Review: Ace's introduces the Soul Harmony label with a thrilling discovery from Golden State Recorders. The 87th Off Broadway, hailing from Seaside, California, recorded a series of tracks in April 1972, with arrangements by Los Angeles' Rene Hall. These sessions, featuring the group's self-penned songs, remained unheard for decades. 'Instant Replay is the final track from these sessions to be released, following previous funk releases on Ace's BGP label. The group later evolved into Welfare, who recorded 'What About The Child' (under the name Gold) for the MRC label in 1977. The intricate harmony and high-quality production of 'Instant Replay' have already garnered praise on the Lowrider scene. The music of Larry Sanders has seen the soar among collectors, capturing the essence of a summer romance with his lush, harmonious sound.
Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Review: No prizes for guessing the motivation behind this new EP, 5 Years Of B2 Recordings. It is a tidy and tasteful celebration of half a decade of top quality deep house from a range of key players. This one opens with Frenchman Brawther getting dubbed out and deep as ever with some nice lounge chords and blissed-out pads. Bengoa's 'Neftina Dub' has a subtle US garage shuffle to it that harks back to the 90s and Lex & Locke then bring rich paint chords and withering synth motifs to 'Atenas Blues' before Zaq's 'Make A Wish' shuts down with some cosmic rays of positivity. A fantastic EP so here's to the next five years.
Charlotte & Reinhard for WeCanDance - "To Be Free Again" (extended) (5:10)
Ollie Loudon - "LMT" (extended) (6:21)
Lily Ko - "Pure Rubber" (5:58)
Biancolato - "Resolution" (edit) (5:46)
Review: We're promised Mellow Magic and that's precisely what we get, across four tracks emerging from disparate corners of the globe but united in a common mission to provide beats that work on the more relaxed end of the dancefloor. Belgian duo Charlotte & Reinhard of Rheinzand fame kick things off with a slow motion Balearic version of a well known 80s MOR classic. Ollie Loudon's 'L.M.T.' finally makes it to vinyl after long being a secret weapon in Gratts' DJ sets, where handclaps and languid strumming meet a gentle but infectious groove. Flip it over for the more tracky affairs, as Japan's Lily Ko makes an impressive debut with 'Pure Rubber', an original mix of disco foundations and always snazzy but never showy 80s synth play. Melbourne's Biancolato finishes things off with understated deep house shuffling that adds just a touch jazzy keys and dreamy, wispy pads.
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Review: "The world's greatest two person rock 'n' roll ensemble, the next big thing - out now!" You can hear the delicious wit and parody in the copy sitting on The Courettes website, a band that have managed to do the unthinkable, swerving all trends to come up with music that simultaneously sounds self-aware in its retro nostalgia, yet incredibly fresh. Hailing from Denmark and Brazil - another curveball in many ways, California, which welcomes the additional vocals of La La Brookes, is a case in point. Jangly yet snarling garage rock, seductive art pop aimed at the charts, beach guitar stuff that supplants realism and experimentation for the doe-eyed dreaminess of, err, beach guitar stuff. Original as ever, it's more evidence that these guys may well be on the money with that description of themselves.
Review: Originally released for LNS & DJ Sotofett's Japan Tour 2024, this 12" now sees a global repress and it is a fittingly chaotic sonic postcard from the road with unpolished, playful and strictly for the heads cuts. Kicking things off, Tokyo's DJ Gizzard delivers 'Jitter Analysis', which is a tight blend of analogue funk, crisp grooves and rolling basslines. LNS & DJ Sotofett follow with the cosmic 'Electrolium' with its whistling synths and spaced-out, vintage-style rhythms. LNS's solo effort 'Work Them' explores robotic electro-funk with computerised melodies and percussive precision. Closing the EP, DJ Sotofett's 'Out of Place' fuses ominous electro with bold p-funk.
