!k7 are pleased to announce forest swords as the next curator of the ever essential dj-kicks series. following acclaimed albums on ninja tune and tri angle, soundtrack and installation work, and remixes of the likes of bjork, matthew barnes aka forest swords has curated a 25-track compilation that draws a line between past inspirations and his current peers. like much of his own output, his dj-kicks skirts around pristine electronics and embraces more organic textures: 80s post punk (anna domino, dead can dance), classic 90s british electronica (orbital, mira calix), and smokey digi-dub (rhythm & sound), all rub up alongside some of the most forward-facing producers working today (demdike stare, laurel halo, fis). the compilation sifts through rhythms, shifting speeds and emotions: from pop icon neneh cherrys primal thudding to the zombified throb of exclusive forest swords track crow via deena abdelwaheeds clattering deconstructions to the euphoric two-step of djrum. its a collection of tracks that feels as restlessly curious and weighty as barnes own work. the double vinyl release includes a download code.

group rhoda is the solo electronic music project of mara barenbaum, based out of oakland, california. the project started around 2009 with a debut album ‘out of time, out of touch’ in 2012 on night school records and ‘12th house’ in 2013 on not not fun. she is also one half of max and mara who released the album ‘less ness’ in 2013 on dark entries records. she is committed to live performance, situated within the analog synthesizer and drum machine medium. ‘wilderless’ is group rhoda’s third full length and first for dark entries records.

joanne formans cave vaults of the moon created in 1987 for an exhibit of sculptures in taos, new mexico is a mesmerizing score for voice, ensoniq mirage, juno 106, flute, guitar and effects. the playful extra-terrestrial recording wafted through the exhibit every day for its duration and then lay dormant for nearly 30 years. unearthed now, cave vaults of the moon sounds prescient and timeless, as if pep llopis and iasos scored a wicker man remake set on mars. restored, remastered and cut using dmm.