NAILS FAILS SALES MALES part. 3 MONEY LAUNDERING FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING

Jonas Rathsman announces his latest offering with cutting-edge innovators Crosstown Rebels. ‘Complex’ featuring Josef Salvat is released on 10th June 2016.

This is a tech-blues odyssey, an introverts primal scream, where complex emotions and urges are vented and perfectly complemented by Rathsman’s explorations into the dark corners of electronic music. Enjoy the journey. With the release only in the hands of a select few tastemaker DJs, ‘Complex’ has been making waves at the recent Miami Winter Music Conference, “receiving hands in the air welcomes and even a sit down ovation” according to label boss Damian Lazarus. ‘Complex’ is set to be the first underground anthem of 2016.

The release comes with two carefully chosen remixes. First up is Swiss techno stalwart Deetron, who steers the song into percussive acid oblivion while Serge Devant offers up his deep house expertise for a dramatic and driving offbeat cut.

With his instantly recognisable sound, Jonas has found praise the world over for his keen ear and transcendent sets, which have captivated listeners on both the international club and festival scenes.

Following his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, Rathsman continues to showcase his technical capabilities and impressive track selection with his bi-monthly mix series ‘ELEMENTS’, now on its fourth instalment.

Complex

Jonas Rathsman feat. Josef Salvat - Complex (Serge Devant Remix)

Out now on 12" & digital release - 
Juno - http://bit.ly/CRM165
Phonica - http://bit.ly/CRM-165
Beatport - http://bit.ly/CRM_165
Deejay - http://bit.ly/crm-165

Creative partnership Audiofly are the next to release on Crosstown Rebels with the show stopping ‘In The (Last) Moment’ featuring the angelic voice of Georgia Lewis. The release comes complete with a steadfast remix from Germany’s Robag Wruhme.

‘In the (Last) Moment’ sets the foundation with broken chuggy beats as intricate layers and grumbling pads unfold beneath the beautiful sounds of Georgia’s voice. Audiofly explain that, "sometimes it’s nice to not have to write the usual peak time bomb, with this one we followed our hearts and the vibe of young vocalist Georgia Lewis and what emerged was a sunrise moment."

With 13 years behind them Anthony Middleton and Luca Saporito AKA Audiofly have established a creative empire, which includes two record labels and their Flying Circus global party brand, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year with a world tour. Working harder than ever, a second artist album is in the works following on from 2011 long-player ‘Follow My Liebe’.

Industry veteran Robag Wruhme has more recently had releases on the likes of Kompakt and Pampa Records. Here he makes an imprint on Crosstown Rebels with this epic remix that fuses elated synths and industrial elements over solid rolling percussion.

In The Last Moment

Audiofly feat. Georgia Lewis - In The (Last) Moment (Robag's Ponk Pramen NB Remix)

Having had the best year to date for Damian Lazarus's Crosstown Rebels label, we compile an exclusive playlist for i-D magazine of some of our favourite tracks of of 2011. Forthcoming for 2012 are albums from Amirali, Jamie Jones, Fur Coat, Maceo Plex, Art Dept and Deniz Kurtel plus check the new Rebel Rave 2 compilation out now.

Pick up your copy here: http://www.beatport.com/label/crosstown-rebels/1328

Maceo Plex - Can't Leave You

Out now on digital and vinyl release - 
Juno - http://bit.ly/CRM-170
Phonica - http://bit.ly/CRM_170
Deejay - http://bit.ly/crm_170
Beatport - http://bit.ly/CRM170
Spotify - http://bit.ly/You_Know_Right

One of the most charismatic pioneers of UK dance music, Skream, is back on the visionary label that is Crosstown Rebels. The momentous ‘You Know, Right?’ has been avidly searched for since it’s inception and will finally be released in November 2016.

