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.
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.
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.
Another World (feat Esther - DJ Spinna Galactic Soul remix) (7:44)
Just So You Know (feat Vanity Jay - DJ Spinna Galactic Funk remix) (5:06)
GAEA (Alfie Swan remix) (7:16)
Journey To Love (feat Vanity Jay - Andromeda Jones remix) (5:43)
Review: If you've not yet copped the debut album from Cardiff twosome Darkhouse Family, The Offering, we'd suggest tracking down a copy - it was one of last year's most overlooked beats albums, joyously joining the dots between hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. Here First Word offers up "An Extra Offering" featuring a quintet of new remixes of album tracks. The quality threshold naturally remains high throughout, with Kaidi Tatham's synth bass-propelled, head-nodding rework of "The Accession" providing an early high watermark. Naturally, DJ Spinna's two reworks are both superb. His "Galactic Soul" version of "Another World" is a string-laden, house tempo synth-soul treat, while the "Galactic Funk" remix of "Just So You Know" brilliantly wraps spacey synth bass and sweet soul vocals around a slipped, off-kilter hip-hop rhythm.
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.
Review: Electronic-jazz pioneer Mark de Clive-Lowe returns with the second installment of his Midnight Snacks EP series. Vol.2 kicks off with two dedications: "Crush Velvet", a break-heavy, broken beat jam full of twists and turns, dedicated to Phlash - Mark's mentor and dear friend, the late great Phil Asher. "Sorceress" is dedicated to the legend Chick Corea, a reworking of his Return to Forever classic by the same name. Featuring Mark's lithe Rhodes and piano lines, it's perfect for the jazz-minded dancefloor. Side B kicks off with the downtempo head-nod of "Float into ETHer" before taking things back up-tempo again with "Joyful Resistance Part II" - a latin jazz-flavored 3/4-time broken beat samba keeping our spirits high in these unpredictable times. An EP packed full of future classics from one of the masters of the game.
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.
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: 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: 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: 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: DJ Bacon is probably the singular most eminent edits master to stock his serial releases on our digi-shelves; this credo alone is more than enough to turn heads for his latest limited 7”, ‘Bad / Theme From SWAT’. Here the auspicious Aussie reworks the ineluctable opening theme music from S.W.A.T., the ‘70s police procedural that more or less inaugurated the genre, but not before he detourns any actual swattage with a reworked version of LL Cool J’s breakout hit on the A.
Review: DJ DSK has released some heavyweight seven-inch singles over the years, with his 2016 45 "Laminate" - an original slab of funk made in cahoots with the previously unheralded "Lost Soul Collective". Here he gathers together the band once more for a follow-up four years in the making. "Lost Soul" is a two-part affair in keeping with the funk tradition. The A-side is an infectious vocal number that sits somewhere between Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and the more psychedelic flavour associated with turn-of-the-70s San Francisco soul. As you'd expect, the flipside "Part 2" version strips out most of the vocals to allow the band's warm and heady instrumentation room to breathe.
Make My 45 The P Funk (feat Abstract Rude - cuts By Deejay Toby Gee) (3:56)
Jazz Crimes (Deejay Katch 7" edit) (3:00)
Review: DJ Katch is a core part of the Resin Dogs and a mainstay of Australia's hip-hop scene. He pops up here to mint the new Members Only label with Abstract Rude. A-side jam 'Make My 45 The P Funk' is classic old school boom-bap with tight bars and cuts By Deejay Toby Gee. It's playful and booty-shaking and sure to get any floor full. On the flip, Katch gets deep on a more jazzy and late night number as he edits The Resin Dogs's 'Jazz Crimes', especially for this 7".
Review: UK-Irish label Battle Weapons do exactly what their name suggests, releasing slab after slab of proverbial sonic weaponry for use on the dancefloor come warground. Here the outfit welcome two seasoned names, DJ LBR and DC's Finest, for 'Let Me Clear My Funk' and 'Can I Have It Like Wack'. The first is a hilariously hung slab of cutup goodness, mashing up a live recording of DJ Kool, Biz Markie and Doug E. Fresh's 'Let Me Clear My Throat' with the central lick-groove of Cheryl Lynn's 'Got To Be Real', among other crowd-jeering follow-ons. Then the B moves bustlier and heavier on the ride cymbal sizzle, with vocal sampleage from Pharrell Williams' 'Can I Have It Like That' together with some super-real big band bravado.
Don't Play Around (feat Aloe Blacc & Charles Bradley - main)
Don't Play Around (instrumental mix)
Tough Break
Don't Play Around (acappella)
Review: Nu Mark's been teasing his fans since May, releasing selected cuts from his new album Broken Sunlight in coloured vinyl 10" instalments. With the attention reaching fever pitch, he's unleashed one of the biggest cuts on the LP. Hooking up with the dollar-hungry Aloe Blacc, it's a horn-heaving slice of hip-hop funk that pushes all the right buttons. "Tough Break" is a double-time deal sealer. With more horns and a frenetic rhythm, it's Nu Mark at his very best. Essential.
