DLX ADV 01 - CALLING ALL EARTH L.P.

 

The debut release ‘Calling All Earth’, is a no vinyl, 12" multi format print set and album created to sit on book shelves and magazine racks as well as in record stores. Music wise, there will be no Amazon, no Apple, no Spotify. Strictly roots.

Calling All Earth serves as both album and curio, a subtle call to arms bringing together music, artwork, printed material, writing and a broader exploration of some of the issues facing us today. The zine features the work of writer and broadcaster David Bramwell, along with a short story from novelist, former music journalist and founder of Big Dada Records, Will Ashon.

The A1 poster includes exclusive artwork ready for walls, while the handmade letterpress triptych from Peacock Printmakers in Aberdeen (with reversible art prints) are fit for framing.

All this is soundtracked by the first album from DLX ADV that includes tracks showcasing the depth and breadth of their musical chops alongside the key tenants of its message with the polemic ’Let’s Talk About England’ featuring the voices of former Coldcut vocalist: Aurelius Calliste and the unmistakable tones of Roots Manuva collaborator Wayne Paul, both of which you may recognise from their work in the superb Lo Tek Hi Fi. Celebrated American Hip-Hop artist Mike Ladd voices the lyrics to ‘The Murder That Changed Nothing’, a heart rending litany of hundreds of years of injustice and oppression. The track echoes Ladd's own lament on the death of Amadou Diallo, Feb. 4 ‘99 (For All Those Killed by Cops) from his essential 'Welcome To The Afterfuture' album, a track recorded over 20 years prior to George Floyd’s death at the hands of U.S. Police officers yet sadly still dealing with the same issues.

Inspired by Arthur Rimbaud’s idea that in the face of self interest, complacency and personal interest, DLX ADV and the brilliant Beth Frost remind us that “Love (Needs To Be Re-invented).’ Whilst in ‘We Are Your Gods’ the role corporations like Facebook, Apple and X play in our everyday lives and the consequences of their products and services that they profit from are brought sharply (and loudly) into focus.

All tracks written, produced and arranged by K. Atkin except track 2 written by K. Atkin and Aurelius Calliste. Track 4 written by K. Atkin, Wayne Paul and Spoilt Child. Track 6 written by K. Atkin and Mike Ladd. Vocals performed (in order of appearance) by Fyffe Atkin, Wayne Paul, Aurelius Calliste, Beth Frost, Spoilt Child and Mike Ladd. Cover image by John Sturrock.