Zarate-Fix & DJ Sotofett - "Dub State Looped" (8:15)
DJ Sotofett - "My Spirit Is Looped" (0:28)
Ronny Nyheim - "EXP" (DJ Sotofett Lockmix) (2:03)
DJ Sotofett - "Hats Loop 1" (0:37)
DJ Sotofett - "Stab Loop 1" (0:26)
DJ Sotofett - "Beater Loop 1" (1:08)
L.A.2000 & DJ Sotofett - "1st Wave Fusion" (9:49)
DJ Sotofett - "Preparation Looped" (0:33)
Review: The wonderfully idiosyncratic DJ Sottofett is back with more of his leftfield magic alongside Ronny Nyheim, Zarate_Fix and LA 2000. This outing on WANIA is a special release with alternative mixes and non-album tracks from the upcoming WANIA mk1 double album. 'Dubquartz' opens up with rattling dub techno, 'Dub State Looped' is a slow motion and heavyweight dub with rusty chords and then comes a seizes of loose for adventurous DJ fun such as the scratchy vocal of 'My Spirit Is Looped' and frosted hi-hats of 'Hats Loop 1'. '1st Wave Fusion' is the standout with its cinematic synths and widescreen grooves.
Review: Two more battle weapons handpicked from the eponymous UK armoury. Label motto ("You want this party started, right?!") and A-cut refrain ("la-di-da-di, we like to party"), converge in perfect sync here on this latest 7": the obverse samples Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick's 1985 mover, peppering slight but bright brasses over a punctuated beat mix. 'Tambou' on the B-side honours a historic canonical Swizz Beatz crunk bit with a re-edit of 'Tambourine', produced and released in 2006 for blase partystarter Eve.
Review: Fidelio and Luca Piermattei hook up here to explore worlds where acid, techno and electro all happily coexist. Fidelio's A-side offers three cuts that fuse 90s acid rawness with baroque drama that results in a unique mix of classical organ melodies and razor-sharp basslines. Punchy kicks and sizzling hi-hats drive the energy as you're happily lost on a neon-lit techno odyssey. On the flip, Piermattei's 'Gas' features a fluid bassline and glitching robotic vocals that are eerie yet inviting and 'Third Rec' (with Tascam 122) rounds out the release with pulse-driven electro and intricate percussion, perfect for late-night explorations.
Fighting For Your Life (Blood On The dance Floor remix) (5:58)
Fighting For Your Life (After Dark mix) (5:36)
Review: Lockdown Records has put together this useful new 12" which offers up the notorious duo of Matt Early & Lee Jeffries. 'Fighting for Your Life' is a classic pop single that comes with the electrifying Blood on the Dancefloor Mix and the sultry After Dark Mix, both of which are inspired by the iconic sounds of Michael Jackson. They make for effective dancefloor weapons that come with a hint of nostalgia and plenty of weighty grooves.
Review: Mole Music branches out for the first time to vinyl here and shows it has a great wealth of talent to call on with a various artists' EP that is presumably the start of a new series. Holy Guacamole Vol 1 kicks off with JHNS keeping it deep and lively with 'Nevermind' while Steve End and Colau hook up for 'Back Spin' and lay down some magnificent drum loops that are silky and infectious. El Funkador's 'Shame' brings some 90s New York vibes with lovely snare sounds and warm bursts of chords. On the flipside, Alben & Laje & Errat, Hot DLVRY and Craftsmanship all cook up more fresh fusions of old and new school house.
Review: JSPRV35 and Line-o hook up for this thrilling split EP on the new but impressive label For You out of the Netherlands. JSPRV35 is first out of the blocks with 'Testing' which is some high-octane and classically inclined techno with punchy low ends and scintillating percussion. 'Funktional' is just that but is not devoid of character with its mechanical loops and bleeping synths. Line O's 'Thelle' is bristling, linear and loopy techno for 5 am wig-outs and 'Layer One' shuts down with dubby undercurrents and menacing pads that are constantly on the creep.
Review: After releasing two 10" and 12" records in 2019 and 2020, Paris-based punk-jazz duo La Recre are back to complete their EP trilogy with this fresh 45 rpm. '137' brings together the worlds of jazz and electronica with shimmering, skyward and celestial synths bringing mysticism to shimmering jazz drums and warped synths. 'La Lune' is another intense and cinematic sound with spoken words from a spacecraft launch adding grandeur to the cascading melodies and ever-evolving beats.
