Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Florence Adooni has been called Ghana's Frafra gospel queen in the past, and with good reason. First single 'Mam Pe'ela Su'ure' arrived in 2021 to widespread acclaim, and she followed up on Philophon with 'Yinne' late last year. Now Adooni is back on the label for a collaboration with German artist Erobique, who is normally found making quirky synth disco cuts. On a visit to Max Weissenfeldt's studio in Ghana, he crossed paths with Adooni and so the lilting, sweetly sentimental 'Mam Tola' was created. The B-side of this single finds Erobique flying solo for 'Bach In Afrika', riding a swift beat from Kung Fu Andoh and flexing on the Hammond organ for an uptempo fusion which might well catch you off guard and make you dance all the same.

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.

Review: The "Weapons Of Hope EP" features artists that are pushing the creative envelope within their genre. This first EP in the series gives a stunning and redefining sound that balances a blend between hip-hop, jazz and electronica.

Review: Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, Arvid & Ernesto continue the Naked Music tradition of thumping club beats from the land of the midnight sun. For this release, entitled 'Try', mixmeister supreme Arvid teams up with male vocalist Ernesto (currently featured on the new Beanfield album) to present four great mixes that each offer a unique interpretation of the Naked sound. All in all, another groove-heavy gem from the Naked Music catalogue, essential for any discriminating turntablist.

Review: Tenalach, the latest EP from Chancha Via Circuito and El Buho, engages listeners in an enigmatic and atmospheric soundscape, blending organic and electronic elements. Following their earlier collaborations, this release takes them deeper into uncharted sonic territory, creating a vivid, almost otherworldly experience. With its mysterious tones, Tenalach feels like a soundtrack to an alternate realityiimagine a journey through Latin American jungles and mountains, as if guided by the spirits of nature. The opener 'El Samurai' stays closest to the duo's signature folktronic sound, blending cowbells, violin-like synths, and animalistic rhythms. 'Sapo Cururu' introduces an intriguing mix of croaking frogs and driving snares, pushing genre boundaries with its primal energy. 'Oropendola' lifts with its strobing synths and the delicate flutter of birds, creating a dreamlike, airy atmosphere. Meanwhile, 'Sumay' delivers a powerful blend of epic synth lines and Chancha's hallmark percussion, evoking both majesty and melancholy. While the EP pulses with life, it's neither downtempo nor uptempoiexisting in a space that defies easy categorisation. Reflecting a more introspective and darker edge, Tenalach captures a subtle tension, hinting at the duo's contemplation of a rapidly changing world and the blurred lines between human and nature. A truly unique listen.

Review: Coke Escovedo used to be a big Latin funk producer and with 'I wouldn’t change a thing' on Unique, he produced a modern soul bomb! This tune has got everything: Breaks, Percussion, Soul Voice, Saxophone! It was first released on his Album in ´76 and was never released on a 45!!!!!

Review: Brooklyn based Bastard Jazz always come up with the goods. Classy, sophisticated and groove-fuelled breakbeat is their staple sound and the latest Basics EP from Colm K sticks firmly within that remit. "Basics" coaxes us in with a singular key piano melody, providing itself as the platform for the sensually sung vocals from Elaine Dowling. Laid back, sexy and driven by an underlying groove, simplicity is the key here and it's worked to perfection. The Uptown Dub pushes things skyward a notch with electric keys and a speedier rhythm, while Alister Johnson's remix leaves the beat to chug away in the background whilst bringing the vocals right up front. On the flip, the Part Time Heroes & Patchwork Pirates remix speeds things up with a marked BPM increase taking it into a vague drum and bass territory without losing the track's soulful dignity. Jugoe turn on "Basics" house capabilities with a deep bassline, twisted synths and drawn out strings. For the bonus, "Love To Love You" garners downtempo, ultra sexy melodies.

Review: Brand new remixes by Kero One of three classic tracks from Common, Erykah Badu, and Andre 3000. The remixed tracks are dance
floor friendly but maintain that jazzy, feel good funky soul that Kero One is known for. The EP includes 5 tracks with plenty of live
instrumentation (Fender Rhodes, Fender Bass, Jazz guitar, vintage synths, etc.). Concept: Common, Erykah, and Andre of Outkast
all shared the same passion, the passion to make good music. Additionally, Common and Andre 3000 shared something else in common:
Erykah Badu. They did however have differences, as their romantic relationships with each other didn't last long. Kero One attempts to
sort out the differences, bringing them together for one last time to shine on the same record, 'The Love Triangle EP', out on Plug.

