Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Sweat It Out Records kicks off their tasty Sweat Sampler series with their first volume, cutting niftily across four exceptionally sweaty bops, spanning tongue-in-cheek deep tech reworks and downtempo disco delights. First off is the dream team of Cid and Havoc & Lawn, whom together deliver a hilariously effective house version of America's 'A Horse With No Name'; this is shortly followed by Saturday Love, Kon and Furious's 'Come Out', a rejigged nu-disco samosa packed with some rare vocal spices; then there's 'Give It To Me' by Marco Lys and Ben Miller, a bass-driven bouncer unafraid of lasershot winddowns, injunctive vocals and risers; and finally, there's Set Mo's 'Could I Be', the anthem of the bunch, whose buildup and drop is alarming, affecting, cumulatively awe-striking.

Review: Moblack is back with mo' great beats from its ongoing Sampler series. The eighth volume is another doozy that covers all shades of house Moon Rocket, Mattei & Omich open up with 'Find Your Way' (feat Bel-Ami). It's a dreamy sound with lush vocals and shimmering percussion and melodies. Spellband then offer up some soulful sound and soft, cuddly house drums while Cosmo & Kramer remix Mabiisi with a raw percussive edge over rubbery and rolling beats. Sobek closes out with some cosmic turbulence and percolating percussive funk on 'True Anomaly.'

Review: The star-studded Sai Galaxy project returns, bringing together West African legends Steve Monite and Rob with multi-instrumentalist Simon Durrington, guitar maestro Alfred Bannerman, and Egypt 80 trumpet player Bade, for a second EP of vital Afro-disco and soul. Following up 2020's 'Get It As You Move' EP, the likes of 'Sometimes It Rains', the homonymous 'Okere', the truth-to-power 'Rich Man, Poor Man', and the live and swinging coda 'Hold Me Tonight' paint a multifaceted picture of a trio, equally as concerned with groove delivery as they are with narrative storytelling. Most emblematic of Sai Galaxy's approach is their inspiration by analog production techniques of similar Afro-soul albums from the 1970s and 80s, adding a modern touch informed by Simon Durrington's Digital Afrika project.

Review: Rush Hour has been one of Europe's independent musical powerhouses for decades now. Now only does it have Amsterdam's best record shop, but it throws the best parties and puts put the fresh new records from several different genres. next to that of course they also know how to dig deep and unearth vital reissues, which is what they do here with a triple headed Japanese house affair. Katsuya Sano keeps it OG Chicago with his 'I Need Luv', then Junichi Soma offers the analogue depths of 'Ubnormal Life' and Shuji Wada shuts down with more brilliantly atmospheric sounds on 'Endless Load.'

Review: Sasha's Fleuron Drift epitomises classic progressive house, showcasing his expertise in the genre. The original track features a strong melodic build and consistent energy throughout, captivating listeners with its dynamic progression. On the B-side, the remixes kick off with Theo Kottis' remix injects a more upbeat and trance-like vibe, with futuristic and techy elements. The growling bassline adds intensity, while a melodic break and tension release keep the energy flowing. In contrast, Kassian's remix takes a more minimal approach, focusing on groove. Stripping back the layers, it emphasizes rhythm and movement, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that draws listeners into its depths. Overall, Fleuron Drift and its remixes offer a diverse range of sounds and styles, staying true to the essence of classic progressive house.

Review: New to Running Back is the latest record from Raphael Schon, best known for his enduring hit 'Fiesta 2000'; here the Augsburger develops that track's sound with a similarly irreverent set of lub-dubs, six to be exact. Never once skipping a beat (don't panic, palpitators), the likes of 'Baerhit', 'Breathe' and 'Do You Like That' scour the recollective depths of a childhood spent ingesting Italo, house and electro-disco, albeit bringing a modern flair to the mix via warming pad cloaks and janky, intermittent lead synthetic daggers, all to back up the crucial 4x4. Despite its mood of joy, 'Heart Times' was conceived during a very emotionally turbulent time for Schon, owing to its later vocal beltings and emotional groundswells. Danke, Schon.

Review: This month, Workshop is presenting a trio of re-mastered and extended versions of 'Scribbled,' a cult deep house gem from over 20 years ago. Originally released on Out To Lunch, this track embodies the essence of timeless deep house, featuring lo-fi drums, ambient pads, a charming vocal hook, and intricate percussion. The DJ-friendly remixes offer a dreamy journey through liquid chords, warm analogue drums, and soulful vocals. Produced by Lowtec in 2003, these revamped versions ensure a nostalgic yet fresh experience, destined to become classics once again.