Review: Lady Wray delivers a powerful two-sider here as she hooks up with Grammy-nominated producer Leon Michels of Clairo and El Michels Affair for another single as they put the final touches to her upcoming album. The A-side, 'Be A Witness,' features Nicole's soaring vocals gliding over deep drum machines and Nick Movshon's funky bass which makes it a smooth mid-tempo groove about destined love and good vibes. On the flip, 'Best For Us' explores love, commitment and perseverance with lush synths and harmonies floating over Homer Steinweiss' tight drumming. They provide the perfect setting for Lady Wray's standout voice and get us excited for the full length.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
De Intros (6:46)
Kolibri (5:26)
Ples Slovena (6:06)
Kolo (Disko edit) (5:20)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Lag brings his distinctly textured techno to Swedish label Pohjola here. 'De Intros' fires out of the blocks with tightly stacked kick drum pressure under synths that peel off the groove and flashes of urgent laser. 'Kolibri' is a more stripped back cut, with rusty textures and prickly metal skating over a rubbery groove that seems to float as it races on wards. There is plenty of energy in the pounding, off-grid kicks and hits of 'Ples Sloevna' which has vocal stabs and urgent sirens again adding to the intensity while closer 'Kolo' is more scuffed up broken beat techno machismo.
Review: Lakker's debut release on Love Love Records happens to be the imprint's first vinyl and it melds shrill melancholy with hypnotic techno grooves. It's both captivating enough for home listening, but also primed and ready for DJ deployment. Following their work on Blueprint and Killekill, Lakker retains their intricate sound while intensifying their focus on the grooves with 'LF9' evolving from chaotic rhythms into a powerhouse of clattering percussion, accompanied by haunting pads. On the B-side, 'Deathmask' offers ambient melodies and precise skittering drums that create fragile beauty. 'PRESET Numb' plunges into cold, clinical rhythms with eerie synths, marking a striking new chapter for Lakker.
Review: Joseph Lalibela's collaboration with Vibronics and the Mafia & Fluxy Band delivers a powerful fusion of roots reggae and dub. Lalibela's vocals, rich and commanding, blend seamlessly with Vibronics' immersive production, while the rhythm section from the Mafia & Fluxy Band keeps the track grounded with a steady, hypnotic bassline. The track's balance between deep, atmospheric soundscapes and spiritual lyricism creates a captivating experience, offering listeners both groove and message in equal measure. This is a must for those who appreciate the timelessness of reggae and the expansive nature of dub.
Review: The cultured Attic Music crew is back with more sumptuous techno that comes in a trio of different moods. Fabrizio Lapiana's opener 'Deep' is just that - a warm and smeared and smudged world of serene pads and rolling drums. 'Ritmo Ossessivo' is more intense with distant sirens looping over linear drums which are all topped with chattery percussion. 'Repetition' might be the best of the lot - a deep, hubby, heady, stripped back bit of late night techno perfection.
Review: Two fresh remixes of East Coast hip-hop classics by Large Combo acolytes Suckaside and Big Mac, hitting twicely as hard as a tandem-charge. First up is Suckaside with an improved remix of Ghostface Killah, Jadakiss and Comp's 'Run', which originates from Ghostface's Hidden Darts 2 mixtape from 2003; Suckaside underlays the track with a fresh instrumental composed of the Rocky Balboa theme tune, to unsurprisingly rousing, sumo-flooring effect. Then there's Big Mac with what sounds like a woofing Wu-Tang remix (of an otherwise obscure track), sacrificing the double bass stretchings of the original for a much harder rendition.
The Dave & Darrell Band - "True True Love" (instrumental) (2:20)
Review: Known for its apt inclusion in the soundtrack for the classic Northern soul genre biopic Good For The Soul by director Dean Chalkley, Tobi Lark's fast-paced classic 'True True Love' hears a worthwhile pairing alongside The Dave & Darrell Band's instrumental retake here on a new Kent Soul 7". Recalling the quick-footed fouettes of dancer Durassie Kiangangu, who in the film entrains himself to many variously heated - and often difficult to dance to - Northern Soul rhythms, this track flaunts Lark's distinctly gravelly Canadian gospel voice, set against quick-witted drumming from longtime collaborator Darrell; both were favourites of the influental but short-lived Detroit label Topper.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Rise Up (extended) (7:36)
Rise Up (Vandalism remix) (6:33)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
A timely reminder of the enduring power of classic house music. Originally released in 1991, 'Rise Up' is a certified anthem, its infectious energy and uplifting piano chords transporting listeners back to the golden age of house music. This reissue features the original mix on the A-side, a timeless piece of dancefloor history that continues to inspire and uplift. But the real treat lies on the flip, where Vandalism delivers a remix that injects a contemporary twist via a driving bassline and fruity synths. A guaranteed mood booster and a reminder of the timelessness of classic house music.