Review: Yellow Productions illustrious and much sought after back catalog finds new life on this the third and final classic re-issue. Volume 3 features the Idjut Boy mix of Dimitri From Paris's "Dirty Harry" a huge record for Joe Claussell, Doc Martin and Kenny Hawkes back in the day. On the flip is an unreleased Ernest St Laurent track called "Butterfly" a Shazz styled deep house number with infectious keys, live funk bass and subtle disco influences.

Review: Second chapter of the 'Inside' series of various artists eps selected by Neroli's very own Volcov. This time with a more eclectic approach than the previous volume, exploring more electronic landscapes with Domu's downtempo ambience song aptly titled 'Point Of Entry' and Jamal Moss's unmistakable sound on his opus 'Black Hands Sound 63' on the first side. On the flipside Mother Tongue's own Patrick Gibin returns with another bouncing collaboration with Kaidi Tatham entitled 'Don't Read' and new upcoming wonder producer EDB serves 'You Bring Me Joy' with the help of Alberto Lincetto on keys and NTS resident Marshmello on vocals!

Review: Sole Aspect takes us around the world and to the studios of artists based across Madrid, Switzerland, Los Angeles and Detroit on The Mystic Embrace EP. Opening it up is Ernes Joey & Robbin Hauz with 'U Should Know' (feat Shea Doll - Age Of Rage remix) which is a version by Dubbyman alongside Dan Piu with some delightfully jazzy keeps, seductive deep house drums and aching vocals full of heart. The original is a stripped-back sound with less melodic luxuriousness but the still superb vocal front and centre. Dubbyman then mixes Klima Project's 'Sweetback' into a mid-tempo, cuddly back room deep house sound and Patrice Scott Reshapes it with some crystal-cut synth lines that bring cosmic charm.

Review: Those who pay attention to these things know that Poland's EABS (short for Electro Acoustic Beat Sessions) are one of the hottest jazz combos in the world right now - an accolade earned not only via their incredible playing, but also their willingness to fuse elements of classic Polish and American jazz with hip-hop, soul and funk influences. Here, the fast-rising septet joins forces with 22a regular Tenderlonious (who provides flute and soprano sax solos) for two epic workouts. A-side "Kraksa" is something of an epic; an ever-changing 13-minute jazz journey that brilliantly switches from floor-rocking goodness to horizontal bliss midway through. "Svantetic", meanwhile, wraps fuzzy rock guitars and hammered-out piano riffs around a sweaty groove that just grows in intensity throughout.

Review: Limited repress. Being played by Phill Asher and Kenny D.

Review: There ain't much that Matt Early and Lee Jeffries cannot do, and they have more than proven that with the music they have dropped this month alone. There have been four or five essential 7"s on Sonic Wax In Da House and its new sister label Disco Edits and this latest one is another bomb. It finds the duo taking Afro banger 'Rhythms Of Africa' and flipping it with their own Jazzphonic mix. It takes the original into new sonic realms with jazzy, dancing keys, restless drum funk, lashings of percussion and plenty of manic flutes. The instrumental is no less busy nor effective.

Review: Big new jazzdance from Colin Curtis' new Earthsouls project, debuting for the UK's funk-soul-jazz outfit of the same name. Made up of Curtis in collaboration with Born74, ONJ and Mark Paul Norton, the Earthsouls permit an impressive range on an out-of-body leash, keeping us grounded whilst also laying down some essence, some gist, some spirit. From the opening jam of 'Cause & Effect', across which a deterministic drum daubing from Born74 takes centre stage and shines, to the mid-moment wonky-boxy disco charmer 'Desire For Hire' and the closing funk something-or-other that is 'Across The Tracks', this is a legitimately wicked new EP, one which should probably be suppressed for its propagation of such potent sonic alchemies - that is, if we lived in a more sensible world.