This two track EP contains two innovative productions from the musical chameleon, pushing the boundaries of genre once again with breakbeat percussion, potent keys and a garage style vocal on the monstrous ‘You Know, Right’. The EP also features the techno soundscape ‘Minor Smooth’ on the B-side, which also is going down a storm.

We last saw Skream on Crosstown Rebels last year with the epic ‘Still Lemonade’, which gained high critical acclaim. Keeping the standards high the truly individual ‘You Know, Right?’ has already been heavily supported this summer by Jackmaster, Jamie Jones, Annie Mac, Steve Lawler and Damian Lazarus amongst others.

Starting out as one of dubstep’s first most prominent and prolific producers, Skream went on to achieve commercial success and critical acclaim with Magnetic Man alongside Artwork and Benga reaching no.5 in the UK Album Chart and reaching no.10 in the UK Singles Chart. More recently he has been releasing on his label Of Unsound Mind and as a sought after remixer on labels such as Boysnoize Records, Hot Creations and Watergate Records.

Skream - You Know, RIght

Out now on digital and vinyl -
Beatport - bit.ly/CRM173
Juno - bit.ly/CRM-173
Phonica - bit.ly/CRM_173
Deejay - bit.ly/crm_173

The enchanting and notorious Satori unveils Imani’s Dress, the first snippet of his forthcoming album due for release this Spring on the illustrious Crosstown Rebels, with Matthew Dear and Ewan Pearson providing hefty remixes.

Satori is no ordinary producer and live artist. Born to a Serbian father and South African mother, the man behind the instrument is a meditative music-lover on a deeply spiritual journey. Creating melodies on the piano, kora, kalimba, and guitar, his live shows are mind-altering.

Imani's Dress was the spark for the creation of Satori’s debut album after Damian Lazarus heard it and requested to hear more from the visionary artist. Hungry and eager, Satori locked himself in a secluded studio and finished the album, and soon after it was signed to it’s spiritual home, Crosstown Rebels.

DJ and production heavyweight Matthew Dear’s remix is a skillful demon that illustrates why he is a pivotal artist in the electronic music arena. Ewan Pearson’s remix is an ode to the guitar. Creating music for over two decades, here his warm riffs are infused with soothing synths and a meticulous groove.

Satori (NL)

Imani's Dress

Satori - Imanis Dress

Out now on vinyl and digital - 
Beatport - http://bit.ly/CRM175
Juno - http://bit.ly/_CRM175
Phonica - http://bit.ly/CRM_175

Man O To from the elusive producer NU is finally set to be released as a single on Crosstown Rebels. Since its inclusion on Acid Pauli’s Get Lost Compilation in 2012 the track has clocked up tens of millions of Youtube hits and now heralds in a much coveted artist album due later this year. Remix treatment comes from Parisian producer ​Pépé Bradock and live artist Be Svendsen.

A nomad of modern times, ​NU​ has travelled the continents with his diverse music to unearth his imitable style. Repres​ented heavily in ​Man O To, where instruments amalgamate with electronic production to become solid rhythms. An extra spark come from its lyrics, outtakes from an old Persian poem from the well known poet Rumi, who speaks of true happiness in love here performed by Ghazal Shakeri from an original recording made by renowned French composer Armand Amar.

Julien Auger aka ​Pépé Bradock​ is a widely respected producer best known for his anthemic releases on French label Kif Recordings which are still sampled heavily to this day. As a DJ, he has spun in almost every major club in the world and is known for his versatile, and mesmerising style. Bradock conjures a trippy remix and dub version of ​Man O To and fitting ode to the original.

Be Svendsen​ aka Lasse Bruhn Svendsen broke through into the international scene in 2014 with a series of productions and enchanting live performances at some of the most avant garde places to play on the earth, such as BOOM festival, Fusion, Burning Man, Symbiosis, Rainbow Serpent and AfrikaBurn. ​“‘Man O To’ is a track that has touched th​ e hearts of many, including my own,’ Svendsen explained.​ ‘Being asked to add a new chapter to its story is both an honor and my greatest challenge to date.”

