Review: Many Hands is a fresh label helmed by Jona Jefferies and Kava that here kicks out an eclectic EP with four tracks from various members of its musical family. Dan Aikido opens with '0800 TXT4 Herb,' a smooth fusion piece that builds a laid-back groove, blending fretless bass, jazzy keys and soulful vocals all reminiscent of Rare Silk's 'Storm.' Ernie Ruso's 'Stroke It' offers slow, sensual r&b infused with P-funky wah-wah effects while DJ Nomad's 'African Boy' brings upbeat pop house next to funky organ and a female reggae MC.Jefferies' closer 'A Change Will Come' samples Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a rave-inspired beat and soulful piano. Cracking stuff.
Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Doing Our Own Thing (Dimitri From Paris remix part 1) (5:01)
Doing Our Own Thing (Dimitri From Paris remix part 2) (4:57)
Review: Monsieur Dimitri from Paris works his magic on Casbah 73's organic disco grooves with a remix treatment that surpasses all expectations. Casbah's original track may sound like a band-recorded take with added production sheen, but it's actually a deceptively well-made track recorded by a talented solo artist. Dimitri brings added wompy disco-house heat to the track in two parts, with the first part focusing on the more bangerific elements of the original, and the B (part two) stripping things back to focus on the more minimal, solo dubby parts.
Review: The Plastik People label has been going along nicely for its first few releases, with label head Marc Cotterell stepping up and coming correct last time out. Now he calls upon various artists with Dave Charlesworth taking care of the a-side of Nice Ripe Cuts. He offers two super slick garage cuts that cannot fail to make their mark on the club and it's no different on the flipside except D Lux & Y No combine first for '25 Miles' and then S R offers the irresistible 'Pressure.' An essential 12" for anyone looking to bring some fresh garage flavours.
The Mechanical Man - "Uncle Swing" (feat Bob Vito) (4:31)
DJ Rocca - "The Box Above" (6:03)
Lex & Locke - "Soul Escape" (6:56)
Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Cruise Music marks its tenth EP by serving up what it says are "secret funky house weapons" and there isn't much wrong with their description. Danny Cruz kicks off with 'Shoulda Been You' which rides on smooth grooves and has gentle synth waves breaking over the beats as heartfelt vocal sounds rise out of the mix. Mark Funk's 'True Lies' brings a classic 90s vocal sample to a non-stop soul beat and the B-side has got Dirty Disco Stars going big and funky and glorious on 'Look Up' then Mirko & Meex Re-touch 'Young Hearts' .
Review: Groove Culture enlist Italy's Da Lukas for a stinging string-disco propeller, 'Doin' Me Wrong', backed up on the B by 'Good Man'. Massive pressure-house feels coincide with the trilling afterglow of disco, as rock-bottom breakdowns prefigure high-as-a-kite apexes, word-painting the A track's lyrical focus on manic depressive push-pull relationships ("you tell me don't do this, you tell me don't do that"). The B-side track is weightier by comparison, deploying waterier wahs and an echo of Motown in its otherwise relentless garagey swing.
Review: In late 2023, Tokyo-based musician Daigo Sakuragi moved to London where he revisited recordings made with fellow Japanese artists. Inspired by the city's energy and atmosphere, he crafted Togenkyo, a 28-minute fusion of early 2000s folktronica and contemporary ambient music that now comes as two long continuous pieces on one slab of vinyl. Layering immersive synth textures with spatial production, he grounds the piece in organic drum and bass grooves while a saxophone elegantly weaves through the soundscape. Togenkyo reflects an inner utopia that is attainable yet imperfect and is a comforting, meditative work.
What Would You Do (Expansions NYC dub vocal) (7:10)
Review: Get ready for a rush-inducing dose of proper soulful vocal house from the mighty Dames Brown. On this record for Defected, Detroit's foremost trio of Athena Johnson, Lisa Cunningham and Teresa Marbury linked up with the mighty Amp Fiddler and Andres for a rip through house music as real as it gets. The original 12" mix of 'What Would You Do?' is hard to beat for raw, heavy-hitting groove and production, but there are some choice remixes included here for those who have different needs, whether it's the bouncy jazz funk of Two Soul Fusion's version or the smoother sound of Folamour creating a sleek disco house variation for the peak time crowd.