Review: Earthtones have got a new albumin the way and this is the very first and very tasty teaser single from it. This one is actually a collaboration with longtime friend and co-producer Oliwa and it has a stunning lead vocal that is full pf passion and heart ache and comes from Colombian-Canadian talent Lido Pimienta. The drums are slow, heavy and cumbia influenced extra bass synths, keys, guitars and drums all making it feel contemporary as well as traditional. We're told "the vision of this track is one of upliftment of womxn and femmes everywhere."

Review: "Beyond The Path" is Eastenders long awaited new release. At the same time it is something like an Eastenders manifest - a symbiosis of modern club music and global beats. Eastenders had always wanted to go beyond the limits to create a fresh and contemporary club sound influenced by world music, and in order to achieve this they have to move beyond the usual paths. This is an essential Poets Club release.

Review: Take a trip into the beating heart of Japanese nu-jazz with this essential single of two distinct halves ask intrinsically linked to each other. On the A side, Kyoto Jazz Massive's spin-off band Echoes Of A New Dawn Orchestra get their version of 'Substream' reworked by DJ Kawasaki, who creates a razor sharp edit laced with all kinds of funk-oriented grooves, available exclusively on this 7". On the flip, Kyoto Jazz Massive themselves get remixed by Parisian duo Mochi Men on 'This Feeling'. There's pre-existing relationships between all the players on this standout release, making it a cohesive perspective on the corner of the scene Kyoto Jazz Massive and their associated projects occupy.

Review: "It's Hip To Be Square" is another typical funk track in true Innvision style. Felix Neuenhoff was invited as singer and contributes not only with his sonorous voice but also with the song texts. A further musical guest was brought in to remix "It's Hip To Be Square". The aspiring artist "Rephrase" minimized the instrumentation and has given the track an alternative and interesting touch. It need not be said that this track will undoubtedly, yet again, lead to wild and frolicsome moves on the dancefloor.

Review: "Funky Kitchen", released on Innvision, is a homage to the club of the same name in Munich where Ed Royal and Enne had wonderful times as residents but which was unfortunately torn down.

Review: Last year, Mother Tongue Records released Madre Lingua, an album of all-star collaborations between broken beat and deep house musicians and producers helmed by Verona-based Brit Patrick Gibin. This 12" updates two of the tracks from the set, with Gibin once again to the fore. On side A, he joins forces with long-time friend and studio buddy Kaidi Tatham to remix EDB and Gary Superfly's 'Pressure'. Their tack is bouncy and synth-heavy, with spacey, out-there lead lines and intergalactic-sounding pads rising above a Maurice Fulton-as-Syclops style bassline and loose-limbed house drums. On the flip, Marc De Clive-Lowe remixes his own collaboration with Gibin and Tommasso Capelleto, 'Apollo', brilliantly joining the dots between spacey jazz-funk and ambient on a superb, beat-free 'Dreamscape' mix.

Review: Heavy Domu remixes of this album fave from Eddy Meets Yannah. On the flip the Croatian is remixing their own song "Changes". Plus unreleased bonus track "Thinkin About The Dayz".

Review: In 1976, French band Edition Speciale released their debut album, "Allee Des Tilleuls". While much of the album saw them explore progressive rock and jazz-rock territory, it did contain one suitably groovy and life-affirming trip into jazz-funk territory, surprise LP standout "Mr Business". Here that cut gets a single release for the very first time courtesy of the dusty-fingered diggers at Pepite. You'll find the little-known band's languid, Clavinet and synthesizer-heavy original version on side A, with Aroop Roy's tidy contemporary rework on the B. Aroop sticks a rocket up the track's bottom end, underpinning the original song with peak-time-ready drums while wisely emphasizing his own killer bassline and catchy vocals.

Review: Galaxy Sound Co is back with some subtle but sublime new edits, and this time Mr Thelonious turns his hand to 'Soul Town' by The Motherhood from their psychedelic 1969 album I Feel So Free. If you can find this one n 45rpm anywhere it will likely have a high three-figure price tag and this edit is a great alternative with big horn energy and rousing soul-funk grooves. On the flip is 'Pinball 6' which was originally by The Pointer Sisters and made famous for its appearance on Sesame Street in the 1970s when it was used as backing music to the famous segment that taught children how to count. It's an electric bit of jazz-funk that still sounds most excellent.