Law & Kola Nut - "Symptoms Of Love" (Krugah Blue Power Strain mix) (6:13)
Law & DJ Sofa - "More Bells" (6:12)
Law & Haste - "Give Me" (5:31)
Review: The R Whites label is back with a fifth self-titled new various artists EP and it finds Law collaborating with a range of fresh talents on four standout jungle cuts. First up it is with Kola Nut on 'Lost Time' which is all high-speed hits and drunken percussive sounds and soulful pads. Then comes a Krugah Blue Power Strain mix of 'Symptoms of Love' which is kinetic and textured, with serene pads softening the toughness of the drums. Law & DJ Sofa then get all harmonious and liquid on the brilliantly deft but devastating 'More Bells' before Law & Haste shut down with the soulful vocals and lovely piano chords of 'Give Me.'
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 1) (4:26)
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 2) (4:32)
Review: Keith Lawrence is a DJ and producer from Brixton in South London with plenty of credentials, and here he serves up a pair of refixes of 'I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me', a reggae jam with an edge. The first one is laden with hooky guitar riffs and has soaring call-and-response vocals expanding the sound up top. The second is more raw and a little stripped back with a focus on the timeless rhythms and sounds. Two tunes that demand to be played loud and with bass - obviously - pushed to the max.
Review: Short Attention Records makes a welcome return here with a new drop of wax that fits the label head into its roots in deep techno sound worlds. This one takes the form of a various artists' EP crafted with an intake feel for cosy floors and who better to kick off in that vibe than the revered Lawrence whose 'Hawser' is a groovy and melodious track. Next, New Jersey don Joey Anderson sets a slow and deep tone with 'Human Kind' which has moody vocals and Japanese artist Takuya Matsumoto follows with 'Three Flowers', a more potent and driving cut with a fine acid bassline. Rounding off the EP is 'Desired Spring' by R/K, a loop-driven deep house gem designed for both listening and dancing.
Review: LDS - or German producer Luca Daniel Schwarz - builds techno like a machine whisperer, programming intricate rhythmic structures that breathe with an uncanny human feel. Stadion Progg is a showcase of his algorithmic finesse, where probability-based sequencing drives hypnotic, shifting grooves that evolve in real-time. 'Pow' and 'Diff, Block Mix' weave dubby textures into pulsating frameworks, while 'Zipp Prompt' jolts forward with clipped vocal stabs and needle-sharp synths. The title track stretches into grand, propulsive territory, amplified further in Jean Redondo's remix, which adds extra layers of kinetic energy. The LDS process is equal parts engineering and intuitionimeticulously constructed yet alive with spontaneity. Stadion Progg is proof that machine-driven music doesn't have to feel mechanical; in the right hands, it moves with instinct.
Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.
Review: With their impeccable emulative branding, Camille and the Le Chiffre Organ-ization might deceive you into thinking that they were a short-lived collaboration between the French yeye singer Camillle Lemaire and an equally elusive 60s mod/jazz-funk band. The reality is that these are contemporary artists, dedicating their output to the revival of these otherwise anachronistic sounds and lending to the German label Soundflat Records, which too could pass as a genuine product of the 60s, to the eye or ear lacking in perspicacity. 'Rodin' is a rancorous double-sided rollick in the vein of Hammondy mod and carefree raunch-soul, perfect for fans of Francoise Hardy or Jaqueline Taei.
Review: We're glad to finally hear more from Korperspannung after they set a high standard with their first release back in the summer of last year. This one comes from Len Leno and again offers up a high standard of techno invention. 'Echolocation' doesn't have any dolphin sounds in it but it does cruise as freely as the ocean-going mammals in their pomp. 'Corrugation' is one to keep you on edge with nervy synth motifs looping over percussive and linear beats and 'Radio Silence' then cuts more loose with lashing synth sounds, pulsing pads and a sub-aquatic tension that keeps you on your toes.
