Battles on the cover. Equally as perplexing as Battles’ rhythms are those of London jagged jazzists Soil & Pimp and Brah! Records. XLR8r met Justin Broadrick of Jesu, and nu-disco experimenters Joakim and Michoacan. Other features include the new school of Detroit hip-hop, Explosions in the Sky, Tracey Thorn, a Vis-Ed feature by Friendswithyou, and we go around the world to discover Brazilian tecno brega.

XLR8R magazine issue 109 August 2007. On the cover of this issue is the 6th annual salute to the best independent labels. Also in this issue is Diplo, Chromeo, Maga Bo, Aesop Rock, Simon Reynolds, Adult & Kathy Diamond.

XLR8R gets up-close and personal with techno cover boy Matthew Dear. We also check in with Brighton rock powerhouse Electrelane, get the lowdown on the beef between dancehall gangstas Mavado and Aidonia, and quiz Of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes. Other features include Khan, Lifesavas, a cast of remix specialists (K-Salaam, D-I-R-T-Y Edits, A Touch of Class, DJ Day) Cadence Weapon, Clipd Beaks, and more.