Chez Damier - "Speechless" (Chez Damier Panorama Bar remix) (5:04)
Makez - "Rocket Music" (5:15)
Alkalino - "Rio" (Alkalino rework) (5:30)
Gledd - "Sere Yo" (5:31)
Review: Adeen Records returns with a superb EP that blends a classic with three new and fresh unreleased tracks. Deep house don Chez Damier's Panorama Bar Remix kicks off and is a a 2021 standout with a killer baseline and Spanish guitar that brings some sunny soul and makes for some top level house grooves. Makez then shines with 'Rocket Music' which has a chunky low end and glistening, golden piano chords making it a late night favourite. On the B-side, Adeen regular Alkalino delivers a tropical-infused edit for the peak time and Gledd closes with a classy cut 'Sere Yo' that is all about the drums. Lovely stuff.
Catch Me When I'm Falling (feat La Donna Wells) (4:04)
In My Mind (3:05)
Review: Derwin Daniels, an accomplished soprano saxophonist and composer, crafted this smooth r&b 45 back in 1989. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of the late La Donna Wells, who delivers a performance on par with Mary J Blige, this gem pre-dates "What's The 411" by three years. The track oozes slick, deep r&b vibes that are soulful enough to fit seamlessly into modern soul and disco sets. On the flip side, Daniels treats listeners to some jazzy brilliance, showcasing his versatility as a musician. An essential find.
Didn't I (feat Cerebral Vortex - 1773 remix) (4:05)
Review: The exact backstory of this one is hard to pin down but suffice it to say if you haven't heard Darondo's 'Didn't I' before then as soon as you do you will fall in love. It has previously been released on a 7" entitled 'Edits' by Stefan Trischler aka Trishes back in 2010 but with a different B-side. Here it comes on TLM with a 1773 remix on the flip. The original is a hard-ass funk cut with raw and tough drums and splintered hi-hats all topped off with the aching and soulful vocal sample and some distant lavish strings. The flip side version features Cerebral Vortex and has extra bars that add a hip-hop touch.
Review: Twilight is the latest piece by long time DJ, producer and remixer, Dominic Dawson. The Japanese label Flower, has released this single to 7" complete with a remix for the second side. The title track is a catchy and funky house track that while the remix is a bit more Balearic and beachy. Both versions have their place in any house setlist and will set the tone for any eclectic DJ set. With the DJing background Dominic has, he is a great guide to setting the mood with music. Like the title artwork suggests, this is perfect music to watch the sun go down to.
Do You Want The Real Thing (Opolopo remix) (10:57)
Let Them Dance (Dr Packer remix) (7:23)
Indiscreet (The Knutsens remix) (7:21)
Review: Although best known for the soaring anthem 'Cathedrals' - a 1976 gem that has been reissued many times - there's much more disco gold in the D.C Larue catalogue to find and play. It's ripe for remixing, too, as this fine EP proves. Opolopo steps up first to deliver a suitably grandiose, Tom Moulton style rearrangement of 1978 cut 'Do You Want The Real Thing' that smartly alternates between Clavinet-sporting groove sections and more overblown, hands-in-the-air instrumental sections. Over on the flip, Dr Packer gets his disco-funk on (minus the house beats he often employs) on a celebratory revision of 'Let Them Dance', before the Knutsens reach for star-fall electronics, throbbing arpeggio-driven bass and righteous orchestration on a delightfully full-throttle revision of 'Indiscreet'.
Review: Colin Curtis Presents another superb EP here which has been put together "to enlighten the listener to the two very different sides of this project." On the A-side, Stefano De Santis showcases a vintage spiritual jazz side with Afrobeats and plenty of funk in the drums. On the flip is a more broken boogie vibe with big disco strings courtesy of The Sunlight Orchestra. It's a life-affirming sound that fills you with sunshine and then last of all comes an Eastern Bloc Extension of 'Barra Nova' that rides on lush broken-beats all lit up by lush chords.
Review: Stefano De Santis echoes purple dubstep on this live-feeled new electronic jazz dazzler, all improvised synth fusion that works well both as a danceable cut and a timeout moment. Just two tunes, 'Santos 79' and 'Moon Over Rio' come across like the morning and evening sides of De Santis' lifeworld; the former is a warm, glitzing sonic waxing, full of tweezy approach notes and Simmons drum 'pows'; the latter is a crepuscular waning, contrasting to the other by way of twinkly chime cascades and deeper chromatic blues.
