5ive has played it too! Mastering by Justin Van Der Volgen. (Original Japanese text by KANO)

The latest release from 〈DISCO SEGRETA〉, which has been reissuing Italo collector’s items that have become exorbitantly expensive! “Autoblu” by GABRIELLA BOVE—a hidden gem of late-period Italo-disco known only to connoisseurs—whose rarity is further heightened by the fact that the vast majority of the 500 original pressings released in 1989 were di ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Akie)scarded. Building on the synth sounds characteristic of ’80s Italo-disco while incorporating elements of Latin pop, A dreamy creation from a time when the trend was shifting from Italo disco to Italo house. With vocals oozing with sensuality and a light, Latin flavor, this masterpiece anticipated the sound that would now be labeled “Balearic.” (Original Japanese text by Akie)

Be sure to start with Side B! This is an exquisite cover of Dorival Caymmi’s timeless classic “A lenda do Abaete,” featuring elegant and immersive percussion rhythms and grooves from Bahia in northeastern Brazil that are incredibly soothing (sample 1), followed by a double A-side featuring two tracks: a samba/ bossa nova-Balearic soul track “Meu Ca ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)nto” (sample 2), which is brimming with Luzia’s affection for her hometown of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

COSMO DANCE—well-known for his collaboration with WHODAMANNY as the duo CHOP and for his active role in the synth-disco scene through his own labels, such as *MIRELLA RECORDS* and *SLOW MOTION*—is launching a new solo release! Centered around layered Latin percussion and hypnotic, undulating basslines, the boogie track “Mr. Coconut” (sample 1) unfo ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Akie)lds with a gentle progression and Balearic warmth, featuring a great interplay between comical lead synths and guitar. The synth boogie-funk track “Goodbye” (sample 2), inspired by 1970s Italian library music, is also fantastic, with its unique, coughing-like vocals. From the overall vibe to the album cover, everything is top-notch—it’s enough to make you scratch your head… It’s just so cool. *Please note that the album cover has a slight tear along the spine from the time of arrival. We appreciate your understanding. (Original Japanese text by Akie)

In addition to Agosta’s own rework, this album features 10 tracks of fantastic reworks and remixes, with top-notch contributions from artists representing Space Echo’s signature Mediterranean-inspired Balearic crossover sound—including Galathea, Go.Soul.Map, and The Invisible Session—each showcasing their unique talents.
At around BPM 103, A1 “ ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)Three Chestnuts – (Galathea’s Psychedelic Pepper)” (sample1); track A2, “Millstone – (Agosta’s Rework In the New Mill)” (sample2), a 4/4 smooth deep house rework in the African house style by Agosta himself at BPM 110; and track A3, “Three Chestnuts – (Agosta’s Rework In the New Mill)” (sample2), a 4/4 smooth deep house rework in the African house style by Agosta himself at BPM 100. A2 “Millstone – (Agosta’s Rework In the New Mill)” (sample 2), an African house-style 4/4 smooth deep house rework by Agosta himself; and A3 “Apples 65 – (Agosta "Rework 23”)”, and A5 “Varanni – (ANAN Remix)”, a Mediterranean-inspired chill-out remix in the vein of Grace Jones meets Adrian Sherwood’s ON-U sound, are also great. BPM 112, the mid-tempo Balearic house rework B2 “Lady G – (“Butterfly Version” Agosta’s Rework)”, BPM 96, B3 “Cellars – (Go.Soul.Map Remix)” (sample 3), a downtempo chillout reggae disco remix by Go.Soul.Map, is also exceptionally mellow. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

This album blends meditative, spiritual, and African rhythms—played on bass, synth, Fender Rhodes, the kalimba—all of which are played live—and electronic sounds, creating a hypnotic and highly addictive blend of crossover modern Balearic, Afrobeat, Brazilian, and jazz-funk with a refined dance groove. Drawing on his deep love for jazz and Black mu ...Read more (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)sic—which has led him to play an eclectic mix of hip-hop and acid jazz—he employs his signature urban-elegant style to seamlessly blend Afro/French Caribbean, Afro-Cuban/Latin jazz/Brazilian, American blues/ gospel and spiritual jazz, among others, into a magnificent Mediterranean crossover, Balearic chill-out sound with organic, tribal grooves that evoke the African continent—all captured in these four tracks. (Original Japanese text by COMPUMA)

Ned Doheny of West Coast Rock connections, 1976, produced by Steve Cropperup, a key figure in Southern Soul, and Don Henley and Glenn Frey of Tower of Power and Eagles. Produced by Steve Cropperup, a key figure in Southern Soul, with guest appearances by Don Henley and Glenn Frey of Tower of Power and Eagles, J.D. Souther, Rhonda Rochette and other ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Saito)s. The sweet sound of young blue eyed soul. A great album. The heavy synths and dazzling electric piano of "Get It up For You" is a Balearic rock classic! (Original Japanese text by Saito)

The opening title track, “Blue Bird,” features Keren Ilan, a singer originally from Vietnam who is now based in Israel, and traces the emotional journey from heartbreak to healing. From there, the album unfolds as an eight-track collection that fuses an organic, analog-driven sound—achieved through a composition process that eschews computers—with ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Adachi)a Balearic sense of floating, all under a theme the artist describes as “a strange state of mind and dub-oriented emotions.” Starting with a first half swaying to bluesy guitar, the second half casually traverses elements of house, downtempo, reggae, and left-field pop before returning to dub. A unique sonic journey that is quietly intense. (Original Japanese text by Adachi)