Review: DJ Ryow aka Smooth Current is a Japanese DJ and producer known for his hip-hop and r&b remixes. 'Re:Strain Of Stairs', as the title suggests, reinterprets the song 'Strain Of Stairs' by Japanese rock band The Pillows on the A-side, bringing a loose-hipped drum workout to the ordeal. On the B, meanwhile, Ryow goes all out on a new original featuring Kim Hill, 'Ain't Even Like Me', a song which first debuted online a least four years ago - it's an impressively-made production in contemporary r&b, with exquisite harmonies from Hill.
Review: Legendary turntablist and acclaimed beat maker DJ Yoda is back with a new album Prom Nite this month. Just before the full-length drops comes this single from it on essential 7". It follows on from the well-received 'Feel Like Home' 45rpm last month and this time offers more well-conceived and carefully sought-out fusions. The a-side 'My Energy' features Eva Lazarus. It is a lovely soulful slow jam that has a breakup melancholy to it and lovely doo-wop vibes. Completing this package is the flip side 'Lesson 1956' (feat Jamie Cullum & DJ Woody) which is another great revisiting of Americana.
Review: After the critically acclaimed Avoude (5 stars & 'Top of the World' on Songlines, Bandcamp top pick, Le Monde, BBC Radio, Pop Matters), Sol Power Sound proudly presents a scorching remix EP from West African psychedelic powerhouse Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band. Rooted in Togo's deep cultural and Vodun traditions, Dogo's sound is reimagined here by a heavyweight lineup of producers. Captain Planet kicks things off with a percussive African house groove, while Sol Power All-Stars ask, What if Prince joined Dogo in 1983? The result? A synth-laced funk HIIT workout. Detroit icons John Beltran and Blair French bring Afro-Brazilian and deep house flavors, before Glenn Echo closes with a mind-bending 12/8 dub trip.
Review: Broken beat fans take heed, the mighty Domu is back. Through his peak prolific years in the 00s Dominic Stanton helped define the scene orbiting Co-Op in London alongside Bugz In The Attic, Kaidi Tatham et al. One of his prime outlets for the skittering drum programming, rubbery bass and soul-drenched keys was Neroli, and now he returns to the label to toast their 60th release after something of a ten year hiatus. If you love Domu and the broken beat sound, you're going to love this record. Ascendant chords, rhythmic chops to jerk your hips to and a consistent warmth to keep you cosy - this is the sign of a true master at work.
Review: The Du-Rites is a superb funk combo based in New York City with Jay Mumford (no, not that Mumford) on drums, keys and bass guitar and Pablo Martin on guitar, bass guitar and keys. They have been turning out the jams now for almost a decade and 'Go Funk Me' on Od Maid is their latest. The short but sweet A-side rides on a deep cut funk rhythm that is softened by some fluttering flutes, though the baritone spoken words being a hint of menace next to the organ chords. 'Bucket' on the B-side is another percolating rhythm with cool spoken words and plenty of liveliness in the perc.
Klima Project - "Velvet Moon" (Patrice Scott Reshape) (7:48)
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: The Cold Diggin label out of Dresden has long been serving up the work of The Duke Ya Love To Hate, which is one of myriad aliases of an artist who gets by the name of Stefan Senf. They are generally few and far between but are always worth copying when they do drop and this one comes on lovely hand-numbered 7" in a special screen-printed sleeve. 'Introducin' is a loose-limbed funk workout with classic hip-hop breaks and free-wheeling pads. 'Prescribin' is more slow and seductive with its florid melodic leads and lovely lazy beats.
Review: Soul auteur Jonathan Diggs Duke returns to one of his older EPs for a timely reissue. Originally released in 2015, just after his critically acclaimed debut album on Giles Peterson's Brownswood, the three tracks catch Diggs at his most flighty and free-thinking; "Ambition Addiction" jumps and rolls like a tightly coiled jazz spring before hurling us into the deep harmonic soulful blue of "Welcome" and "Funky Overdose" lives up to its name with its off beat magic, tightly plucked guitar and staccato vocals. Addictive.
Review: Dusty (Christoph Doepke) first released the 'Jazz&Milk' EP in 2005 through the esteemable German label, which would take its name from said touchstone electronic jazzdance record. Now the producer and not-incidental J&M label head returns with a freshened and slick record, themed after the titular and ancient antinomic saying. The EP marks a change since the producer's early days on the Munich freestyle DJ circuit: it's smoother and mellower than his establishing breaksy brand of funk-hop, and marks the 25th anniversary of Jazz & Milk as the label heads into sweeter territory. The highlight here has to be 'Ayalolo' with King Owusu, a rattlesnaking fusion of ambient builds and regional percussions, reflecting much of the decades-spanning globetrotting that has informed on the release.
