Alex Gallacher
Alex Gallacher
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of KLOF Mag - I keep things running here and put together the playlists and mixes.
Jazzman Records take us on a deep dive into the resilient, often defiant, spiritual jazz of the Soviet Bloc. From the early 1960s to the precipice of the 1980s, the tracks curated here reveal a fascinating dialogue between global modernism and deeply rooted local traditions. A radical, intoxicating brew that “no amount of guns, tanks or polonium tea could overcome.”
Kathryn Williams has announced her 15th studio album, ‘Mystery Park’, due September 26th via One Little Independent Records. To mark the announcement, Williams has shared a new single, ‘Personal Paradise’, released alongside a video by Emma Holbrook. The album was created in collaboration with several trusted artists, including Leo Abrahams, Neill MacColl, Polly Paulusma, Chris Vatalaro, Ed Harcourt, David Ford, and Paul Weller.
Scottish-Indian artist Chloe Matharu’s new single, “A Sailor’s Prayer,” is a poignant tribute to seafarers lost at sea. Featuring her grandfather’s harmonium, the song serves to highlight the tragic history of maritime disasters and loss of life caused by overloaded vessels to deliberate scuttling and wartime destruction. Matharu, a former Merchant Navy officer, lends an authentic voice to modern seafarers, continuing the folk tradition of narrating working life through music.
Chicago’s Case Oats, fronted by the captivating Casey Gomez Walker, offers another enticing glimpse into their forthcoming debut album, Last Missouri Exit, with the release of their new single, “In a Bungalow.” Out August 22nd on Merge Records, the album promises a rich tapestry of sound, further highlighted by this pop-leaning, ’60s-style track.
Animal Collective have released “Love on the Big Screen,” marking the band’s first 2025 offering. Produced by Avey Tare and Adam McDaniel (Drop of Sun Studios founder), it’ll be on a 7″ vinyl single with B-side “Buddies on the Blackboard,” out August 1 via Domino. Watch the accompanying visualizer created by Danny Perez.
Madeline Kenney’s new single, “Semitones,” from Kiss from the Balcony (July 18th, Carpark Records), delves into the erosion of trust. This latest track showcases Kenney’s evolved sound, a product of collaboration and personal growth. Balancing dark lyrical themes with a hopeful melody, “Semitones” offers a compelling preview of her anticipated fifth album, affirming her unique voice.
Rocket Recordings is set to launch Rún’s self-titled debut on August 22nd. This powerful Irish trio—Tara Baoth Mooney, Diarmuid MacDiarmada, and Rian Trench—unleashes their lead single and video, “Terror Moon,” today. The track is a visceral maelstrom of thunderous percussion and potent chants, confronting themes of inhumanity. Expect a cathartic, elemental journey from this spiritually intrepid outfit, whose diverse influences converge to create something truly unprecedented.
Nadia Reid’s new stand-alone single, ‘Moment By,’ drops ahead of her Glastonbury Acoustic Stage slot on June 27th. Born from strolls through Dunedin’s Chingford Park during the pandemic, reflecting on childhood and a world in flux, it’s a powerful, nostalgic rumination, proving creative sparks can ignite even in the most unexpected times.
Cairo’s The Dwarfs Of East Agouza join Constellation Records for their new album, Sasquatch Landslide, out early October. Maurice Louca, Alan Bishop, and Sam Shalabi expand their telekinetic fusion of North African rhythm, free jazz, and psychedelic groove. New single, “Neptune Anteater,” offers a captivating preview of their kinetic trance sound.
On his 90th birthday, minimalist titan Terry Riley has gifted the world an ethereal new Raga, “Komal Reshab Asavari.” This profound piece, co-presented by Red Hot Org and the Kronos Quartet, reflects on the teachings of Riley’s guru, Pandit Pran Nath, with the core essence that “nothing will remain.” It’s a timely artistic response to existential challenges, released ahead of a Kronos Quartet project speaking out against nuclear war.