Review: Reading the tracklist of Edu K's album "Frenétiko", it's soon clear that this man truly loves women. Tracks like "Sex-O-Matic", "Sexxxy", "Quero Ser Ator Porno" (If I Could Be Porn Actor) and last but not least "Hot Mama" all cavalierly illustrate: Edu K's heart beats for all things female. "Hot Mama, won't you shake your hips for me?" asks Edu in the opening line of his sunshine tune, and it is quite obvious that few women would decline. Accompanied by a Cuban piano line, Spanish vocal licks, a bouncy electro beat and an irresistible fuzzy bass line, Edu mashs the Caribbean with Miami bass, Brazil with New York in a unique way. The four remixes included on the "Hot Mama" 12" do equal cross territorial blendings. The A-Side kicks off with the Sinden remix. Call it fidgit house, minimal bassism - this track reverberates many musical flavours in a fresh uptempo groove. But most of all, it is damn funky. The remix is produced by London's Graeme Sinden, one half of top remix team A Brucker & Sinden, whose remix list includes Lady Sovereign, Mary J Blige and most recently released the infamous Din Da Da EP on Counterfeet. Sinden has released tracks on Loungin' Records, and is a long time collaborator of Dave "Solid Groove/Switch" Taylor (who's also behind the pseudonym A Brucker). The Bonde Do Role remix comes in true Brazilian baile funk stylee. Remixed by one of Brazil's hottest new bands (now signed to Diplo's Mad Decent label), Bonde Do Role have added a Tamborzao beat and shaped "Hot Mama" into a favela compatible track, ready to blast the real big speakers. Zuzuku is an upcoming remix talent from NYs Bronx. His reggae and dancehall influenced mashups and remixes on his MySpace site were so convincing that Edu K asked singer/graphic designer/producer Zuzuku to remix "Hot Mama". With a nice (and very familiar) reggae lick, he poured the Cuban bass track into a skanking tune in original JA fashion. Edu K's own "Jameikan" remix starts with a dancehall influenced riddim and breaks down into an uprising, jacking house groove, perfect for DJ mixing from downbeat to uptempo grooves. Four remixes and a crowd pleasing original mix. - the "Hot Mama" EP is another essential vinyl by Edu K that will surely find its steady remain on many DJs playlists.

Review: Estonian label RR Gems continues to fly the flag for the finest experimental jazz music, introducing the world to the sound of EEG Coherence. Recorded at the legendary Hotel 2 Tango studios in Montreal, their debut album is a flowing, engrossing affair which flirts with free jazz forms while keeping a certain smoky, groove-minded vibe at the centre of the rhythm section. It lopes and slopes, letting prominent guitar work needle its way around looming basslines and splashy, spaced-out drums with splashes of vocals, flutes, sax and keys darting about in the mix for good measure. If you value free jazz you can latch onto, this album is a must-check.

Review: Following El Buho's "Tributaries" remix album, Wonderwheel offer up this choice 7" featuring two distinct cuts not found on the main record. First up is El Buho's take on grand master Quantic, working with the storied producer's considerable knowledge of Latin music to create a remix of "Cumbia Sobre El Mar" already well loved on globally minded dancefloors. On the flip comes the never before released El Buho version of Nickodemus and Femina's "Inmortales" - a fierce, drum-tastic version to get bodies shaking down.

Review: El Michels Affair returns with a new two-track release that showcases his continued excellence as both a producer and musician. The A-side, 'Mr Brew,' opens with a menacing intro before evolving into a spacious tune masterfully balancing tension and release. Gentle guitars, strings, flutes and brass weave over a heavy drum track to make for a bright and immersive landscape. On the B-side, 'Kodak' is a lesson in space and arrangement with mellow drums and beautiful instrumentation setting the perfect mood. EMA's trademark restraint ensures the vibe remains the focal point while delivering a perfectly crafted sound that never overwhelms.

