Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Alektra is a new project featuring the combined talents of long-serving European nu-disco and house hero Daniel Monaco and rising star John Noseda. As debut singles go, 'Shake Your Body' is a genuine treat - a throbbing, high-octane trip into mid 1980s Hi-NRG hedonism rich in sequenced, arpeggio-style bass, heavy machine drums, razor-sharp synth riffs, glassy-eyed female vocal samples and oodles of sweat-soaked male muscularity. It's basically a peak-time dancefloor anthem in the making. As well as the original mix (side A), we're also treated to a handy instrumental take shorn of the distinctive female vocal samples, and an effects-laden acapella for DJs who like to get imaginative in the mix

Review: Lovin', freedom, passion... just three key ingredients make up the bare necessities of wellbeing, which must be secured before we venture into the endless subjectivities of human happiness. Crack this emotional code, and you're in for a good time, so say the Bordello A Parigi resident players Also Playable Mono (Rafal Lachmirowicz) and Fred Ventura. Teaming up for the first time for a blistering take on nu-glossy Italo disco - informed by the former's nascently needly version of the sound, and the latter's contrastingly classic post-punk come club education of the same - this insanely glittered plumper features Ventura feature on vocals through alternating takes on the present global condition, the A-sider marking a stark contrast to the A2 side's suddenly socially charged statement, 'System Breakdown On Wikileaks'. The B-side ventures veer vocoded, flipping the script onto two further, emphatic pleas for change.

Review: Francesco Strippoli (Armonica) returns to Bordello A Parigi, following up his first two wonderfully refreshing and true-to-form Italodance EPs for a third, 'Future Echoes'. Indeed, reinterpretations of classic sounds can function as messages from the future as well as versions of the past. With cuts like 'Floating On High', a bulbous, buzzing, repetitious enjoyment is heard overflowing from a single stylistic source, every element bursting forth from its root. Offbeat bass licks double up as forward-driving donks on the likes of 'Retrospectiva' and 'Music And Lights', while the slick, coruscating synth twangs on the title track make do with 16th note repetitions that evoke the ecstatic feeling of urban mobility, each step matching the feeling of climbing higher and higher.

Review: For those seeking neo-Italo-disco and synth-heavy dancefloor sleaze, Bordello a Parigi's 'Diamonds in the Night' series has long been a must-check affair. Naturally, there's plenty more previously unreleased gold to be found on the latest edition, volume six. Club Mayz kick things off with 'Fantasy In This Uncaring Void', a cheery, all-action affair that sounds like a long-lost early 90s synth-pop/Italo-disco instrumental, before Bizarre Billy and James Rod doff a cap to Bobby Orlando's productions for the Flirts on the superb 'El Caparon Patron'. Turn to the flip for 'Non Dimenticarmi' by Ricardo Baez, a throbbing and melody-rich slab of Hi-NRG revivalism and the intergalactic excellence of 'Interzone' by Seth Booth.

Review: Doctr's third trip to Bordello A Parigi delivers another gem with 'Now You Can Fly'. This time, he's teamed up with Julia to create two tracks brimming with peak-time energy and infectious rhythms. The title track is a burst of hi-NRG euphoria. Doctr expertly layers bending synths and sharp stabs over relentless beats, all while Julia's vocals add a soulful edge. There's a sense of anticipation in the air, each key change lifting the track to new heights. As the vocals weave in and out, the uplifting melodies build a strong synergy, creating a seamless blend of emotional depth and dancefloor power. On the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' takes a different approach. The vocals are stripped back, allowing the track's instrumental elements to shine. Sun-soaked synth lines float effortlessly above calypso-tinged percussion, creating a summery vibe that's both breezy and energising. The contrast between the two versions is striking, with the instrumental allowing the track's deeper textures and melodic layers to take centre stage. Doctr's latest offering is a masterclass in how to craft uplifting, feel-good music that doesn't sacrifice depth for accessibility. Whether it's the vocal-driven euphoria of the A-side or the more understated warmth of the flip, 'Now You Can Fly' is a testament to his ability to create tracks that resonate on multiple levels - exactly what the doctor ordered.

Review: Stockholm exports Elfenberg find themselves on Bordello here with four cuts of mind-expanding and life-enriching synth goodness. The skilled duo kick off with the high-speed arps and tight kicks of the retro-future smoother 'Forever Alone' then slow things down to a more Balearic and breezy vibe on 'Conga Coronation' with its finger clicks and lush pads. There is soft acid magic at the heart of 'Sphere Of Missing Out' while 'Cosmic Tribune' lulls you into a nice widescreen cosmic world of tumbling chord sequences and warped bass.