Man O To

NU - Man O To

Out now on vinyl and digital - http://lnk.to/CRM178

Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons return to Crosstown Rebels with the iconic I Found You, remixed by Black Coffee and former resident of Trouw Patrice Bäumel.

Lazarus closed his Day Zero festival in Mexico with I Found You back in January, and since then it has become one of his most requested tracks. His magical live project The Ancient Moons was first unleashed in 2014 with Lover’s Eyes (Mohe Pi Ki Najariya) and followed in 2015 by the highly acclaimed album, A Message From The Other Side, co-produced with James Ford. Since then, Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons have travelled the world with their highly immersive live show, supported Roisin Murphy on tour and played at Glastonbury festival and Melt! amongst others.

The Fader labelled The Ancient Moons “a journey into techno’s dreamiest recesses” and the four piece have been continually shrouded in mystery. Last year Lazarus and his collection of musicians retreated into the Italian countryside and started work on new and self-produced material. The Ancient Moons brings together Zulu on vocals, Ben Chetwood on electronics, and Rob Gentry on keyboards. I Found You is the first fruits of their labour. Continuing a path first started by the band’s anthemic single Vermillion, I Found You is intensely soulful, warm and paired with anthemic vocals from singer Zulu. This the first of a string of tracks from the band in 2017.

Lazarus comments: “This is the first time I've created music in a band situation and I loved every moment of it. I decided to make the new music as a collective and the four of us have created magic. The energy that we enjoyed from beginning to end of this process was electric."

Champion of the South African electronic scene Black Coffee supplies the first remix, and takes I Found You to new dimensions. This is a rare remix outing from this pioneering South African DJ. Amsterdam based Patrice Bäumel is a former resident of the now legendary Trouw and has released on Get Physical, Systematic, Diynamic, Kompakt and My Favorite Robot among others. Patrice adds complexity and takes things deeper and more atmospheric. It’s quite the package.

Label: Crosstown Rebels | Released: 28th April 2017 | Distribution: Above Board | Cat no: CRM178

A1 I Found You
A2 I Found You (Black Coffee Journey Remix)
B1 I Found You (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Damian Lazarus & The Ancient Moons

I Found You

Damian Lazarus & The Ancuent Moons - I Found You (Patrice Bäumel Remix)

Out now on digital release - https://lnk.to/RBL043

Be Svendsen gets set to release the enchanting Twilight in Tankwa on Rebellion following his successful remix of NU’s Man O To on sister label Crosstown Rebels. Remix treatment comes courtesy of Berlin native Nico Stojan. 
 
Twilight in Tankwa is a mystical and musical journey that Be Svendsen explains “is the result of decades long intimate relationship with outdoor rhythmic dance experience. The foundation of the track is rooted in a synth hook from the early 50's. The vocal, inspired by a barbershop quartet, work to give it the character of a true desert hymn."
 
The remix comes from Nico Stojan who twists a fresh melody into the original over driving undertones. Having honed his musical style as resident at the infamous Bar25 in Berlin, he has also released on labels like Highgrade, Connaisseur and Upon You records.
 
Equally alluring, second original track Scarecrow was brought about by AYAWAKE who wrote and recorded the vocals. He generously passed on to Be who honored it as the crown work of his cowboy-tech-tribute to the Ennio Morricone soundtracks of the late 60's. 
Be Svendsen aka Lasse Bruhn Svendsen broke through into the international scene in 2014 with a series of productions and enchanting live performances at some of the most avant garde places to play on the earth, such as BOOM festival, Fusion, Burning Man, Symbiosis, Rainbow Serpent and AfrikaBurn.

Be Svendsen & AYAWAKE - Scarecrow

Out now on vinyl and digital - https://lnk.to/CRM183

Following two monumental releases on Crosstown Rebels, Serge Devant is back onboard the label to deliver one of his best to date. The immensely sensual Thinking Of You sees him team up once again with Damiano and Camille Safiya with invigorating remixes from heavy-weights Reboot and Art Department.