Review: The Leonhart Brass Band, the latest project from trumpeter Michael Leonhart, was born out of the 2020 lockdown, an inventive response to the halt of his 18-piece orchestra performances at NYC's Jazz Standard. Stripped down to a brass-heavy ensemble that could perform outdoors without amplification, Leonhart took inspiration from classic brass bands like Dirty Dozen and Rebirth, blending in hip-hop and funk influences to create a unique sound. The opening track, 'Jabbar', is a tribute to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball icon with a rich jazz background. Centred on an infectious bass riff in C minor, Leonhart's trumpet and Jason Marshall's bass saxophone deliver bold, brassy solos, conjuring the vitality and strength of the track's namesake. Another standout is 'The Iceman', a nod to George Gervin, the basketball great known for his unflappable demeanour on the court. The brass section splits into two distinct groups, creating counterpoint melodies that mirror Gervin's grace and intensity. Stuart Bogie's baritone sax solo, complete with tape echo, adds an unexpected texture, grounding the track in a deep, funky groove. With members from Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, and Red Baraat, the Leonhart Brass Band fuses tight musicianship with an exhilarating energy that carries the weight of New Orleans tradition, while forging its own path in the modern jazz and funk worlds.
Review: Ijahman Levi is getting a lot of love from the Jahmani label out of Jamaica as they are reissuing plenty of his pivotal early works. This ultra-rare original version of 'Chariots of Love' was first released on the Organisation label in 1977. While later recordings exist, including a duet with his partner Madge, this remains the definitive take. A sought-after piece of reggae history, it captures the essence of the times with its soulful vocals and deep grooves. This killer track is now available again for the first time in decades so is sure to fly off the shelves and into the bags of those who know best.
Review: Henry 'Junjo' Lawes produced a double-headed twin spin on the iconic Eventide Fire riddim for this one. It is arguably that which helped Barrington's 'Crucifixion' soar to the top of the UK reggae charts in 1980 when it was released. It is one of his most iconic vocal performances, which is saying something given how much music the man has worked on. On the flip side of this new 7", Ranking Joe delivers 'River Jordan' with full force, riding the rhythm with impeccable skill. These jams were recorded with the one and only Roots Radics at Channel One and King Tubby's, so very much capture the essence of reggae at its peak with some of its key players all involved.
Review: Parish Jamaica throw it back to 1987 here when Hopeton Lindo dropped his top-level digital reggae gem 'South African Border.' It features a superbly militant vocal and a swaggering rhythm that cannot fail to make a mark when cranked up nice and loud on a serious sound system. The lyrics are politically conscious as all reggae should be and this special re-release has been taken straight from the original master tape. It lasts over 60 seconds more than the original for even better effect on the floor and on the flip is a nice dubbed-out version.
Review: Monika Linges' voice sways between jazz and bossa nova with a natural ease that makes it seem like she was born for this. But her latest track pushes things furtherigently drawing you in with a relaxed yet intricate arrangement, before layering in subtle harmonies and rhythmic flourishes. There's a warmth to the way she sings, each note spilling effortlessly into the next, hinting at a deeper emotional core. It's a performance that feels personal yet universal, bringing the complexities of her influences into a fresh light. By the time it fades, you're left with the feeling of something timelessia quiet reflection on both genre and soul.
Liro is Larry Sebastian Peters Leal, a producer from Santiago, Chile. He follows up a couple of great releases on local label Cumpa Limited with this new one for Italians Re.Face on their limited Koi series. Be hypnotised by the arcane minimal techno sounds of 'Yujuuu' taking you deep into the exotic with its majestic arrangement, receiving a trippy afterhours minded rework by Ukranian Silat Beksi. Over on the flip, be drawn into the ebb and flow of the ethereal journey that is 'Perdido Cuatro Efe'.
Review: This double A-side is a classic release from 1967 on the Caltone label. The tracks showcase the richly and newly emerging rocksteady sounds of the era with the uncredited Lynn Taitt and The Jets providing the dynamic backing on Lloyd & The Groovers's 'Do It To Me Baby.' It's a buttery smooth vocal harmony with swaggering drums and bass combos and nice plucked guitars. On the flip the lo-fi and breezy 'Take My Hand' provides a deeper, more emotive groove with a whimsical edge.