Review: Rome's contemporary jazz maestro Stefano De Santis is back with his 'New Beginning' EP on the esteemed Quattro Bambole Music. Across four stunning tracks, Stefano's musicianship shines as he explores jazz-infused broken beat, boogie, deep house and lo-fi hip-hop. Highlights come thick and fast and include the mellow jazz landscapes of 'Roy,' the lush blend of slow-motion house and broken beats on 'Lie#3', the emotive, piano-driven 'Paths' and the 80s boogie vibe of 'Tokyo 80.' UK producer Sean McCabe mastered the EP but also delivers a deep house dub of 'Lie#3.'
Review: Stefano De Santis kicks off Ten Lovers' new 'Best Of Various' release with 'Murk'; as the name suggests, this is indeed a dark workout from Rome's finest. The tone is set thereout for a thoroughly varied V/A, blending every curious hallmark from jazzdance, G-funk, Chicago house and progressive. The opener is a muted but no less expansive start, establishing the broken, one-beat-eliding, live-drummy mood that is then heard throughout. Batavia Collective's 'Rearview' thematically harks after an unconscious joy, considering what can only be implied, not stated, by way of a gorgeous, what sounds to be largely live, modal synth squeezer on which the slowdown is the real highlight. Future Jazz Ensemble's 'Over The Rainbow' is by far the most challenging, blurring any woulda-been established lines popularly splitting 'live' and 'electronic' with a reverb-drenched generative fill workout, while closer 'Outer Heaven' from Takahiro Fuchigami, hailing from Fukuoka, rounds things off on a note of Hancockian jive.
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Art Of Tones remix) (5:52)
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Floorfillers remix) (6:15)
Review: Basile de Suresnes offers a seamless blend of nostalgic disco energy and modern house rhythms. The opening track brims with soulful samples and an irresistible groove, a nod to late-night dancefloor euphoria. Following this, a bassline-driven funk-infused cut keeps the energy rolling, blending deep rhythmic elements with playful textures. Closing the release, a high-energy finale showcases soaring strings and a pulsating beat, delivering a vibrant crescendo. This is a confident statement of intent for selectors seeking to bridge classic influences with a contemporary twist.
Review: Whatever you were expecting from an album named 'Superflous', forget it. An exploration into all the many paths of light that refract from the prism of house music, Bagarre commands the dancefloor with every track, placing specific emphasis on keys - a side of the genre that the mainstream has fallen out of love with in recent years. The silky smooth jazz house of 'Espirit Coubertin', a more classic NYC brand of vocal house (beset with 80s synth phrases) in 'Truman Flow' and a divulgence into some driving piano acid house with chopped up vocals in 'Annees Folles' to even a more modern, turn of the century approach with the big hit 'Eurovision' - I could go on. A wonderful and tight package, this LP almost feels like a compilation for how varied and versatile the tracks are. The packaging being one of the selling points of course, the carbon impact of the vinyl production promising to be compensated by a French organisation. You certainly don't have to feel bad about dancing to this now.
Review: For those in the know, this new collab between veteran Portuguese DJ and producer Dedy Dread and fast-rising Hawaiian singing star Olivia Ruff has been a long time coming. But it was worth the wait. The opener 'Cover Me' features Ruff's, well, slightly rough - or at least gravelly - vocals over a rhythm and bass instrumental. It's accented with wispy chords, neat little guitar riffs and crunchy claps. Flip it over and you'll find a remix by label founder The Rebel and Roman pianist and producer Shiny D. Their version is a modern update with brilliant reggaeton rhythms.
Review: Grammy award winners and production duo Deep Dish throw another contemporary update of their classic track 'Flashdance' into the mix. Compared to the original 2004 track - which saw to a curious but effectively fiery blues-rock come electro-dance delight - this new version elides some of the early rock rawness for a more muted yet mutable 'Guitar Redux' version, which adds a subtle tribal trance direction. There's also two new versions of 'Say Hello', one prog trance and the other full-on trance, and whose original version followed 'Flashdance' as their second collaboration with singer Anousheh Khalili in 2005.