Serge Devant has been turning heads since the seminal Fearing Love feat. Camille Safiya dropped in 2015 on Emerald City, picking up the Best Music Video award at the 2016 Hollywood Independent Reel Film Festival. Serge reveals “it was so nice to have the same company back in the studio to work on more magic!” Thinking Of You breathes the air of summer with its blissfully smooth chords and deep hypnotic tones it’s another winner from Serge.

Welcomed back onto Crosstown Rebels, No.19 boss Jonny White aka Art Department delivers a raw, techno cut in his Modular Perspective remix. Jonny has seen almost unparalleled success in the world of dance music and continues to be at the forefront of the industry with a huge focus on his record labels and his in-demand label showcases that take the name of his vinyl only label, Social Experiment.

Frankfurt’s Reboot brings his flavour to the release with intricate percussion and deep underlying pads. Growing up in Sven Vath’s Omen Club, the talented musician now spearheads the ‘new sound of Frankfurt’ and has released on a wealth of labels like Circus, Moon Harbour, Cadenza and Get Physical.

Serge Devant & Damiano C feat. Camille Safiya

Thinking of You

Serge Devant - Thinking Of You feat. Camille Safiya (Serge Devant's Floor Cut)

Serge Devant - Thinking Of You feat. Camille Safiya

Out now on vinyl and digital --> https://lnk.to/CRM186

Bedouin is the Brooklyn-based production and DJ partnership between nomads Rami Abousabe and Tamer Malki. Bringing their unique spell of melodies and rhythms to Crosstown Rebels, they deliver their cover version of the famous Pink Floyd classic, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun. Guy Gerber also steps in to deliver a deeply mystical dance floor remix.

Sharing an eclectic sonic vision that pulls from diverse influences owing to their Middle Eastern heritage, Western upbringing, and world travels, here Bedouin deliver some of their best productions to date. “Getting the chance to play the song to Pink Floyd’s drummer Nick Mason personally and him liking it was very exciting for us. We're also happy to have the very talented and our good friend Guy Gerber to be the first ever to remix one of our tracks. The b-side, ‘Guacamole’, is an original track conceived in Mexico and made for the dance floor.”

In 2016, as well as touring the world extensively, Bedouin curated a compilation entitled Kindisch Stories and had the honour of recording an Essential Mix for Pete Tong’s BBC Radio 1 show. 2017 saw the launch of their brand SAGA at Heart Ibiza, where they turn Ibiza Sundays into a mirage of musical odysseys. Guy Gerber also runs his highly successful Rumors party in Ibiza on Sundays, which takes the same name as his acclaimed record label.

Bedouin - Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun

Out now on vinyl & digital release - https://lnk.to/CRM204

LEON and Dennis Cruz join forces to create a stomper of a track, dropping on Crosstown Rebels this September. The inimitable Ewan Pearson steps up to create his own unique take on the record. 

The original version of My Hood lays down a heady, sleazy groove with a womping baseline and dizzying synths, featuring vocals from BETA MAX. The legendary Ewan Pearson takes the track in a whole new direction, pitching it down and adding a slice of funk to proceedings with a groove laden guitar riff. Prolific producer Pearson has been making records since the mid-nineties, providing remixes for the Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Goldfrapp and Metronomy as well as releasing his own productions under a number of guises on imprints such as Visionquest and Kompakt. The record looks set to be a massive release for Crosstown Rebels and has already become a huge anthem in Damian Lazarus’ sets this summer. 