Review: Former Paper Recordings artist Sophie Lloyd apparently started working on "Calling Out" whilst gripped by the January blues. Her intention was simply to make "happy music". To that end, she turned to her gospel roots. The results, shared here on 7" single for the first time, are little less than spectacular. With collaborator Dames Brown in tow, Lloyd's vocals - accompanied by a gospel choir, of course - simply soar above a jaunty, piano-heavy track rich in live instrumentation. It sits somewhere between traditional gospel, house and disco, with a flipside instrumental brilliantly showcasing the quality of the instrumentation throughout. The piano solos, in particular, are breathlessly good.
Review: Fierce electronic mavericks LNS & DJ Sotofett deliver a thrilling two-tracker that's built for serious warehouse action. The A-side is a teeth-clenching, bassline-driven beast that is raw, gritty and euphoric with static rhythms, stabbing synths and a halftime arpeggio breakdown that erupts into dreamy pads. On the flip, DJ Sotofett's 'Buzzy Breaker' starts minimal with just kicks, stabs and dubs, then morphs into a breakbeat monster with polyrhythmic tension and soaring pads underpinned with jungle-inflected drops. Both tracks harness deep, hypnotic repetition while sounding bold and system-ready so make for techno with real weight but also edge and purpose that results in high class DJ and dancer tackle.
Review: Hospital Records is celebrating 20 years of Logistics' iconic drum & bass track Together with a special repress that pairs it with the underground favorite 'Krusty Bass Rinser' on Side-2. Together remains a standout in the genre, known for its uptempo energy, crisp production, and unforgettable melodic hook. Originally a dancefloor staple, it crossed genre boundaries, appealing not just to liquid drum & bass fans but also to jungle and techno enthusiasts. This repress offers a chance for collectors and new listeners to own a piece of drum & bass history, especially as original copies have become increasingly rare.
Review: Giuliano Lomonte is something of an Italian veteran. He shows off his deep-seated understanding of real house dynamics here with a new EP on Re.Face Limited that offers up some shimmering sounds. Drawing a delicate and refined distinction between house and tech, he kicks off with the bubbly synths and snappy drums of 'Glasshaus' which are run through with some muttered spoken words and will get an outdoor crowd going if laded through a nice festival sound system. 'Opportunity' is deeper, with striped back drums and molten ads making for a more heady experience.
Review: After more than 15 years of musical activism, self-produced releases and collaborative projects, Jamble Records delivers its first official vinyl release, and it marks the overdue return of DJ legend Lone Ranger. This track is a true rub-a-dub gem in the classic 80s tradition, driven by an energetic tempo and powered by Lone Ranger's sharp, socially conscious lyrics. With a message that calls out the mounting pressures of an increasingly capitalist world, the release taps into the defining spirit of resistance of classic Jamaican sound system culture. It's a great debut vinyl that draws together roots heritage and a message that still resonates today.
Review: This long-overdue 7" reissue breathes new life into a rare Latin funk treasure from the golden era of the genre. The A-side, 'Together People (Pamoja Watu),' delivers a fiery blend of James Brown-style grit and Manu Dibango-inspired groove, complete with driving rhythms and infectious energy. On the B-side, 'It's Your Thing' reimagines the Isley Brothers classic as a bold instrumental, packed with Hammond organ flourishes and raw Latin funk swagger. Originally a Bobby Marin studio project featuring Chico Mendoza and members of Ocho, these tracks are essential for DJs and collectors, preserving the spirit of New York's vibrant Latin music scene.
Why Don't We Do Some Boogaloo? (45 version) (3:43)
Review: Miguelito Superstar, co-producer of the acclaimed debut album Si Esto Se Acaba, Que Siga El Boogaloo, delivers pure fire with two electrifying versions on this 7" release. 'Why Don't We Do Some Boogaloo?' emerges as a local classic, while the Latin Funk rendition of New Order's iconic 'Blue Monday' transforms the track into a powerhouse of groove. With special attention to unearthed breaks and a spotlight on the rhythm section, Miguelito elevates both tracks to must-have status for aficionados of Latin music and funk. Miguelito's power in crafting infectious rhythms and breathing new life into familiar classics is on full display here!
