Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Texas-based jazz harpist Cindy Horstman quietly released Fretless in 1995, a self-assured exploration of jazz textures and instrumental elegance. Tucked among its originals is 'Something New', a standout soul jazz cut that drifts with mid-tempo grace, elevated by James Kings', well, fret-free vocal perforations. Horstman's harp is hardly heard here on this album salvaging; instead, she procured 'Something New', steeped in street and smooth soul, with tuned claves and electronic triangles abounding. Pressed on clear vinyl and limited to 300 copies, this small-batch reissue offers a welcome return for a quietly majestic moment in 90s jazz-soul fusion.

Review: T Jacques and Velvet Velour apparently made the opener on this new EP some time ago and thought it was lost. It has recently been rediscovered and we couldn't be happier: 'Hot Hands' is spaced out industrial cosmic tech with synth lines carving neat parabolas and crispy drums bringing the funk. Both artists then go it alone for one cut each: T Jacques's 'Deep Blue' is buffed up deep house with an electronic edge and whimsical synth motifs, then Velvet Velour's 'What U Like' has a playful and restless groove daubed with neon colours and sensuous vocal whispers.

Review: This four-track compilation draws a tight line between warehouse muscle and emotional lift, delivering techno that's as moving as it is functional. Each cut brings a distinct perspective, yet they all share a sense of cinematic build and focused production. Gregor Tresher starts with 'Bonegrinder', a slow-burn builder that creeps forward before erupting into a peak-time workout. The groove is tight, the progression deliberate and when it hits full stride, it lands with impact. 'Cascade Rips', a collaboration between Works Of Intent and Voltaire, brings a different mood entirely. Its rolling bassline sits beneath a futuristic synth lead that feels both suspenseful and strangely touching. There's emotion under the surface and it simmers just right. On the Side-B, Marco Bailey drops 'Arcane', built around raw drum machine sequences and electro pulses. It grooves hard with a throwback vibe, nodding to early rave with metallic melodies and vocodered snippets that recall Kraftwerk without mimicking. The closer, 'Perditae' by Tom Hades and Soren Aalberg, floats into a more euphoric space. Its rising melody and ghostly vocals feel like they're beamed down from the heavens. A smartly curated collection of peak and soul.

Review: Ukrainian producer Vakula makes a swift return to the always reliable Phonogramme label from Paris with a superb follow-up to his recent Dinsync collaboration. Deep, nocturnally charged and gorgeously atmospheric, the EP opens with the brooding acid of 'Quantum Voyage', where foggy pads drift over bubbling 303 and jagged machine hits. 'Skys Whisper' blends emotive synth waves with growling bass and crisp drums, with its bittersweet topline gliding over sumptuous harmonics, while 'Sunny Konotop' maintains a similar trajectory, with misty-eyed synth work dancing over low-slung bass and swung beats. Magnificent work.

Review: The latest EP from Rotterdam drum & bass outfit Vibez 93 is a peaking roll-tastic high. 'Tokyo & Paris' spatters four liquid d&b tunes of various shape and size, with 'M38' opening on an anthemic note to contrast the dynamic liquid sub squirms of the A2's 'Green Eyes'. The B1 hears a sampled verse breezily cruise the Italian Amalfi Coast, before its foil emerges on the hip-d&b title track closes on a stoner-step homage to European travel, soundtracked by the sounds of a concrete jungle.

Review: Darcoform present a captivating four-tracker where minimal frenetics collide with backend sonic mental processes, producing no end of strange fidgety sounds. With side A, Vid's 'Soundscapes' and Cim Pian's 'Visions Of Neverland' conjure a twin gnosis through slipping frameworks made up of 2-step breakbeats and vocal samples. On the B, Mtps unites introspection and groove in 'Book Of Truth', interlacing vampish textures and beats, presaging Durosai's closer 'Str8 Chillin' which lays back with its arms folded over a mechanised punctuatiosn: "rock the dance", it goes, in celebratory conclusion.

Review: Trent Voyage and Elena Moroder started working together in 2022 and here make their debut on Quirk. It speaks to a duo who have a love of classic US house but have enough skill to bring their own style to it. Elena's dynamic, sensual vocals weave through lyrics about paradise, love and fantasy, with the opener 'Jamiro' a perfect deep house hymn with timeless vibes. 'Show Them' is a more minimal and late-night sound with a twitchy synth and moody vocals bringing more edginess. 'So Good' has a jacked up groove and another magnificent original vocal that harks back to the golden era. 'Cosmic Connection' repeats the trick with a rugged drum sound, then 'Cravings' is built on an electro rhythm with future synth sparks.