Review: Figi and Luca dell'Orso are Dutch electronic talents who offer up a heartfelt tribute to the vocoder here, long after it has become the iconic voice of electro disco. Across the three well-designed tracks, the duo blends sharp production with lush textures and bittersweet robotic vocals that add an unmistakably retro-future feel. The title track kicks off with rumbling bass and crisp percussion driving it along as vocodered lyrics glide over the shimmering keys. 'Fire with Fire' leans into Luca dell'Orso's more emotive side and balances bold synths with a melancholic undertone. Figi closes with 'Moonlight (Vocoder Version),' a syrupy disco tale of love told through vocoded whispers. It's a timeless celebration of the fusion between man and machine.

Review: Hey Cabrera! brings the heat with Italo Void, a vibrant fusion of electro disco, Italo, and house that embodies the essence of summer. Clean drum patterns lay the foundation, complemented by captivating melodies that shimmer throughout the track. Lauer's remix adds an analogue touch with piano keys, infusing a sense of late-night romance. On the flip side, 'Forelskelse' transports listeners to Scandinavia, blending disco and house elements to create an uplifting atmosphere filled with emotive energy. David Bay's remix of 'Forelskelse' offers a measured yet addictive rendition, allowing the instruments to shine while retaining the essence of the original. Together, these tracks comprise a mesmerising soundtrack for the approaching summer season, promising nights filled with dancefloor joy and unexplored passions.

Review: Ichisan is back on the dazzling disco outlet Bordello A Parigi with more soulful house blends. The Slovenian producer mixes up clean electro lines and smoky disco grooves here as bold percussion sets the stage for melodic keyboard curves and throaty basslines while cosmic elements bloom throughout this nine-minute journey. 'Rodeo Disko' features off-kilter keys that evolve into solid strings with funky bubbles and distant vocoder echoes. 'Saturnus' is a bright Italo-tinged sound with lovely arps that constantly tumble over the lively beats and 'Fujirama ' features droplets of drums built into a racing rhythm next to spiralling synths and a thick, calming bassline.

Review: Next up on Bordello A Parigi is the prolific Kirill Junolainen under his Konerytmi alias with a four-track EP bridging disco, Italo, synth pop and wave. The title track is an emotive analogue ride full of glittering synths and distant melancholy, and is followed by the icy electro of 'Klassikkoelokuva' with crisp claps and bending basslines. On the flip, 'Hirvijarvi' takes a slow, sci-fi-inspired journey through spacey synths and probing percussion. Closing cut 'Uusiaalto' blends computer chirps, soaring strings and fractured drums for a bold yet fragile finish. It makes for a colourful showcase of Konerytmi's breadth and is melodic, mysterious and unmistakably good.

Review: Antoni Maiovvi's latest synth EP 'Birds of Paradise' is a dark, brooding release that draws inspiration from classic horror soundtracks, avian themes and early synthwave. Like something between an 80s title theme for the mothman and a modernist fever dream for automobiles taking flight, each track here is named after a quirkily-named bird, whether that be the Quetzal or the Streamertail. In keeping with the thermal-riding and soaring feel of the music, every track contains subtle birdsong as its texture, not to mention beautifully danceable yet minimal melodies.

Review: Martin Matiske is back on the ever-excellent Bordello A Parigi with his third release with the label - and it is of course another doozy. This intergalactic journey is guided by intergalactic synths and showcases Matiske's distinctive blend of cold currents and warm melodies. The title track is a delicate yet bold composition with shifting key changes and astral washes as well as some cute romantic flourishes. 'Cuore' is an analogue space opera rich in harmonic complexity and 'Heaven Knows' offsets glacial chords and deep bass. The EP closes with a cinematic finale where striking synths and subtle rhythms collide in beautiful ways.

Review: Bringing melodies, percussions and textures of the sort which we never thought bringable to techno, Saudi-Irish artist Moving Still wows with his latest EP for Bordello A Parigi. This is an artist whose Pangaean taste spans a wide range, born of both musicality and maturation between nations. The distinctive hum of bedouin traditional music intermixed with notes of Irish reel and abound notably on 'Close To The Shams', where melo-maniacal motifs of each are blurred. 'Bang Of Luban' brings breaksy 4x4s and acids to longing synth reeds that bear a quick glissando, and the titular 'Zaman' of course steals the show with its happy, homegrown metallic percs, against which a cheeky mizmar melody makes do against solar blankets of emotion.

Review: This four-tracker from newcomer Nackley has been described by Bordello a Parigi, the label releasing it, as a "bold debut declaration from a rising talent". It's certainly a strong first offering, with opener 'Return of the Gecko' delivering a sparkling, life-affirming blend of thrusting, throbbing Italo-disco bass, drum machine beats, excitable acid motifs and picturesque melodies. Nackley dusts down his TB-303 once more on the all-action, mind-mangling throb of 'Sublime Desolation' - a track that manages to sound both brooding and over-excited - before reaching for breakbeats, memorable piano riffs and spacey electronics on 'Been a Long Time'. To draw down the curtain on a rock-solid EP, Athara and Child Of lend a hand on cheery revivalist Italo-disco/synth-pop jam 'Heartbreaker'.

