New Jersey house don Kerri Chandler is rightfully lauded as a hero of the scene. He continues to pour his heart and soul into every record and imbue his music with real-world emotions that elevate his tunes. He is of course a master of a deep but driving sound that borrows from soul, funk and jazz in ignitible ways. The third volume of his Lost & Found EP series on his own label Kaoz Theory is packed with more gold, from the slinky depths of 'Let It (Give Me Back My Love)' to the soul staring vocal work of 'Another Dawn' via more paired back sounds on 'The Bassline' (Kerri Dark mix) and the percussive energy of 'The Breeze.' Yet another essential Kerri 12" for your collection.

Swiss producer and DJ Lea Lisa gathers together some of her favorite tracks to play out with in a double pack compilation for Favorite Recordings. As you might be able to tell from some of the artists and tracks on here, Lea likes her house music deep, tracky, sometimes soulful and verging on proper techno. Featured here are key tracks like 'Ekeyz' from Pure Science, the club mix of 'Be There' by Kerri Chandler and 'Blax Thanxs' by Abacus. One very desirable addition is the early 90s gem 'Emotional' by Think. This very strong gathering of deep house tracks may be one of the best this year. Act quick and grab a copy.

Vampire Survivors Vol. 1, the soundtrack to Poncle's indie hit, receives a fitting tribute with this 2xLP vinyl release from iam8bit. Composed by Daniele Zandara and Will Davies, the music perfectly encapsulates the game's blend of roguelike bullet-hell action and gothic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from classic vampire-slaying franchises while exploring modern soundscapes, the result is a synthesis of epic, nostalgic, and unexpected tunes filled with rad riffs and high-impact drum fills. The vinyl edition, pressed on Blood Splatter Red Vinyl, not only complements the game's theme but also adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Illustrator Nimit Malavia's cover art captures the essence of Vampire Survivors, elevating the release to a bodacious and badass masterpiece. iam8bit's commitment to nostalgia and new-wave sensibilities shines through in this release, appealing to fans of retro gaming and contemporary music listeners.

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Ceremony-Buddha Meet Rock remains a captivating enigma from the early seventies Japanese underground scene. Composers Yusuke Hoguchi and Naoki Tachikawa lead the charge, crafting an album deeply rooted in the flower power counterculture, infused with mysticism, and adorned with trippy guitar work, creating an otherworldly sonic journey. Opening with a rendition of David Axelrod's 'Holy Thursday' ,the album sets a mesmerizing tone that persists throughout. Buddha chants permeate the tracks, adding layers of spiritual depth to the ancestral musical performances. Originally released in 1971, Ceremony-Buddha Meet Rock remains a shining light to the era's experimental spirit and artistic innovation. Its originality and enduring impact solidify its place as a standout gem from the eastern musical landscape of the time.

Born To Expire is the debut album by New York City band Leeway. Renowned as leaders of the crossover thrash charge in the mid 1980s, the local fountainhead, their early-days genius, was none other than that exalted club of legend, CBGB. Though the bands they ran with saw them as odd ones out for their originality - it was indeed their sweats that led to the coinage 'crossover thrash' at all - it was this very incongruence that saw to their popularity. In hindsight, lead guitarist and songwriter A.J. Novello described his delight at the album's success, boastful of its totally metallic sound and the one that "rewrote the book on New York hardcore".

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