Review: Oasis Records is a Portuguese label and artist collective based in Lisbon. This is their tenth release and their first on vinyl, and the music is certainly deserving of that treatment. The Vros is a collaboration between three Chilean brothers who use traditional instruments and synths to blend hypnotic sounds from House, Electronica and World Music. Each track symbolises an element Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. The tracks connection to nature encourages self-reflection, whilst the rhythms get your feet moving. 'Space Marimba' is perfect for outdoor dancing with its happy marimba melodies and elastic bass, 'Don't Be Afraid' is pure Balearic house bliss and 'Fusion' brings subtle trance inducing chords while 'Release Your Mind' is a deep, mind-bending opener.

Review: This staunch collection of songs compiled by Decca hears the very best works of jazz trumpeter Chet Baker "reimagined" by a varied selection of international talent, celebrating the legacy of one of American jazz's coolest ever piston-valvers. It's no surprise that Baker earned himself the name "Prince of Cool" as the concept of cool overtook the jazz world in the 50s and 60s; likewise, the artists chosen to reimagine Baker's many sweet treats here each epitomise that same offhand effortlessness which typified Baker's playstyle. Highlights include Dodie, who leads with a Latin percussive rekeying of 'Old Devil Moon', and mxmtoon, who brings equable guitar lurches to Baker's rather lost-his-cool confession of loving excitement, 'I Fell In Love Too Easily'.

Review: Go-to lo-fi from Grey October Sound, P-Vine's resident hip-hop group and collective vibe queller. Having built a steady beatmaking operation initially from Studio Ghibli thematics and other anime associations, the group now continue to turn their hand to originals, furthering your capacity to wind down after many a long, protracted cramming sesh. Whether flashcards, cats on laps and hot steaming cocoa are or aren't your thing, that's OK, because we can bet the dragging rhythms of 'Tokai', the desultory pocket piano missive '1000%', and/or the closing crepuscule 'DOWN TOWN' will be.

Review: Inspired by his neon-lit walks around London's docklands, crate digger Ilan Pdahtzur's 2019 compilation Night City Life marked him out as a dusty-fingered crate digger and record collector with a distinctive, synth-heavy musical vision. It made him the toast of the selector/collector community, but more than that it was a genuinely superb selection of obscure, hard-to-find cuts. This belated sequel is every bit as essential and filled, unsurprisingly, with rare and lesser-known gems. Highlights are too plentiful to mention, but our current favourites include Sharon & Tracey's 'The Sheik' (a belly-dancing inspired slab of TB-303 bass-driven house hedonism), Jennifer's 1992 Euro-house gem 'Come Into My Life', Scicilian musician Claudio D'Ignoti's boogie-era treat 'Ache Per Noir', and the fashion scene inspired leftfield synth-pop of Lena's 'Embrasse-Moi (Strumentale)'.

Review: Originally released in 1982 via Earache Records (who're also handling this long overdue reissue), The Ultimate Incantation marked the debut full-length from Polish death metal pioneers Vader. Originally recorded at Sunlight Studio in Stockholm, Sweden with Thomas Skogsberg, both the band and label were ultimately unhappy with the final mixes due to their admitted lack of studio equipment, especially the studio's in-house electronic drumkit which simply could not handle the barrage of blastbeats, leading them to relocate and re-record the album in its entirety at London's Rhythm Studios with producer Paul Johnson. Whilst commended upon release for the band's technical proficiency that helped guide the extreme metal movement, some critics found the desired raw recording quality as too abrasive to truly enjoy, but those critiques have become somewhat redundant over the decades with any extreme metal act worthy of the term and the scene as a whole prioritising raw intensity over studio gloss.

Review: There are basically two types of anniversary compilations: the humble retrospective, packed with classics and significant musical moments from the past, and collections of all-new music that showcase where an imprint is at right now. Predictably, Planet My founder Mike Paradinas AKA U-Ziq has chosen the latter option to mark the occasion of his legendary experimental label's 30th birthday. There's naturally plenty to get the blood pumping and the synapses snapping across the 25 tracks on show, from the skittish IDM of Jlin ('B12'), mutant future-boogie of Venetian Snares ('Drums') and hard-to-pigeonhole excellence of Falty DL ('Usually I'm Cautious'), to the chopped-and-screwed r&b of Bae Bae ('Living In The Memory'), Nik Colk Void's industrial gunk ('A Tough Design (demo)'), the glassy-eyed D&B/ambient techno of Xylitol ('Nevada') and the sample-rich instrumental hip-hop hedonism of Luke Vibert ('Bullet Drop').