Review: Workshop has put together a series of new and extended remixes of a deep house classic from 2003. Lowtec was behind the original which came on Out To Lunch and these new versions are DJ friendly and extended and will have you in a day dream in no time. The chords are perfectly liquid, the drums frayed around the edges, warm and analogue, the vocal hooks are slight but pack a seriously soulful punch. These are sure to become classic all over again thanks to this 12".

Review: For their next outing, Workshop has served up some DJ friendly, re-mastered and extended versions of 'Scribbled,' which is a cult deep house delight that first came more than 20 years ago back on Out To Lunch. It has everything a timeless deep hose track should - lo-fi and blissed out drums, melancholic ambient pads, a cute little vocal hook and delicate spieling of percussion to keep things from getting too horizontal. All three versions are superb.

Review: Nu Zau & Sepp return to Gettraum after previously featuring on the label's recent compilation, this time with more of their groovy tech house sounds. Sepp kicks off with 'Recognize That' which pairs acid-tinged synths with thumping drums and some nice analogue percussive clatter. On the flip, Nu Zau's 'I See You' is a balmy, breezy cut with dubby low ends, silvery tech drums and nice fractured vocals stretched throughout the mix next to happy melodies. The label head Traumer steps up to remix and flips this one into a deeper, more heads-down cut for the late-night hours.

Review: French label Skylax is back with its Wax Classic offshoot, this time welcoming its most prolific talent, Signal ST. His Teenage Catalog is a superbly sophisticated house outing that looks to the traditions of the likes of DJ Sprinkles and the smoky depths of German label Dial. This artist showed his chic sounds in fine style with his acclaimed album Zapoi And Other Dysfunctional Love Stories here in 2021 and now offers up five more mesmerising tracks, including the captivating 'Going Home' and the mysterious 'R2D2 Secret Lover.' The EP also takes in the silky allure of 'Stayin Around' and the ethereal beauty of 'First Drift (Park Mix),' alongside the sweet rhythms of 'Genau.'

Review: In the realm of electronic music, Silver Fox's Dread by Dawn emerges as a captivating time capsule from the golden age of jungle and hardcore. Originally released in 1993 and meticulously reissued in 2024, this rare gem has lost none of its potency. The album's four tracks exude a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere, characterized by ominous doom-infused soundscapes and unmistakable jungle and hardcore rhythms. Central to the album's allure is its masterful utilization of the iconic "amen break," a drum loop that has become synonymous with the genre. Silver Fox weaves this pulsating rhythm into a mesmerizing tapestry of dark and melodic samples, including ethereal voices and haunting sci-fi elements. The result is a deeply hypnotic and immersive listening experience that transports listeners back to the halcyon days of electronic music's boundary-pushing experiments.

Review: Mighty Swedish loop-techno and dub maestro Skudge takes care of one side of this new 12", while Dutch artist and Lazy Reflex Complex founder 543FF takes care of the flip. The first trio of tunes are all expertly reduced mixes of rolling and dubby drums, subtle synth motifs and generally dusty, li-fi aesthetics that are perfect for deployment in a basement or warehouse. The flipside is more heady and Millsian in approach with tightly woven layers of synth and drums all locking you into a state of deep meditation. The pulsating 'Zoning' is our favourite.

Review: Skygaze has some recent tunes remixed on this new Flumo Limited 12" and the results are nice and varied. The opener is from Allysha Joy who flips 'Night Heat' into a lively broken beat run through with warming and soulful synths and a sprinkling of percussion. 'Gimme Five' (Jailed Jamie & Lorenzo Soria remix) then ups the ante with a party-starting house vibe and fiery stabs. 'Wagwan' gets a fresh dose of broken beats from Divorce From New York that will have you flailing your limbs in all directions and Sofatalk & Footnote then keep things a little deeper with their jazzy and sun-kissed take on 'Minor Mood'. 'City Cathedratics' is the final cut and becomes a cosmic and heady, percussive and shimmering late-night sound thanks to the work of Karmasound remix.

Review: Alongside the wicked new 7" 'Dues And Don'ts / Fraud Fades', Amsterdam producer Soul Supreme simultaneously drops another 45 - of no less import - this time enlisting the fiduciary flows of American producer and emcee Thes One. 'Taking The Stand' includes both the original vocal number and the instrumental on the flip side, with Thes One musing on life's (in)justices, trials and negotiations as Supreme the wunderkind himself segues through wildcard turntable scratches, knocky drum hits and blue-note piano hits.

Review: This split artist dance record combines two timeless house anthems, offering a captivating fusion of funky and club house vibes. On side A, Soulsearcher's Feelin' Love' captivates with its high-energy Detroit house sound, while the Soulsearcher club mix exudes a disco-infused charm. Side-B features Urban Blues Project's 'Your Heaven (I Can Feel It)' in two distinct versions. The Micky More & Andy Tee remix evokes classic 90s house with its soaring vocals and infectious groove, while the original version delivers a powerful alternative experience. This record is a nostalgic journey for house music enthusiasts, seamlessly blending soulful melodies and energetic rhythms to create an unforgettable listening experience.