Italian born producer LEON has produced for a number of seminal imprints including Relief Records and Monologue Music and has remixed for the likes of Audiofly and Ninetoes. He can count sets at some of the world’s most valued clubs and festivals including; Pacha, Ministry Of Sound, Zouk and Sunwaves. Dennis Cruz’s creations have earnt him high praise from esteemed outlets such as Mixmag, BBC Radio 1 and DJ Mag. He’s played at renowned institutions Fabric and Privilege and has released on key labels such as Solid Grooves, Hot Creations and Moon Harbour. He was also awarded the coveted accolade of Best Producer in the 2017 DJ Awards.

My Hood

Dennis Cruz & Leon - My Hood

Out now on vinyl & digital release - https://lnk.to/CRM207

Following on from the success of last year’s ​Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun​, Bedouin are back on Crosstown with two original and evocative creations.

“‘Wastelands’ is a special one for us that carries a message about the journey of humanity. ‘Flamma’, was made with the dance floor in mind using live percussive elements with a Hurdy-gurdy lead played by Guilhem Desq who flew from Toulouse to London to record last winter.”- Bedouin 

Wastelands sets the precedence for the EP with its melancholic ambience and poignant lyrics delivered from one half of the duo Rami. Flamma adopts heavier instrumental sections that create an eerie atmosphere with a pensive and dramatic build up. 

Brooklyn-based nomads Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe together form the DJ and production partnership of Bedouin. ​Since its incarnation, they’ve achieved notable success, with Mixmag naming them their number one Breakthrough Act of 2017. In the same year they launched their hugely successful residency, Saga, at Ibiza’s Heart. They’ve brought their distinct sound to a number of hot labels including Get Physical, Supernature, Cityfox, Kindisch and All Day I Dream. With their diverse musical influences clear in their productions, Bedouin look set to open up their sound to all the far-flung corners of the world.

FB: facebook.com/BedouinOfficial/
Insta: www.instagram.com/bedouin_official/
SC: soundcloud.com/bedouin-official
Twitter: twitter.com/Bedouin_Music

Wastelands

Bedouin - Wastelands

Out now on vinyl / digital - lnk.to/CRM211

The powerful duo of Audiojack enter 2019 with a bang, returning to Crosstown Rebels once again. Delivering two distinct dancefloor tracks, their ​Inside My Head E​ P ​is set to make an impact across the globe.

Title track ​Inside My Head i​ s a deep and spellbinding production, woozy and enthralling with a pulsating beat and catchy vocal hook. On the flip, ​Behind The Curtain ​is a darker, more industrial affair with a gritty drum section and an enticing groove.

Audiojack explain that ​“‘Inside My Head’ was inspired by an old prog record from the 90s that used the same vocal. ‘Behind The Curtain’ is based around random noise generators and industrial sounds, which give it a very robotic feel. Then the distorted Wurlitzer piano comes in like a human rebellion against the machines and the track becomes a tete-a-tete between the two concepts”.

Audiojack ​began life over a decade ago on Ralph Lawson’s seminal imprint 20/20 Vision. Since then Underworld, Groove Armada and Hot Since 82 are among the artists who have enlisted them for remix duties. They began their own highly regarded imprint, Gruuv, more than eight years ago and the label has charted releases from ​artists including ​Emanuel Satie, David Mayer, Marc Romboy, Stimming and Joyce Muniz. The duo’s energetic DJ sets have seen them play in hundreds of cities in over sixty countries and they’ve also been nominated in the DJ Mag Best Of British Awards as well as recording a coveted Radio 1 Essential Mix.

Audiojack - Inside My Head

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: https://lnk.to/CRM222

Alex Dimou makes a welcome debut on Crosstown Rebels with What Keeps You There with two great remixes from Cevin Fisher and Avidus.

The EP begins with the enchanting nature of What Keeps You There. A prominent piano roll opens proceedings, with Vili’s moving vocals soon introduced over a chugging bassline. Cevin Fisher’s remix of the title track comes next. A more driving minimal house take on the lead record, subtle kicks converge on rustling percussion, before Vili’s emotive vocals once again form a poignantly heartfelt production. Avidus provide a dance floor-ready rework of the original, that features a mechanical sounding synth and an echoing, electric breakdown, before the EP is rounded off with Let It Be Known, a four-to-the-floor, pumping house cut made up of strong kicks and driving pads.