Review: Through standout tracks from artists like Magnolia, Maryag and Third Attempt, as well as remixes from Bosq and Dr Packer, this new one from The Disco Express embodies the irresistible fusion of house, nu-disco, and classic disco, prefiguring the beatdown summer to come. Over seven sizzling tracks, spread across an eye-catching orange vinyl, La Felix's 'Hot', Rayowa's 'Can You Feel The Love' and Bustin' Loose's funk-flecked and wriggling bass-led 'Pharaoh's Lean Time' are but a few several cooldown quenchers to be found here, all of which are sure to add a natural flavour to the sure-to-be parching heatwaves of Summer 2025.

Review: The idea of what makes "modern soul" has long been a subject of debate, even among those at the top, specially tasked with arbitrating its definition. At Success Bottling Co., such spats escalated to the point where A&R team members Stephen Arndt and Tim Zawada had to be physically separated during a heated tracklist meeting. Yet we know that M-soul's origins can be traced to the UK's Northern Soul scene, where, in the late 70s, disco-adjacent 45s began appearing alongside traditional 60s selections. Today, modern soul is often associated with the 80s, incorporating synths and rhythm-machines. Quibbles persist: How much brass is too much? Can strings and synths truly coexist? Eccentric Modern Soul explores these ideas across eleven rambunctious ones, pinching previously unissued recordings from Wee, Ujima, and Wind alongside neat classics from Universal Togetherness Band, Mind & Matter, Maxx Traxx and 94 East.

Review: In a smooth flying saucered descent, Solara Melfera continues the WSNWG: Back to Zero journey, adding a new dimension to the label's evolving sound. This compilation unites eight carefully selected tracks curated by German producer and DJ Rodhad, fusing nighttime prowler moods and subtle celestials. With a cover artwork bathed in golden, sunlit tones, the music has an eclipsing mood, juggling strong shades of light and dark. Kicking off with Ignez' 'Passion Overdrive', we're met with a brooding techno number with overdubbed lyrics by the artist, recounting the artist's rather libidinally charged dream from the previous night.

Review: The Nighttime Lovers series, which deftly showcases the forgotten and overlooked corners of 1980s disco, electrofunk and synth-powered dancefloor soul, reaches its 36th instalment. As you'd expect given the high number of previous volumes, the selections tend towards the defiantly deep, with more familiar artists being represented by lesser-known treats. So, instead of the much-loved 'Love Me Like That', Reel To Reel offers up the glossier, slap-bass propelled 80s soul of 'Don't Keep Me Hanging On', Cashmere contributes the sweet and tactile 'We Need Love' and GQ drops the eyes-closed lead vocals and horn-heavy peak-time hustle of 'Is It Cool'. Other highlights include Phil Upchruch's Marlena Shaw-sporting 'It's Got To Be You', Linda Clifford's superb 'I Want To Get Away With You' and the squelchy synth-disco of 'Decisions' by Anthony Lockett.

Review: With standout tracks from proper legends like Barrington Levy, Delroy Wilson, Dillinger, The Mighty Diamonds, Yellowman and more, Reggae Anthology: The Channel One Story is an essential compilation chronicling one of Jamaica's most influential studios during its most famous golden era. Plenty of historic moments are included such as the country's first 12-inch maxi-single release (The Jays & Ranking Trevor's 'Truly Deejay Mix') and 'Queen Majesty,' a soul-drenched reggae rework of a Curtis Mayfield classic. Also included are extended cuts and rich production which means this anthology celebrates Channel One's lasting impact on reggae history with a little extra insight than you might have already heard.