Review: Real Velour's Champions on Bordello A Parigi is an excellent blend of Italo house and new wave, evoking the sounds of Heaven 17 and early New Order. Side-1's 'Champions' brings a vibrant 80s dance sound to life, combining warm strings, throbbing bass, and crisp drums with shining synth lines. The track's indie and synth-pop influences merge seamlessly, creating memorable hooks that are both addictive and joyous. The bittersweet lyrics add a layer of depth, telling a story of change and lost dreams, giving the track an emotional weight beneath its uplifting melodies. On Side-2, the instrumental version of allow's the intricate synth work to take center stage. The cold wave edge is softened, highlighting the bright and uplifting melodies that blend electro disco with Italo influences. Champions is a standout 7" that pairs melancholy with a hopeful, danceable sound.

Review: Middlesborough musician Rees impressed with his last outing on the Bordello A Parigi label: 'Three Eyes' was a real dancefloor gem which he now follows up with three more gems that showcase the artist's eclectic style and versatile skills. 'Dream Wave' is a bright, busy, intense cut with glistening synths front and centre, dancing about a crunchy and rigid rhythm while 'The New Beat' ups the ante with eerie arps leading the way as more metallic drum sounds clatter away below. Last of all is 'Electric Body' which is awash with more incisive synths and guitar lines, all with a hypotonic lead synth and new wave techno drums powering it along.

Review: Rome's Andy Romano is welcomed into the Bordello family with his long-awaited debut release, 'Monday'. The tracks it consists of were shelved for more than ten years, said to have floated between a handful of DJs after its first confidant, Andrea Confrancesco, chose a different path in his creative career by becoming a professional illustrator. An excellent example of naive, nigh-lo-fi new beat, but no less punchy and galactic, 'Monday', 'Loredane' and 'Cyber Black Spaceship' are a veritable trident of watery, retrofuturistic, catchy wonderment.

Review: Skatebard and Lauer are Trollkraft, a sure-to-be iconic Norwegian-German partnership that has a famous love of synths and have already put out vast reserves of quality sounds across various styles. Here their collaboration gives rise to a pair of electrifying cuts. The title track features rich drum layers, lush strings and a throbbing bass undercurrent which has elements of disco, house, indie and Italo all adding to its charm. 'One Night In Geilo' channels 90s house rhythms with a brilliant two-stepping melody that smartly reimagines rave with playful, effervescent energy. These two wizards bring great character to this music with strobe lights, bongos, and trance all making for a full on heart-of-the-party experience doused in euphoria.

Review: Amsterdam's Bordello a Parigi's ongoing Diamonds In The Night series has not only proved to be a reliable source of new - if authentically old sounding - Italo-disco, Hi-NRG and proto-Eurodance, but also a brilliant platform for new and up-and-coming artists. Volume seven in the series is another strong offering. It begins with the tops-off, melody-driven Hi-NRG joy of Tallac's 'Chemtrail Surfers' and concludes with the vocoder-heavy early morning dark bew wavce disco of 'Disco Homicide' by Hypersensitive. Sandwiched in between you'll find the tough, throbbing, strobe-lit and sweat-soaked hedonism of Luksek's 'Tropicale' and the Bobby Orlando and early Pet Shop Boys influenced excellence of 'That Moment' by Francesco Cascella.

Review: Since making his debut in 2019 via 'Koi Jaye' - a stunning edit of a little-known Punjabi take on throbbing, Moroder inspired electronic disco - Tjade has delivered a handful of 'must-check' releases that showcase the growing quality of his throbbing, Italo and Hi-NRG-influenced original. The Voyager EP, his latest effort, may well be his strongest collection of cuts to date. For proof, check 'Voyager', a kaleidoscopic, synth-heavy stomper that channels the spirt of Hi-NRG and early trance and comes backed with a stomping techno-trance rework courtesy of Marlon Hoffstadt AKA DJ Trance. Elsewhere, 'Shut Out' sees him add 90s trance style melodies and synth sounds to a punchy breakbeat groove, while 'In Contact' is a throbbing Hi-NRG workout blessed with deliciously cheery electronic lead lines.

Review: Pacifico is the debut album from Italian-born, LA-based multi-instrumentalist Francesco Perini under the Pearz guise. It tracks a five-year sonic journey through Florence, London and Los Angeles and takes in all the sounds of those places so blends disco, electro, nu-jazz and Japanese City Pop into a rich, genre-spanning sound. True to its name (Pacifico means "peaceful" in Italian) the album captures the reflective calm of travel's end and has collaborations with artists like Kuntessa, VANBASTEN, Natalie Findlay, Jules Apollinaire and others bringing their own depth to the project. The result is a multicultural tapestry of sound that is full of warmth, groove and introspection.