Spotlight

Astral Daze - Psychedelic South African Rock 1968-1972.
This real collectors item features 18 classic, rare and obscure tracks from the heydays of South African Psychedelic Rock. 16 of these tracks have never previously been released on official CD.

Omega Limited - The Boy & The Bee

The band Abstract Truth existed only for a very short time, but it was a time of super-creativity. They played a fusion of blues, folk, jazz and Eastern music and lifted South African pop of the early 70's from the syrupy blare of bubblegum music to new heights of progressive rock.

Abstract Truth - Blue Wednesday Speaks

The recent rediscovery of Falling Mirror by legions of new media and fans led to an series of incredible sold out live shows, a film documentary and the realization by all and sundry of just how important Falling Mirror's unique music is to South Africa's cultural heritage. To celebrate this awakening, and poignantly guitarist Allan Faull's untimely death during the recording of a new album, the release of “Hystorical” stands as a landmark to one of the most innovative rock bands of all time. It's the first retrospective to include songs from not only the band's 4 recognised albums but the first to feature key tracks from the mythical, hereunto commercially unreleased “Hammerhead Hotel” album. Sonically re-mastered by long time producer (and erstwhile 'fourth' band member) Tully McCully with artwork by drummer Patrick Humphries, “Hystorical” is a welcome addition to Falling Mirror's remarkable canon of work.

Falling Mirror - Then It Turns Around

For the first time ever…a 59 track, 3 CD set of the cream of South African rock, from the early '70s through to the '90s….Killer tunes from the likes of Evoid, Tribe after Tribe, Stingray, Hawk, Baxtop, The Sweatband, Squeal, Freedoms Children, Ellamental, Wild Youth, Julian Laxton and many more. 

Radio Rats - ZX Dan

Ella Mental - Pressure (I'm Getting Stronger)

Tribe After Tribe - As I Went Out One Morning (Damsel)

Hedgehoppers - Hey!

Robbi Robb-guitars, vocals / Dino Archon-bass, vocals / Steve Howells-drums

Asylum Kids - Fight It With Your Mind

`70s prog rock with elements of psych, folk and free jazz.

Abstract Truth - Pollution

The Dynamics - Thugs

Rare sole 1971 album by African influenced progressive rock band which included members of The Bats and The Square Set; elements of pastoral flute / pennywhistle tinged folk mixed with psych guitar, jazz rock brass, soulful vocals and thundering percussion. Comparisons with Vertigo prog rockers Jade Warrior, early Gravy Train, Assegai and jazz rockers like Chicago and Greatest Show on Earth. 

Impi - Sun

"Innocent Child" was originally released in 1995 on the "Wicked Wonder" album. Available on "Wild Warriors  - The Complete Arapaho" CD compilation, released in 2006.

Arapaho - Innocent Child

Volume 3 of our acclaimed Astral Daze series find us in the company of some well known 'underground' bands (Freedom's Children, Abstract Truth, The Bats) and some lesser known luminaries of the psych rock era (The Gentle People, Finder's Keepers, 004's, Wakeford Hart). The compilation is rounded off with some real classics including engineer Peter Pearlson's 2011 remix of Hawk's ‘Here comes the sun’ and Sharon Tandy's psych collaboration with UK rockers Fleur De Lys. 

Hawk  - Here Comes The Sun (remix)

Released for the first time on CD is the long awaited retrospective of South Africa's legendary original punk band, Wild Youth. This massive 23 track set includes all of Wild Youth's late 70`s seminal singles, live and demo tracks plus several songs from the band's alter ego outfit, The Gay Marines. Wild Youth are prominently featured in the film documentary “Punk in Afrika”, currently showing in key US and European film festivals. 

Wild Youth - Wot About Me

RETRO FRESH is an imprint label dedicated to the preservation of classic South African pop & rock music of the last 30 years ... each release, many available for the first time on cd, has been digitally remastered with bonus tracks including live, studio out takes, demos and unreleased songs. Where possible the original artwork has been retained but has been extended to include great pics, in-depth liner notes written by some of the country's leading music journalists, rare memorabilia and artist commentary. All releases are artist approved.

So from the Afro rock sounds of Hawk and the bluesy wail of Otis Waygood to the ethotronic funk of éVoid and the psychotic psychedelia of Falling Mirror RETRO FRESH brings you the best musical memories... 

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