Lost Girl (Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night rework) (3:24)
Special Technique Of Love (Jim Dunloop Shaolin Soul edit) (3:08)
Review: The mighty Dusty Donuts return to Queensbridge where they encounter a 'Lost Girl' featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. This bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is sure to ignite any gathering. On the flipside, the vibes shift from Queensbridge to Staten Island and bring a special sound to work the crowd - this heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with choppy, dark soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. It's a track that commands attention with the drums but also locks in head and heart.
Check Minnie's Love (Naughty NMX & Runex Brexit mix) (3:55)
Review: Reissue of a classic alert! On 'Breakin' My Heart,' the wonderful Jim Sharp seamlessly blends A Tribe Called Quest's summery vibes with the original instrumentation sampled by J Dilla. Bebel Gilberto's iconic vocals glide over boom-bap drums and create an undeniably catchy groove. On the flip side, 'Check Minnie's Love,' Naughty NMX and Runex deliver once again by layering horns, heavy beats, deep bass, and smooth vocals into a gem with a nostalgic 90s feel. Minnie's silky vocals transform it into a dancefloor banger, capturing the essence of '92 without missing a beat.
Wake Up In The Sunshine (Naughty NMX LAX To JFK mix) (4:34)
Keep A Level Head (RuNmX Naughty But Humble mix) (4:21)
Review: Dusty Donut's Naughty NMX returns with a double helping of irresistible grooves to make you move. On the A-side, he reimagines a timeless summer funk classic with a vibrant, Nubian-inspired twist that instantly brightens up any space. On the B-side, he teams up with label mate Runex to deliver a deeper, soulful vibe, featuring smooth production, punchy rhythms, and slick drums. The result is a track that's impossible not to move to, bringing both energy and joy and the perfect way to get the spirit of summer alive and well, even as the darker months remain here.
Wake Up In The Sunshine (Naughty NMX LAX To JFK mix) (4:34)
Keep A Level Head (RuNmX Naughty But Humble mix) (4:21)
Review: Dusty Donut's Naughty NMX has been busy laying down some killer joints but also working on releasing them in several different formats including this one which arrives on a limited edition blue vinyl 7". First up he brings a classic summer funk anthem up to date with a vibrant twist that hits hard with instant warmth. The B-side sees him join forces with label mate Runex for a deeper, more soulful track that features smooth production, punchy rhythms and slick drums that are perfect for any summery setting when the good vibes are flowing.
Ke Nako (feat Sereetsi & The Natives - Kid Fonque Refix) (9:50)
Ke Nako (feat Sereetsi & The Natives - Ntokzin remix) (7:40)
Review: Brownswood Recordings proudly launches a new 12" series, The Remix Editions, highlighting remixes and reworkings from their rich back catalogue. Known for their dancefloor roots, Brownswood emphasizes extended versions and remixes, cut loud for extra bass-weight for club subwoofers. Each release will be on 45 and limited to 500 units, making them highly collectible. The inaugural release features two reworkings of South African pianist Bokani Dyer's 'Ke Nako' (feat. Sereetsi and The Natives). Side-1 showcases Kid Fonque's hypnotic house refix, stretching 'Ke Nako' into a 10-minute cosmic dance journey. This remix skillfully blends South African electronic sounds with the nation's jazz underground. On the flip side, Ntokzin, a key figure in Amapiano, reimagines 'Ke Nako' with soulful chords, soaring vocals, propulsive percussion, and thick, wriggly bass lines. His remix creates a dynamic tension and release, crafting a perfect summer dancefloor banger. This series not only celebrates exciting contemporary producers but also resurrects forgotten club gems.
Review: Monchan and D Briggs are two US house producers whose involvement in the New York scene has seen to many a dazzling EP release lately. Their latest for Dailysession here is a dizzying yet loose affair, with its four tracks inspired by every sound from space disco to trance to nu-jazz. Impressive textures immerse tracks like 'Eagle Eyes' in grit, while edits from Monchan and visitor Prince Klassen revisit the formerly released 'Midnight Luv Bee' and 'Ibiza' respectively. Both make for convincingly retro, night driving disco and pop versions of two very well known songs - we'll leave the guesswork to you.
Review: Mr Doris steps up with D-Funk Heat, a release that comfortably balances retro flair with modern groove. The production is sharp, with funky basslines that immediately grab attention, while the crisp drums and infectious synth lines keep everything fresh. Doris's ability to blend dancefloor-ready energy with nuanced musicality shines through, making this a record that's both playful and rich in its sonic textures. There's a sense of ease throughout, a laid-back confidence that invites listeners to move while staying fully immersed in the groove. It's a nod to the past with eyes firmly on the future.