Tom Sharkett—who’s also hooked up with DFS and released a 12-inch on Test Pressing Recordings, exploring a dance-oriented approach—delivers a fantastic mix featuring drum-break-driven beats, a soft, psychedelic, ethereal vibe, and guitar work that perfectly complements the groove. The version by Bristol’s Minotaur Shock—beloved for their folk-elect ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Saito)ronica sound—is beatless and features a deeply immersive atmosphere; I highly recommend it alongside the original, which layers beatboxing and slide guitar. (Original Japanese text by Saito)

Set against the backdrop of Berlin and the coast of Tuscany, Italy, this work was born from a deep connection to the sea—a longing for it, and the landscapes encountered while spending time by the water, such as the light, the wind, the vegetation, and the spray of the waves. Combining synthesizers, electronics, and ambient sounds, drummer and perc ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Adachi)ussionist Lorenzo Setti—who collaborated on the project—plays a key role in shaping the rhythm of the entire album. A Balearic-ambient Mediterranean soundtrack where inspiration from jazz fusion and 1970s–1980s Italian library music drifts like a mirage. A world not too far removed from the films of Takeshi Kitano. A seaside vibe. (Original Japanese text by Adachi)

▫️information▫️
『Early Support from Macca, Chris Hawkins, Bill Brewster, Colleen "Cosmo" Murphy and many more

For Mondo Love & Betrayal, a duo formed of Neil ‘Nail’ Tolliday and Henry Claude Scott, the spark that lit their musical partnership was a shared love of classy synth-pop and the colourful and creativ ...Read moree end of 1980s dance-pop, it was an urge to scratch that itch, as much as a mutual admiration for each other’s work, that initially brought them together.

It would be fair to say that Tolliday and Scott have trodden different musical paths over the course of their respective careers. Tolliday, under the now familiar Nail alias and many others besides (A.M Vibe, Lucky Lime and Smoke to name just three), has become a respected figure on the UK electronic underground, renowned not only for the quality of his dancefloor-focused deep house productions (he was once a part of the extended DIY family) but also his passion for boundary-blurring experiments and albums of unusual electronica. He was, of course, also a member of renowned downtempo duo Bent alongside long-term collaborator Simon Mills.

Scott, on the other hand, is a guitarist, producer – and now reticent but talented frontman – who cut his teeth playing jazz. He initially rose to prominence via his Torn Sail collaboration with singer-songwriter Huw Costin, with the pair delivering folksy blasts of downtempo and Balearic brilliance for labels including Claremont 56 and NuNorthern Soul. Scott emphasised his musical credentials further alongside another fellow Nottingham resident and Constellations Workshop regular John ‘Ming’ Thompson as Brown Fang. The duo’s two albums to date blur the boundaries between downtempo, ambient, Balearic, krautrock and American minimalism, offering up sublime instrumental soundscapes.

When Tolliday and Scott first joined forces in the studio to record ‘Correspondence’, the song that inspired the wider Mondo Love & Betrayal project, it was obvious that a natural meeting point between their styles and influences was not only possible, but something they were both enthusiastic to pursue. Tolliday was keen to explore his own synth-pop influences while utilising Scott’s emotive and expressive falsetto vocals. As for Scott, it was a chance to showcase his songwriting skills and a more accessible, instinctive sound alongside an electronic music producer whose work he has admired for a long time.

The success of that first session sparked a partnership that looks set to sustain. Over 18 months, the duo recorded their self-titled debut album – a kaleidoscopic, vibrant and catchy collection of songs shot through with heartache, doubt, love and betrayal, wrapped in a veneer of mid-to-late-80s synth-pop, the stylistic ticks of New York club culture, and the wide-eyed, tactile intent of the UK’s ‘second summer of love’.

』

"Low Pressure in Paradise" (sample1) is a boogie house track that evokes the scent of a seaside sunset with its lively Latin percussion, funk bassline, lo-fi beatbox rhythms, and vintage synth string stabs. Other tracks include “Last Minute Staycation” (sample 2), a Balearic-flavored beach bar anthem where a synth flute that seems to have absorbed ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Akie)the sun’s rays blends with romantic keyboards and the light, swaying drumbeat interwoven with cowbells. (Original Japanese text by Akie)

The third release from Namu-based party and label 〈PROTO EXOTICA〉 is the debut release from CERRO, a new project by MATEO TORRES RODRIGUEZ! He produced this track in a makeshift studio set up at the table in the house where he spent his childhood during a trip back to Colombia, using just a few analog devices and a PC. Tracks like the downtempo dub ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Akie) “Unending Journey” (Sample 1)—where a polyphonic synth accompanies an emotional melody against a floating, undulating synth ambience—and “Power Of The Small” (Sample 3)—skillfully capturing the essence of dub and Balearic sounds with limited equipment. ANDRAS FOX—who helped spark the Melbourne movement under the aliases WILSON TANNER and BERKO—delivers a standout house remix (Sample 2) that weaves in a jazzy, lo-fi Rhodes piano solo while preserving the original track’s bouncy groove! (Original Japanese text by Akie)