AllMusic

Cyrnai

1980-1990

September 14, 2018

Alternative/Indie Rock

Recently issued by Dark Entries, this colossal box set compiles everything Carolyn Fok released during the '80s, plus plenty of unreleased material. While Fok might be an obscure name to all but the most devoted fans of D.I.Y. cassette culture, the visionary artist's singular brand of dubby post-punk/industrial is ripe for rediscovery. Releases like her 1985 debut, Charred Blossoms, sound remarkably ahead of their time, and could have easily been released by lo-fi labels like Not Not Fun three decades later.

- Paul Simpson

Various Artists

Gumba Fire: Bubblegum Soul & Synth Boogie in 1980s South Africa

March 9, 2018

African Traditions

Excellent collection of synth-heavy African pop that is equally influenced by disco and boogie, while keeping a strong South African feel.

- Tim Sendra