Review: London-based imprint Claremont 56 presents a selection of classics from the label over the last 15 years (2007-2022). Expect the lo-slung and slo-mo fringes of downbeat, balearic and cosmic music with highlights coming from label founders Smith & Mudd who kick things off with "The Start", Jex Opolis getting some late-night boogie-down vibes in effect on his remix of Paraiso's "Teu Sorriso", legend Felix Dickinson ventures into deep chug territory on his Passport Control Mix of Alumnia's "Travel", the one-and-only Joe Claussell gets those spiritual and emotive feelings channelled into Hillside's "Walpole Days" Sacred Rhythm Mix. Plus, there's even a bit of lo-fi German indie from Bambi Davidson on "Brunswick".
Review: When it comes to contemporary Balearica, nobody does it quite as well as Paul 'Mudd' Murphy's Claremont 56 label. This debut album from newcomers Almunia - Leonardo Ceccanto and Gianluca Salvadori - is a great example. While it ticks many of the 'nu-Balearic' boxes - slo-mo, dubbed-out disco grooves, an ear for the atmospheric and an obsession with cut-glass guitar frippery - it's not your average Balearic by numbers full-length. For every moment of sweet, Smith and Mudd-ish semi-acoustic groovery (see "Until She Comes"), there are three or four others that revolve around echo-laden Peter Green style blues licks, druggy rhythms and contemporary psychedelic wizardry. This off-kilter mix of dark and light elements gives New Moon an attractively intoxicating feel throughout.
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