Having previously recently on Slugabed’s Activia Benz label, Sega Bodega has earned plenty of shine for his monthly Soundtrack Series on NTS, with each episode focusing on the sounds that define film and television OSTs. He was also responsible for mixing the first installment of Radio Ghibli on NTS in January — a series of shows dedicated to exploring the works of iconic Japanese animated film-makers, Studio Ghibli.

2016 saw Sega Bodega also produce tracks for Chicago rapper, Mikey Dollaz, and Shygirl, who he collaborates again with here on his debut Crazylegs record, ESS B. At six tracks long, the EP is as wild as it gets, with each nodding to a different, hybrid strain of contorted and rebellious club music.

The calming, blissful melodies of ambient opener, ‘ESS B’, act only as a primer for the onslaught of crunchy, industrial beats that follow,‘NSFW’ for example, while on lead single ‘CC’, Shygirl narrates a garish, screeching melee of sound. ‘Bush Baby’ then explores a deft, beat-less landscape, while final tracks ‘3310’ and ‘Strings In April’ tip their hats to the hi-def, trap sounds that alerted Mikey Dollaz to Sega Bodega as a distinguished beatmaker in his own right.

Listen to '3310' here

Following from their acclaimed Three Mothers Part 1 album in 2015, London genre-busters The Vultures are releasing the anticipated second part on April 14th, via independent label Ciao Ketchup Recordings. Comprising of three part vocals, cello, violin, viola, bass and drums, London sextet The Vultures say they’re on a mission to “breath fresh life into rock n’ roll”.

The concise conclusion to their story is an avant-garde medley of Serge Gainsbourg-influenced story-telling and baroque musical arrangements. With gothic themes and cinematic sounds, Three Mothers Part Two invites the listener into the bands own world, one created by layers of beautifully produced strings and baritone vocals reminiscent of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Leonard Cohen.

New single ‘Suicide’ (out March 17th) takes this unique formula and merges it with a post-punk bass and driving, groove-laden rhythm that brings to mind the melancholy songwriting of Joy Division. The band expertly craft dark soundscapes full of shadowy concepts and lamenting lyrics encompassing influences not just from other musicians but from literature, film and art.

Hailing from London, Montreal, Taipei, Valencia and Newcastle, The Vultures boast a more forward thinking approach to making music, one that’s both inventive and classic at the same time. This mixed melting-pot of style and substance results in innovative and impassioned alternative songs, from the sinister, Brothers Grimm inspired ‘Rumplestilkskin’ through to the frantic gypsy swing of ‘The Bat And I’. These musical adventurers are setting off across dark tides, steering the ship where few have ventured before.

Three Mothers Part 2 is released April 14th

Listen to ‘Suicide’ here