Review: Once again, El Michels Affair is back with the second instalment of their highly acclaimed "Shaolin Series", bridging the widening gap between hip hop and instrumental soul. After the success of "Cream", the band got back in the studio and churned out two more interpretations of essential wu-bangers! The A side is an instrumental version of the landmark track "Bring The Ruckus" from the Wu Tang's breakthrough album "Enter The 36 Chambers". Stripping the track back to the bare bones, this gives a more sinister vibe to the track. Over on the flip GZA's "Duel Of The Iron Mic" get the respectful treatment, adding strings, horns and original vocal drops from the original. Essential.

Review: It's been five years since Truth & Soul's octet gave us the incredible Wu Tang version album. It's been two years since they last dropped a single, too. However the band is back and their trademark cinematic soul is richer and more emotive than ever. From the instant the trembling flute and guitar open with the cuddly, ultimately positive "Kiddy Ditty" we're whisked on a largely instrumental journey that flings us through the wild west ("Little House"), soul's early JB chapters ("This Song For You") and straight up NY low-slung funk ("A Little Sloppy"). Climaxing with a Lee Fields featured "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", Loose Change is a kind reminder of just how accomplished and creative El Michels Affair are. No change there, then.

Review: Croatian producer El Nino Andres is steadily building up an impressive arsenal of disco and deep house heaters on his own Jackie Brown label, having previously been running the Hija De Colombia imprint. On this fourth slab he pushes his sound into even more intriguing places. Opening track "Slow Mo Tuesdays" lets things roll out on a decidedly dusty tip carried by off-kilter drums. "Riviera Blues" stands out thanks to its tough 80s-styled drums and warm soulful melodics. "Low End Massacre" meanwhile gets choppy in the edit and makes a devilishly good job of riding the samples.

Review: Stark sonic simplicity... The Elder Statesman comprises two brothers Christopher and Daniel Yeabsley. Playing piano and double bass respectively, they're joined by fellow New Zealander Lord Echo on drums and production duties. Between them they have created the beautiful fusion of instrumental jazz and soul that's instantly soothing yet ultimately dancefloor charming. "Montreux Sunrise" is the deeper, smokier of the two while "Trans-Alpine Express" rides with a more persistent percussive message.

Review: The original version of "Get Up" is taken from the Elektrons album "Red Light Don't Stop", and features Soup on vocals. This one-sided 12" promo edition - which clocks in at just under 9 minutes - has been remixed by Greg Wilson in a disco-electro-boogie style.

Review: All you need is a basement, a red light and a feeling. Turntable alchemists Justin and Luke Unabomber have stepped away from the decks and into the studio as Elektrons. This Wall Of Sound release feature remixes of "Dirty Basement".

Review: "Dirty Basement" is the new single from Unabombers alter-ego, Elektrons. This Wall Of Sound release is a three track EP and a strong indication to the strength of the forthcoming album.

Review: Louie Vega is one of the wonders of the natural world. He has been making timeless music for more than a quarter of a century and unlike many of his aged peers, he still very much keeps on knocking it out of the park. The fourth part of his Eclipse project with the Elements of Life crew is another golden one. 'Fantasy' (feat Melanin) is a soul drenched opener with broken beats and trademark instrumental flair. Things get deeper on 'Harlem River Drive' with its Latin flourishes before 'You Come Into My Life' is a gorgeous vocal cut with jazzy keys. 'Bass Run' is a shuffling, finger clicking, rump wiggling gem to close.

Review: Unlike its predecessors, the third and final part of Elements of Life's reissue of their 2013 double-CD Eclipse does not come on a 12" double-pack, but rather a double seven-inch. It contains some genuine gems from Louie Vega's disco/Latin/house fusion collective, starting with a suitably rousing, celebratory and mood-enhancing diso-boogie cover of Joubert Singers' classic 'Stand on the Word'. The EP also sports two other tidy covers - a rich, sun-splashed jazz-funk take on Stevie Wonder classic 'Pastime Paradise' and a lazy, hazy, carnival-ready interpretation of Brazilian standard 'Berimbau' - as well as a deliciously jazzy EOL original called 'Hot Music'.