Deepstar - "Sugar" (feat Donna Allen - Richard Earnshaw remix) (6:33)
Deepstar - "Sugar" (feat Donna Allen) (7:51)
Melba Moore - "My Heart Belongs To You" (Groove Assassin remix) (6:15)
Melba Moore - "My Heart Belongs To You" (Ron Carroll's BMC vocal Classical) (8:08)
Review: Soulfuric Recordings, a pillar of house music history founded by Brian Tappert and Marc Pomeroy, continues to deliver with the reissue of Donna Allen's 'Sugar.' Originally released in 2002, this track showcases Allen's r&b vocals alongside Pomeroy's signature groove-driven production. The package features two versions of 'Sugar,' including Richard Earnshaw extended mix, which highlights and the original version. On Side-2 remixes are complemented by two standout versions of Melba Moore's 'My Heart Belongs To You,' with a Groove Assassin extended mix and a Ron Carroll BMC vocal mix. Despite being over two decades old, 'Sugar' retains its vibrant energy and classic appeal, embodying Soulfuric's legacy of influential house music. This reissue celebrates the timeless quality of the track today.
Review: UK legend Dego and killer keys-man Kaidi Tatham have been in a rich vein of form of late, dropping brilliant EPs on Eglo, Sound Signature and Rush Hour (the latter under their 2000Black alias). Here, they return to Eglo with four more slices of warm, rich, soul-flecked fluidity. As with previous outings, much of the material has a laidback jazz-funk feel, particularly "Orbiting Uhara" and the delicious "The Vault Descends" (think bustling bruk rhythms and darting boogie synths). They also offer up some tougher, synth-laden bruk-funk in the shape of "Man Made", while "Black Is Key" sees them unfurl a head-nodding vocal roller.
Review: Spanish label NeighbourSoul bring a heraldic design sensibility to wildout disco edits on 12", with this latest record taking on a leonine art direction on the inner label and sleeve. A top-up to their enduring vinyl-only series, this one hears a resident editor arride four more most-pleasing disco loops, believably emulating a bygone time in which DJs would sticker and knife their records to create workable tools, in the absence of software.
Review: Demon's 'You Are My High' ignited a frenzy upon its release in 1999, becoming an iconic track synonymous with the French Touch movement. Now, 25 years later, the timeless allure of 'You' remains as captivating as ever. This summer, fans can rejoice as the track celebrates its anniversary with a special collector's edition vinyl release. With 150 million streams and a platinum disc to its name, 'You Are My High' soared to success, fuelled by its unforgettable music video featuring a three-minute French kiss. Despite initial attempts at censorship by the CSA, the track ultimately found its place on television screens 24/7, leaving an indelible mark on French pop culture. Demon's masterpiece not only defined an era but also influenced a new generation of artists, from Agar Agar to DJ Snake and beyond. As a quintessential symbol of the French Touch legacy, 'You Are My High' continues to enchant listeners with its irresistible charm and infectious groove.
Review: Kevin Dennis Pierre has been making high-grade house music as Demuir since the dawn of the Millennium, in the process notching up releases on such imprints as Robsoul Recordings, Stickman, Nite Grooves, Farris Wheel, Heist, Kaoz Theory and Hot Creations. Here the Toronto-based producer brings his brand of club-ready deep house to France's Frappe Recordings, flitting between driving, mind-bending peak-time hedonism ('The Music In Space'), jazzy and sample-rich goodness ('Enter The House of My Lord') and revivalist Chicago 'boompty' (the early 2000s Classic Music Company style 'First Look In San Diego'). Pierre's old pal DJ Sneak rounds things off with a deliciously sleazy, weighty and sub-heavy interpretation of 'The Music In Space' with added low-end sax stabs.
Review: JAKe Detonator is a renowned graphic artist who shows another side to his skills here as he drops a slick 7" featuring two instrumental hip-hop tracks dedicated to the legendary MF DOOM. Both tracks, 'Requiem for Doom' and 'Stoneferry Morning,' were crafted during lockdown like so much good music of recent years. They are killer joints with woozy synths worming their way in and out of tough, classic boom-bap betas as dark vocal musings add extra weight. Naturally, this double A-side comes complete with full-colour artwork by JAKe himself and marks his first 45 release.
