Five Records From Hidden Sounds
Tucked away up a winding flight of stairs on Ridley Road, amongst the fabrics, fresh foods and various crafts of one of London’s oldest market streets. Amongst the fusion of Afro-Caribbean, Asian and European staple goods, you will find a true gem in the shape of Hidden Sounds.
They excel in afro-electric-balearic-obscurities, no doubt, but their ever-expanding musical talons grasp far into realms of dub-techno, prog-rock, jazz, experimental and beyond. You can be assured of one thread that ties this refined eclecticism together: a thread of undeniable quality. Founders Alessandro and Francesco began this store with their own collection and that is precisely why we invited them to play an all night set for us.
There’s a good reason that their store has become one of London’s most-loved in such a short amount of time. So we asked them to pick out five records from their Dalston store that they have on sale right now, that in some way or another represents the record shop itself. A mightily tricky task for any purveyor of fine musical goods, no doubt, so lets see what they chose...
Adonijah “It's Alright” (1987)
Here we goooooo. It’s alright! Getting off the mark with a suitably party-starting slice of Soca-Dub from Barbados. Originally released in 1987 and recently reissued by esteemed U.K. label Soundway Records, the repeated refrain “it’s alright” is just the sort of simplistic mantra we all need from time to time. Just repeat it to yourself, you’ll be OK, but the guitar solo is worth the listen alone, it’s alright!
Hems “Madsituation” (2021)
Taking a swift turn into something far darker and minimalistic, showing the deep eclecticism at the heart if Hidden Sound’s appeal. The sparse production places a lot of emphasis on a heavy, reverb-y kick that pummels you, just nice. Still eerily uplifting and positive, there’s a sort of cutesyness to the synths that build towards the end of the track. The second release from new London label E2-E8.
Not sure what is cuter, the shop or it’s proprietors. Pics below by Liza.
Sun In Capricorn “The Hexagon Incident” (2021)
Keeping it moody for just a moment longer, the Hidden Sounds guys have chosen a sleepy, eery little one from Sun In Capricorn. It’s like the sort of of bleery-eyed final moments of a long acid trip. You’re tired but you’ve got just enough energy for a back rub. Deep, acidy broken beats with dubby flavours. Starting to get the picture.
Cheb Kader “Reggae raï” (1986)
Moroccan born and French-raised, Cheb Kader is a bit of a legend, to be honest. And this winding, sax-filled amble through Digital-bongos is a very pleasurable and very representative piece from him. Just the sort of obscure but very catchy thing you can come to expect from the store. Tune!
East Coast Love Affair “Taken For Granted” (2020)
Oh yes, big bongos, big bassline, dub flavour and a relentless sexy groovy. It’s got a lot of Moon Roq’s favourite ingredients that’s why we saved it ‘til last. Another fine release from always excellent Edinburgh-based label Athens Of The North.
So, there we have it! Five records that are currently on sale in-store at Hidden Sounds in East London, that embody or represent the very store itself. Beautiful. Find them on Instagram and pop down to see them on Ridley Road for more.
But wait! Catch Hidden Sounds playing at Moon Roq’s second party at The Glove That Fits, Hackney, on Saturday 5th March. Follow the button below for tickets, and check out our cheeky flyer too.