Review: For the uninitiated, Eleven76 is a breakdance-friendly space-funk project helmed by Mighty Mocambos member Paul Elliott. This must-check "45" is the fluid combo's third single for Mocambo Records, but the first for two years. Lead cut 'The Scarab's Quest' is seriously heavy, with Incredible Bongo Band style percussion, woozy Moog lines and 1960s spy-funk guitar licks dancing atop a low-slung bassline and weighty funk drums. Elliott's love of heavy bass guitar lines and glassy-eyed 1960s guitars is further explored on flipside 'The Hornet's Nest', an exotic library funk number that sounds like it could have featured on the soundtrack to a turn-of-the-'70s heist movie.

Review: Elizabeth Shepherd Trio brings a unique blend of jazz-funk, soul, blues and samba to the fundamentals of jazz, improvising a deep driving bass from Scott Kemp, and the swinging beat of the drum from Colin Kingsmore.

Review: Elizabeth Shepherd strives to push the boundaries of what is considered conventional jazz to create a sound all her own. Nostalgia 77 (aka Ben Lamdin) first burst onto the music scene with his heavy, new funk sound in 2002. Nostalgia's style can be described as a combination of soul and jazz composition with computer based production techniques. He is known for his tasty jazz reworks, which tend to include a touch of raw funk to mix things up a bit. This formula certainly works well on "Reversed"; from the extended drum breaks to the snappy horns, his version sounds very much like a freshly discovered soul 7" from a dusty old record warehouse. "Reversed (Nostalgia 77 mix)" is now available as a limited edition 7" single.

Review: Planet B is the first release of the year for London spiritual jazz outfit Emanative, and musically is said to follow in the spirit of Arthur Russell's Dinosaur L project, no wave band ESG, and Sun Ra. This release takes them in a slightly different direction than previous, with the leftfield title track encompassing post punk, afrobeat, disco and jazz. For the 11 minute B side epic "Lions Of Judah" they took a live version of the Ahmed Abdullah-written track (by Steve Reid & The Legendary Master Brotherhood) which was recorded live at London's famous Cafe OTO - an institution for experimental live music and free jazz. The version has become a Gilles Peterson favourite and a regular on his 6Music and Worldwide FM shows.

Review: Ever since their first record launched on Futuristica Music, back in 2008, Emanative have been quietly shaping the contemporary jazz-dance landscape - an achievement for which they are rarely accredited to. Hopefully, we can change some of those misconceptions by telling you just how special this new EP for Jazz45 is sounding! The opening "New Day" features the soulful vocals of Ahu over a rolling, breaks-centric groove with plenty of melodic quirks and, of course, the unstoppable euphoric power of the flute; the flipside's instrumental allows you to get even closer to the music constructed by Emanative, which is undoubtedly the outfit's long-running forte.

Review: Emanative is an artist known for his love of collaborating with others. He has worked with Bex Burch during the lockdown and now this new EP is the meeting of those minds pressed to wax. Nick Emanative initially provided Bex with a hazy, 808 / African-inspired sketch and things were taken from there with a back and forth dialogue resulting in an afro tinged house groover with post punk-esque vocal, Ghanaian Gyil xylophone and synths and tape delay from Hector Plimmer. It makes for a fascinating pair of tunes.

Review: Emapea is a bonafide Polish beat-wizard and man being many highly collectible albums, 12"s and 7"s. This lates is another call to action for when the sun arrives, a laidback fusion of soul, funk and jazz with lazy hip hop beats that just melt the heart. The opener '7 Inch' is a crisp boom-bap joint, 'True Fam' brings a steamy sax line and golden keys to the fore, then 'Smuggling Town' rolls us into downtown Jamaica on a blissed out dub. 'Takeover' is another lounge beat masterpiece amongst many in his arsenal.

Review: Berlin's resident hard edged popstrel Emika returns to Ninja Tune for a third time - with "Count Backwards" echoing her previous output in confounding expectations. Adventurous in its rhythmic leanings and cloaked in a smoky and sinister backdrop, "Count Backwards" has us wondering what Emika could achieve over the length of an album. This is complemented on the A Side by a suitably beefed up take from Kryptic Minds which really pushes some thick subs into the echoed out spaces. On the flip Berghain don Marcel Dettmann delivers two takes on the original, with the opening and quite scary vocal edit dying to be utilised by the more adventurous producers out there - a sampled chunk of the track at 33rm is all the backing you need for a witch house track. Dettmann's remix is more familiar fare for the Berlin brigade, repositioning the percussive shuffle to a dubby industrial rattle filled with exquisite metallic textures.

