Electronic Sound closes 2025 with an essential cover story celebrating the 50th anniversary of Kraftwerk's Radio-Activity – the Düsseldorf pioneers' first fully electronic album and arguably the darkest, most complex work in their legendary 1974-1981 run.

This in-depth feature draws on exclusive interviews with former members Karl Bartos and Wolfgang Flür, alongside Emil Schult, co-writer of seven tracks on the album. Rare radio archive material featuring both Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider completes the picture. The piece opens dramatically with Schult recounting a police raid on his flat during the hunt for Red Army Faction militants – and his attempt to prove his innocence by showing officers a copy of Autobahn.

Exclusive 7" – The Divine Comedy 'Radioactivity' Bundled with the magazine: a transparent yellow vinyl featuring The Divine Comedy's magnificent orchestral reimagining of the title track. Neil Hannon – self-confessed Kraftwerk devotee – delivers an epic, explosive interpretation that has won widespread acclaim from fans of the original. The B-side offers the irresistible The Synthesiser Service Centre Super Summer Sale.

Also in this issue: Ian Boddy & Chris Carter on their updated Caged collaboration, Alan Parsons revisiting I Robot, plus interviews with Jo Johnson, Kevin Richard Martin, Lush, and The Black Dog. And of course: the Electronic Sound Albums of the Year 2025.