Review: This forthcoming 7" pairs two fiery cuts from the Latin American underground, capturing the raw energy of a transformative musical era. Los Pambele's 'Cannabis' layers cumbia rhythms with swirling, reverb-soaked guitars, creating a trance-inducing groove that feels both earthy and psychedelic. On the flip, Los Darlings de Huanuco's 'Marihuana' cranks up the intensity, delivering a garage-tinged anthem brimming with jagged riffs and spirited vocals. The sound is unpolished yet electrifying, a snapshot of a time when regional traditions collided with bold experimentation, leaving behind something truly timeless.
Review: The Young Hegelians once reparteed that Manchester was the geographical birthing place of the Industrial Revolution. Mysterious Manc monarch Louis The 4th nods at this fact with an express delivery straight from the millworks; even in the most brutal of working conditions, one might find love. 'She's From Manchester' evokes plumes of ashen smog as the waste byproduct of an excessively productive, surplus labourious love affair. Foundries founder, and railway workshops curdle under the weight of mechanical process, as the fast propulsions of 'Sub Genetic' and 'Stuck In The Void' quell the soul as much as they do exhaust the body, outstripping and going beyond the injurious demand to work overtime. 'Suffering Experience' closes on a dulled but continual note, as wan reverberations resound in a now abandoned factory.
Review: Louis the 4th is a master of groovy and percussive techno and if you need any more evidence of that then check out this new EP on TH Tar Hallow. 'Rootedness' is a roller with slick hi-hats ticking away over rubbery bass. 'Conception' is more edgy and kinetic with razor-sharp snares over more silky drums. 'Two Days Before Leaving' has hefty dub undercurrents and panel-beaten loops that make you march while 'Tumultuous Groove' is a more intense number with grit and steel in its robust groove framework. 'Frequencies' shuts down with a haunting and eerie synth mood.
Review: Freddie Love was a blind singer from Baton Rouge in the United States. He recorded two incredible 45s for Eddie Shuler's ANLA label and his debut release featured the dynamic two-sided track 'Crazy Girl'. It is a heart-swelling soul sound with slow but funk drums and bass riffs under a brilliantly expressive vocal heavily influenced by James Brown. On the B-side is Part 2 which has more guitar action laced in. This has long been a sought-after record and it is now receiving its first-ever vinyl reissue which will bring renewed attention to Love's powerful sound.
Review: If you're into classic mid-70s vocal roots then this one is for you. Produced by Earl Lowe aka Little Roy and Munchie Jackson with legendary outfit The Heptones, it is a timeworn back to that golden era. 'Mr T' has delightful vocal harmonies that swell the heart over the lazy reggae rhythms and noodling organ chords. On the flip side is a version that gets doused on echo and reverb and steps away some of the vocals while layering in the tumbling drums for extra heady appeal.
Love To The World (Joey Negro Mizell Magic mix) (8:36)
Review: 'Love To The World', a sumptuously opulent and heavily orchestrated disco-soul number, transformed the fortunes of L.T.D - and their freshly appointed lead vocalist, Jeffrey Osborne - on its initial release in 1976. Here the full-length version of the track gets the reissue treatment for the first time in a while, with the band's gorgeous original mix (produced by none other than Larry and Fonce Mizzell) being backed by a fresh rub by house master turned disco king Dave Lee. The Z Records founder makes the most of the band's original vocals and instrumentation (admittedly with the addition of splashes of reverb and delay) on a seemingly re-constructed 'Mizzell Magic Mix' that brilliantly stretches out the cut by stripping back the orchestration and other musical elements at key points. It's a genuinely brilliant rework.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Local Sugar Diggers is a series from label head Scruscru that draws together a fine selection of re-edits and reworks of a mix of hard-to-find old records, all done by his mates. This time out it is LTF who steps up his 'At The Pier' is an effortlessly funky jam with some laid-back horn work adding extra spice next to the jumbled percussion. Flip it over and you find 'Con Ritmo Y Melodia' which is a slower, steamier, more Latin-flavoured sound with shuffling percussive grooves and big old breaks to get the floor going.
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