Review: Empty Chair is a fresh project hailing from Finland. The "In Phase EP", released by the Helsinki-based Living Space Records, is an intriguing fusion of forward-looking beat craft and steady grooves vaguely reminiscent of the likes of Dabrye, Thomas Fehlmann, and perhaps Daedalus. The EP, Empty Chair's debut release, has already been championed by Gilles Peterson and the like!

Review: Stockholm's Markus Enochson is at the cutting edge of an ever evolving new form of soul music. He has previously released on Compost and Fabric as well as the Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez New Jersey house label Masters At Work. "For You To See" is his powerfully fresh sounding new 12" brought to you by Sonar Kollektiv. Enochson already had one solo 12" "Got To Let You Know" a couple of years ago on Berlin label Sonar Kollektiv plus a cracking track "Club Possible" on the last Sonar Kollektiv compilation CD. The track takes off seconds after the track start. With his fusion style, Enochson's finely honed production skills somehow allow him to create a seamless fusion of Latin percussion, acid bass grooves and soul vocals. "People Get Ready It's Time For A Change" comes the call from guest vocalist Masaya who co-wrote the "Club Possible" track, and really puts his all into this song. Once you hear Masaya's powerful soul voice sing the line "There's A Time And Place For Everything", you know he's right. Tiger Stripes is fellow Swede Mikael Nordgren. His mix of "For You To See" gives the whole thing more of a trance-house feel. But the delay affected vocals means the track retains the soul vibe while certainly living up to its "dub mix" name. Nordgren's track "Amphytrion" even featured on Carl Craig's Fabric mix (Fabric 49) so one can expect Tiger Stripes to come up with something dance-floor friendly, which is exactly what he delivers. With the Tiger Stripes vocal mix on the B-side Mikael Nordgren takes "For You To See" even further down the house path. The vocal mix is the second or two superb mixes from Tiger Stripes and rounds off a quality 12" nicely.

Review: For those who've yet to check out his productions, Envee is regarded as Poland's number one producer of underground dance music with soul. This EP sees his make his belated bow on soulful dance music institution Local Talk, with a little help from legendary UKG producer (and all-round studio don) Zed Bias. There are two Envee originals on show: 'Sum Luv', a gorgeous, sun-splashed, modern soul-meets-slow house head-nodder smothered in organic instrumentation and eyes-closed female vocals, and the jazz-funk-flavoured broken beat swell of 'Styrax'. Both are remixed in a club-ready style by Zed Bias. His wobbly, sub-bass-sporting two-step take on 'Sum Luv' is simply sublime, while his similarly UKG-powered take on 'Styrax' recalls the soulful jazziness of his Phuturistix project.

Review: During the first COVID-19 lockdown of 20210, London-based afrobeat collective Eparapo, an - all-stars - outfit helmed by Afrobeat Orchestra member Suman Joshi and featuring his good friend Dele Sosimi, remotely recorded a handful of killer cuts. Two of these previously digital-only gems have finally made it to vinyl, accompanied by brand-new remixes. 'From London To Lagos' is an admirable commentary on corruption set to a fuzzy, infectious, Fela Kuti style afrobeat workout, while 'Black Lives Matter' is a slowed-down, stretched out and musically detailed affair that proudly takes aim on international racism. The 'Wheelup Remix' of 'From London To Lagos' cannily re-imagines the track as a tactile, spacey and bass-heavy chunk of shuffling deep house warmth, while Sam Redmore's revision of 'Black Lives Matter' gives the track a more dancefloor focused afrobeat twist.

Review: Pulver's newest soulbrother is out of Budapest, where he is well known for his weekly show on Hungary's cult anarchy DJ station "Tilos Radio". 2 hot tracks plus two remixes. The remixes come from the Crate Soul Brothers and one from Pulver's own and upcoming revelation Inverse Cinematics. Steadily smooth vocals and string hooks plus a notable eastern European jazz vibe offer the necessary deepness while rhode themes slide over a light and easy house beat and a striking bass line to generate dancefloor action!