Alex Dimou is a producer, DJ and remixer whose career has seen him perform all around the global circuit. As a remixer, he has collaborated with the likes of Maya Jane Coles and M.A.N.D.Y, whilst his own releases have found a home on Jamie Jones’ Hottrax as well as renowned Berlin imprint Get Physical Music. Legendary American producer Cevin Fisher has been releasing standout records since 1995, achieving five entries in the UK singles chart between 1998 and 2001. German duo Avidus are regulars on Crosstown Rebels, and continue to run their own imprint Empore Music, which was launched in 2015.

Alex Dimou - What Keeps You There (Avidus Remix)

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/CRM228

Following previous impressive releases on Crosstown Rebels and sister label Rebellion, Armenian talent DAVI presents another fine display of his artistry on the spellbinding Lie Machine. Hot UK pairing Gorgon City bring their distinctive energetic brand of house to the remix.

Lie Machine opens with a delicate rhythm of bongos, combined with an undercurrent of murmuring bass and deep piano chords. The tension is built, before the introduction of DAVI’s soulful vocals and glistening synth, telling a melodic and emotive story of heartbreak. UK duo Gorgon City control the remix, adding their unique blend of addictive bass-driven house to the original and demonstrating why their sound has gained such global popularity.

Davi - Lie Machine

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/CRM241

Just weeks after releasing his new studio album Flourish, Damian Lazarus returns with two cinematic remixes of the lauded Jem Cooke collaboration ‘Into The Sun’. Damian carefully chose two of modern electronic music’s most celebrated producers to reimagine the original, welcoming unique takes from Mano Le Tough and Nathan Fake. 

Lazarus remains a curator fixated on showcasing new sounds and emerging talent in everything he does. Much like his tenure breaking artists and pushing boundaries through the influence of Crosstown Rebels, he has brought an innate sense of purpose to Flourish’s remix selection. 

The package leads with the distinctly delicate touch of Mano Le Tough, an Irishman who’s quest for deeper dancefloors has made him one of scene’s most in demand artists. Mano’s Crosstown debut adds to an already decorated discography across labels like Pampa, Permanent Vacation and his own Maeve. Adorned with his signature pitch bending and uniquely layered percussion, his remix retains the hopefulness embodied by the original while priming it for the return of rave. 

Nathan Fake brings a different set of tools to the package, wielding a sense of grit and atmosphere that can be heard throughout his Blizzards album released this year on his own Cambria Instruments. His remix retains the broken beat energy and haunting mood of ‘Into The Sun’ while remapping its melody for both beauty and cadence. It is this elevated understanding of texture and suspense that has earned mainstay status from Ninja Tune and Border Community, while attracting remixes for Radiohead, Jon Hopkins and Tiefschwarz to name a few.

Damian Lazarus & Jem Cooke - Into The Sun (Mano Le Tough Remix)

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: lnk.to/CRM242

The latest installment in the Crosstown Rebels release schedule sees Circus club resident James Organ make a standout debut on the label. Titled Secrets, the EP welcomes Spanish mainstay Dennis Cruz as remixer of the lead track.

“It was a real moment for me when Damian picked the EP up and signed it almost straight away. It’s been a very exciting time, and I’m incredibly proud to be releasing this record as my final EP of the year.” James Organ. The original of Secrets Feat. Pablo:Rita leads the charge, as dubby, minimal-laced melodies reside atop an infectious lead bassline, with Pablo:Rita’s soothing vocals completing the enchanting nature of the track. Dennis Cruz’s remix swiftly arrives and brings with it a darker flavour, as thick kicks converge on spacious hats to form a stripped-back, late-night club cut, before the mind-bending sounds of Moons Of Gaza rounds things off with a subtle acid-twinged backbone and warming key changes.

