Diggers delights from Down Under, courtesy of the always excellent Efficient Space imprint. For Midnite Spares, the Sydney-based label brings us a bounty of overlooked outsider sounds from antipodean artists, compiled by Aussie music experts Andras Fox and Instant Peterson. Through finding tracks for their weekly radio show Strange Holiday, the duo slowly discovered a treasure trove of obscure and lost Australian sounds, dug up at local archives, bookstores, private collections, and convenience stores. Those familar with Andras' production work already know his taste is top notch and he upholds that discerning ear to all of the selections featured here. Styles vary from the mysterious downbeat of Maria Kozic & MK Sounds' "Trust Me," Tsk Tsk Tsk's avant score piece "Sedation," Mix's boogie grooves of "Do You Do It?," funky post punk from Mumbo Jumbo on "Wind It Up," and much more. Certainly worth checking out for anyone interested in Australia's hidden music history. 10 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Efficient Space 2016

reviewed by Baggy Tapir 10/2016