Review: Matteo Mussoni and Nicola Zucchi, the masterminds behind Sparkling Attitude, pay homage to the disco era of the 1970s and 80s with their debut EP. Dov'eri Sabato Sera narrates a tale of unrequited love, weaving crisp rhythms and wistful melodies into a captivating narrative of youth and dashed hopes. The instrumental version amplifies the emotional depth with soaring analogue strings. On the flip side, 'Melodico Romantico' infuses disco beats with bold hues, as breathy vocals whisper amidst dark rouges and effervescent greens. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, the duo presents a glittering finale with daring key stabs and astral echoes draped in a late-night groove. Sparkling Attitude delivers joyous sounds that celebrate the magic of Italo disco and synthesiser soundtracks, evoking the romance of the Italian coastline.

Review: There is a very loveable retro soul feel to this new package of trad house sounds from Steal Vybe & Lamone. It takes the form of a The Heatwave classic that has been all remade and flipped into a slightly more contemporary cut but one that will still make a big mark on the old school crew. The instrumental is a real gem but it's the soaring vocals and funky baselines of the original that are sure to get plenty of hammer under the sun this summer, especially the irresistible boogie mix. Drop this one and it is sure to get immediate and big reactions.

Review: Universal Cave's Self Control cover is a captivating reinterpretation of Laura Branigan's synth-pop anthem. Stegemann's balearic house rendition infuses the track with a laid-back groove and echoing vocals, creating a hypnotic and alluring atmosphere. Universal Cave's other offerings on this release showcase their eclectic disco influences. 'Up All Night' transports listeners to the funk and groove era of the 1970s, while 'Too Much' tantalises with its disco-tinged sensuality and infectious melody. This EP is a versatile record that should appeal to those who enjoy disco and the innovative spirit of nu-disco.

Review: The Summits are a beloved fixture on the Soul Direction label and have plenty of fans in the wider soul collecting community. As a result they are now familiar to many and their track 'Window Shopping' emerged from an almost-lost master tape. It has previously been available only in digital format. on the flip, meanwhile, Phillips traverses diverse musical territories spanning from feel-good disco to funky fusion and modern soul. Among the six tracks recovered from numerous tapes, this one, 'People Clap Your Hands' stands out. It has never before been on vinyl and is a lo-fi, funk fuelled gem with soul infused vocals.

Review: "No-one knew the songs or what the plan was. We kept it loose and fun. This was the spirit of the sessions. No headphones, no playback, minimal overdubs, or bleed. Fast and loose," says Sam Evian of his latest record, the first to grace his new imprint, Thirty Tigers. If that's not enough to make you balk with jealously at not being invited, then the idea of Big Thief's Adrian Lenker and Sufjan Stevens, among others, debasing to Evian's house in the Catskills to examine a revamped studio, complete with vintage tape deck and console, then going wild swimming at midnight, just as snow fell, might seal the deal. The following day, work began on Plunge, a record with no real fixed direction or plan. In the end, it will - or, at least, it should - be remembered among Evian's finest offerings. A stunning collection of folk-leaning rock 'n' roll, Americana and jangly indie, you can almost smell upstate New York.

Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Initium would serve as the debut full-length from death-rock horror-punk outfit Samhain; the brainchild of Glenn Danzig (or Evil Elvis). Opting to disband Misfits in favour of redirecting his creative juices into a project he maintained more rigid control over, with the title even translating from Latin to English as "beginning", the LP marked a simultaneous embracing of more metallic, gothic rock and malevolent balladry, distancing itself from the Misfits' breakneck hardcore chaos. Arriving less than a full year after Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, the transitional growing pains are evident with deep cut 'Archangel' being originally penned with Misfits bassist Jerry Only, while 'Horror Biz' is actually a re-worked version of the early Misfits single 'Horror Business'. Featuring Minor Threat guitarist Lyle Preslar on several tracks, along with Reagan Youth bassist Al Pike making a singular appearance, four decades on Initium continues to resonate as a vital piece of punk rock/deathrock/horror-punk history with its laying of influential foundations.

Review: Shabazz Palaces's Exotic Birds of Prey is a new seven-song mini-album that comes via Sub Pop and follows the huge success of Robed in Rareness back in October 2023. It is a rather enchaining listen that draws on many different rap eras and blends them into one new sound helmed by vocalist and producer Ismael Butler. Shabazz Palaces redefines hip-hop across decades here with the album blending the past, present, and future with warped sounds and fine collaborations from the likes of Stas THEE Boss and Japreme Magnetic who help to enrich this sonic journey. This special Loser Edition comes on creamy white vinyl.