Review: Devilish edit duo Duane Harriott and Sean Marquand are Devin Dare and now they return with fresh flips to get the Razr N Tape year going. 'Dancemuzak' transforms a classic NYC disco groove into a hypnotic, driving force while 'Itsdiscotime' masterfully loops rare, mind-blowing source material into a jam for the ages. On the flip side, 'Lookin Good' delivers cheeky uptempo soul perfect for a Theo Parrish set, while '1heater4sasha' slows things down with Clavinet-driven funk. Devin Dare are surely among the best editors in the game.
Review: Motor City mainstay and former Slum Village associate DJ Dez Andres has many skills up his sleeve from mad scratching to vibrant Latin flavour mixes that draw on his Cuban heritage via dusty house rollers and deep hip-hop gems. Here he mixes all that up on a new EP for Beretta Music that is now available on purple vinyl. His sunny and delightful melodies are present and correct in each cut, as are his signature slouchy and hip-hop-inspired drums. All four of the tunes hit the sweet spot but the funky boucle of 'Back To Nature' is one that really stands out here.
Review: Diego Ruiz aka DFRA returns with a new four-track live jazzdance quencher, 'Jazz In'. Indeed, jazz is, at present, 'in', contrasting to the various moments in history (perhaps not linearly) in which it has been 'out'. Of course, both 'in' and 'out' concur simultaneously, and mutually uphold each other. The nominal in-ness of this record suggests a sense of measured knowing that outness simply cannot partake in; and whether this is really true is beside the point, because the record itself brings a decidedly measured sound, one that basks abaft in bottomy brasses, insouciant piano redoubts, distant kazoo tarns and mesmerically kicky dance movements. Little does Ruiz know that the boundary of in and out is always collapsible, reversible, and he even orchestrates this himself; by the time we reach 'The New Orleans Sound', the record's professed internal genius has nonetheless turned us, the listener, outside in, inside out.
Review: Michael Diamond is the Indian-born UK artist who is co-founder of the Vasuki Sound label and club night. He is known for his 'jazzed electronic' sound in which he blends academic insights with musical creativity. His background in music perception and cognition, which he studied at Oxford while pursuing Medicine, shapes his unique approach. On his new EP 'Placid Wakefulness', Diamond collaborates with renowned musicologist Professor Eric Clarke to explore how music impacts sleep and wakefulness. The tracks blend ambient calm with energetic rhythms and are a fine example of Diamond's distinctive sound and deep understanding of neuroscience and music.
U Dat Bitch (Die Familia East Side Gangster remix) (6:06)
House Music (part 1 - Late Night edit) (6:45)
Organic (Like Weird) (6:01)
Review: The fast-rising Purveyor Underground Ltd kicks on again here with a sizzling seventh EP that is as rude as they come - in both meanings of the word - from Die Familia. It is his own East Side Gangster remix of 'U Dat Bitch' that kicks off with hard-hitting house kicks and sleazy vocals over a rugged bassline. 'House Music' (part 1 - Late Night edit) is just as raw but more deep and hypnotic with its ascending synth lines and steamy vocal coos. 'Organic (Like Weird)' might be the best of the lot - a quick and urgent house thumper with silky hi-hats and rolling bass getting you up on your toes amidst swirling pads and a melange of vocals.
Review: Looks like we have another Digwah white label in this week. The label first appeared on our radar several years ago with its second release 'Something Else' by an anonymous artist who threw down a sublime vocal by Cuba Gooding over a pumping acid tech house groove. Fast forward to DIGWAH 07, the formula remains the same and is still rather effective. In this case, the vocals are taken from a rather legendary early '90s pop collaboration over a hypnotic, bass-driven minimal house groove aimed squarely at the afterhours dancefloor.
Dimitri From Paris & DJ Rocca - "Days Of A Better Paradise" (5:57)
Saucy Lady - "Passport To My Love" (5:52)
Misiu - "Love Me Do" (5:59)
Clive From Accounts - "It's Not That I Don't Care" (5:16)
Review: JKriv & Co. at Razor N Tape serve up possibly their biggest release yet, if this one is anything to go by. The first edition in the label's brand spanking new Family Affair series features the pairing of legends Dimitri From Paris & DJ Rocca on 'Days Of A Better Paradise' kicking off the A side, before Saucy Lady's late night boogie-down biz on 'Passport To My Love'. Flip over and you're treated to a seriously lo-slung cosmic disco dub on Misiu's 'Love Me Do' and finally Clive From Accounts tells it straight up on the acid jazz joint 'It's Not That I Don't Care'.
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