Albums
June: 18 albums you need to hear this month
Jlin, Goldie, Arca and more
Leftfield 'Leftism 22' (Sony Legacy UK)
Electronic dance music has grown and radically splintered in the 22 years since ‘Leftism’ was released, but Leftfield’s masterpiece remains one of its highest achievements. House music that looked beyond the limiting four walls of a club, it was brash, eclectic, thrilling. Remastered for vinyl by Matt Colton (James Blake, Aphex Twin, Hot Chip), it still hits heavy, whether it’s the pulsating 4/4 ragga stomp of ‘Release The Pressure’ or the more subtle, muted Balearica of ‘Melt’. An accompanying remix album celebrates diversity with offerings from Zomby, Skream and Adrian Sherwood, but it’s Hodge & Peverelist’s jerky mix of ‘Afro Left’ that runs away with top honours. It’s a fitting tribute to the LP’s legacy. Stephen Worthy
10/10