Review: Spanning eight tracks of electronic and acoustic ingenuity, this compilation captures a transformative era in Japanese composition, where anime soundtracks became a playground for sonic exploration. This vinyl-only collection, curated by Time Capsule, bridges new age aesthetics with percussive traditions, blending synthesisers, gamelan influences and orchestral grandeur. At the heart of the compilation is Akira's electrifying 'Kaneda' by Geinoh Yamashirogumi, where the group's signature blend of Balinese gamelan and electronic textures defines the dystopian atmosphere. 'Yas-Kaz's Hei '(Theme of Shikioni), from Peacock King - Spirit Warrior, and Norihiro Tsuru's 'Farsighted Person', composed for The Heroic Legend of Arslan, transport listeners to distant landscapes, reflecting anime's thematic reach beyond Japan. Yoichiro Yoshikawa's Tassili N'Ajjer and Fiesta Del Fuego, composed for NHK's 'The Miracle Planet', embody an ethereal grandeur, merging environmental themes with lush, ambient layers. Meanwhile, Chumei Watanabe's 'Fushigi Song', performed by Korogi '72, delivers a hypnotic groove reminiscent of Don Cherry's 'Brown Rice'. Columbia Orchestra's 'Hearts Beats - Theme for Andrew Glasgow' shows Tokyo's jazz-funk session musicians at their peak, and Kan Ogasawara's Gishin Anki provides a dramatic, cinematic finale. More than a nostalgia trip, this compilation celebrates anime's role in shaping Japan's new age soundia period where innovation thrived, unbound by genre constraints.

Review: The intriguing Road Fever delivers a hurricane of high-octane, body-shaking rhythms from St. Lucia, Dominica and Guadeloupe, all of which capture the zeitgeist of Caribbean music in 2025. This compilation showcases raw, instrumental Dennery Segment and Bouyon riddims that were originally crafted for vocalists and are now presented as standalone tracks. With turbo-charged 150+ bpm beats, minimal percussion, DJ and vocal samples all woven in with synth riffs, these tunes mash up carnival sounds with elements of trap, drill, Haitian konpa and Angolan kuduro for a truly global listen. They have all been compiled by Rozaly and highlight the electrifying energy of the Caribbean's current scene.

Review: We're yet to get our ears around a compilation from US label Numero Group that isn't absolutely brilliant. This latest one isn't going to change that, either. Eccentric Soul: The Linco Label dives deep into Civil Rights-era Greensboro, where Black excellence and raw musical talent converged at North Carolina A&T. Local label head Walter Grady tapped a vibrant cast of "townies, homecoming queens, and big men on campus" to craft a revolutionary soul sound rooted in community and resistance. This collection captures the pivotal moment with hometown pride and boundary-pushing grooves coming thick and fast. From basement studios to protest marches, these tracks reflect a powerful cultural awakening and make for a great document of soul's grassroots history.

Review: Countdown Records was founded by Eddie Piller, Maxine Conroy and Terry Rawlings and captured the essence of the mid-80s Mod revival and New Wave scene while pushing acts like Makin' Time, The Prisoners and The Kick towards mainstream recognition. Despite its innovative approach, the label struggled due to the collapse of Stiff Records and the corporate dominance of the era. However, the label's influence lived on through Piller's Acid Jazz label and this compilation showcases the best of Countdown's legacy with plenty of classic tracks and rarities. It's presented with a stylish Modernist design that coincides with a book that delves deeper into its history.

Review: New York legend Louie Vega and Detroit icon Moodymann - two titans of house with deep but divergent lineages - collide again on 'Seven Mile', reissued here as a hefty double pack with remixes. Originally released in 2022 on Vega's Expansions in the NYC LP, this expanded edition gathers fresh reworks from trusted names across the house spectrum. Dennis Quin goes punchy and percussive, Kai Alce turns in a soulful NDATL roller, and Rocco Rodamaal teams up with Alex Finkin before offering two lush solo interpretations across the C-side. Vega's own instrumental demo mix adds vintage bounce, while Charlie Soul Clap, here credited as Charlie Levine, delivers an ecstatic final pair - his 'Wild Version' the most unhinged of the lot.

Review: North London musician Sam Beste is the creative force behind Vernon Spring, a long, carefully fangled project intersecting jazz, soul, ambient and experimental music. Pulling on a string of recording artistic greatness, part-inherited from his dad's record collection which packed Thelonious Monk and D'Angelo, Beste soon found himself in the world of the studio, working with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Kano, Gabriels and Joy Crookes. The Vernon Spring is his own claim to individuation, and the new LP follows twelve elegant songs, considering values of family loyalty and global responsibility in uncertain times, as they clash and harmonise in unpredictable step. Piano, electro-acoustics, spoken word and tactile ambient careens underlie the record, and features from Max Porter, Aden and Iko Niche help curate an equipoised, grounded mental mood.