Liverpool’s James Organ has experienced a meteoric rise ever-since his residency at Merseyside institution Circus. In recent times, the young artist has garnered acclaim through releases on labels such as Knee Deep In Sound and Sasha’s Last Night On Earth, whilst the esteemed likes of Pete Tong and Danny Howard have picked him up for regular BBC Radio 1 play. Label-head of Spanish imprint Muse, Dennis Cruz has established himself as one of contemporary house music’s leading figures with several impressive releases on the likes of Solid Grooves and Snatch records, alongside club and festival appearances at London’s Printworks, Ibiza’s Pacha and America’s Resistance to name a few.

James Organ - Secrets feat. Pablo:Rita (Dennis Cruz Remix)

Out now on Crosstown Rebels: ffm.to/krustctr

On 6th November Bristolian master Krust presents 'The Edge Of Everything' – his first album in 14 years. The pre-eminent electronic icon – who continuously blew minds throughout the 90s and 00s – has returned from a 10 year hiatus rejuvenated and artistically freed.

He took time out to explore liberating new philosophical, mental and creative processes, then employed an approach he describes as “80% psychology and 20% mechanics”, to strive for something authentically unique and original. And the results really show; this is Krust as futurist revisionist, on his best ever form, making exhilarating standout music of depth and substance, which sounds unlike anything else.

Inspired by everything from Christopher Nolan to Hegel, Martin Scorsese to The Kabbalah, Krust is ready to shake things up with his wildly engrossing new sonics. On this multi-layered masterpiece parallel threads run simultaneously, operating as gripping fantasy tale, profound trip into Ego death and rebirth, deeply personal expression, and all-inclusive proposal for the improvement of creativity and global society.

‘The Edge Of Everything’ is as much a movie as it is an album, with a combination of adventure and brains that shares DNA with the metaphysical blockbuster ‘Inception.’ In turns psychological thriller, action romp and sci fi space opus, the album has a narrative arc which charts a physical, mental and spiritual journey to far beyond and back, full of detours and levels.

The record champions embracing the unknown and tackling the uncomfortably unfamiliar, with an unnamed protagonist at the precipice, with no choice but to take a leap of faith. Diving headfirst into the unexplored realms, a perilous quest of self-discovery is undertaken, before finally returning home, forever changed for the better. “This is something everyone is the world is faced with now; as we enter the abyss of unprecedented times, uncertainty and turmoil, we have to face the reality of our future and adapt”, comments Krust.

He adds, “even if we’re dragged kicking and screaming, we’re going into a new world, whether we like it or not. Some people don’t want change and are reluctant to do something different, but in myself and others I'm pushing forward to show our capabilities and say that we don’t need be afraid. We have to embrace change, come to terms with life in a different way, and find different approaches. We need to take risks.

It's the same with certain scenes and genres, which musicians shouldn’t feel handcuffed to. We shouldn’t try and maintain the status quo – it's gone now anyway! Do we want new and wonderful, or more of the same? We’re going into new world kicking and screaming, whether we like it or not. We're at a fork in the road and there’s no way back.”

Although a universal hero/heroine, it’s possible the protagonist is an avatar of Krust himself, who following a breakdown left his familiar world of music and entered uncharted territory. “I walked away, took a stap back to discover new things and re-think. I went on retreats and workshops, meditated, studied beliefs and neuro-linguistic programming, and thought a lot about creativity and consciousness. I had to really consider, ‘who is Kirk Thompson’?”

When making the album, Krust shattered his usual preconceptions, life patterns and working methods; he scattered them across the galaxy, explored the unknown, gathered the shards, and returned – reassembling them into brand new fantastical shapes.

NAILS FAILS SALES MALES part. 3 MONEY LAUNDERING FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING

FERRYMAN OF HADES (The Fool)