Review: Reggie Ray's latest release, timed with the Paris '24 Olympics Breaking event, pays homage to street culture with a heartfelt record. With intricate production and a nod to New York '72, it's a fitting tribute to DJ Regal's innovative spirit. The artwork by Optic Intake adds visual depth, resonating with the energy of the FBV Crew and the late Paul Eve's enduring influence. Released by Lexington144 Records, this EP blends nostalgia with contemporary beats, showcasing Reggie Ray's mastery in crafting dynamic, street-inspired tracks. A poignant note honors Eve's legacy, promising future releases from Lexington 144 Records. This release not only celebrates breaking culture but also tells about the enduring impact of its creators.
Review: Rhythm Rhyme Revolution, alongside DJ Tabu, delivers a fantastic EP with Summertime / Sunshine Girl. 'Summertime (nuacidfunk)' gradually escalates into a disco crescendo, enriched by Dan Lipman's jazz flute/sax and Gareth Tasker's steaming sitar riff. On the flipside, 'Sunshine Girl' boasts a slinky Afro percussive groove, with DJ Tabu's vocals celebrating love in the sunshine, complemented by Barrie Sharpe's infectious hooks. The ensemble work, featuring Kenny Wellington's jazzy trumpet and vibrant guitar, creates a dynamic sonic landscape. The EP also includes the original version of 'Summertime,' reminiscent of Motown classics. Sharpe's masterful tease and impeccable mood-building make this record a touch of class, leaving listeners thoroughly enchanted.
Review: Four artists with a taste for classic deep house infused with more than a touch of house line on the Silver Walker label's sixth release. Following releases on the likes of Local Talk, Balance, Traxx Underground, Mate, Quintessentials and upcoming projects on Nervous and NDATL, Shaka opens proceedings with a flurry of Hammond and plenty of exotic percussion, lie Alan Hawkshaw riffing with Underground Resistance. Glenn Davis (Wolf, Yore Records, Deeper Groove and Selections Records) delivers a deeper house workout on the A2 house track, the jazzy keyboard chords, fluttering flute and restless synths working real magic. One of the masterminds behind the Silver Walker label, Diego aka DFRA, comes on all perky with the saxes and soloing Rhodes, on the second side's opener, 'Nitewax'. Then we close with Damien aka Keymono (founder of several labels including Monocturne Records and Funkyshirts) laying on the handclaps of classic disco strings, the snippets of funk guitar and vibes the cherry on top.
Floyd Vader - "Smoke & Mirrors" (12' version) (8:59)
DJ Solid - "I Like To Kiss" (feat Sarah Lyons - Shukie & Never Warm Chills Remake) (8:52)
Mikekon - "It's Yours" (feat Novakane Omega - Mike Lost In The Rhythm Redub) (6:15)
Guerilla Science - "First Time" (Yes mix) (6:48)
Review: The first vinyl release to grace the freshly-decked halls of the newly minted Lost In The Rhythm label, the EP known by no name other than 'EP' is a promising debut sampler of a new curative effort and community-first initiative, helmed up by Rob Coley aka. RevolutionsLDN. With the express aim of blending the soulful, intestinal feelings of deep and Chicago house with its ancestral roots, the EP achieves a rawly hewn yet neatly knitted sound; one first laid down by Floyd Vader and DJ Solid on the A, the latter of whom especially dazzles with the saw-washed amapiano-ish melancholy of 'I Like To Kiss', whose machinic dunduns serve to taper off our inhibitions to a sunset vanishing point. The pace is lifted on the B-side's choice, Mikekon's 'It's Yours', which indulges a sparse Afro-driven palette, as we're treated to a suggestive, therapeutic monologue from vocalist Novakone Omega: "I'm giving you... *the*... license... to get you some... break you off some... take you some... come get it... it's here... it's waiting..."
Blue Collar (DJ Spinna Galactic Soul remix) (6:52)
Review: Zy The Way hails from Taiwan and are a jazz ensemble that interlaces their dynamic sounds with ancient Chinese poetry compiled by Confucius. They also bring in more contemporary compositions which results in an utterly original sound and great gateway to some of the world's oldest literary works. They recently finished a debut full-length album and now the single 'Blue Collar' from it comes on limited edition vinyl. The track tells the ancient tale of young scholars in love with a powerful narrative and moving melodies. The one and only DJ Spinna steps up on the flip to offer his own classy deep-house remix.
Review: YES! Any self respecting music fan will no doubt already have fully acquainted themselves with Black Messiah, the long promised new album from soul artist D'Angelo and know that it already stands as one of the long players of the year if not the decade! The real fans have probably been waiting for the vinyl release and it's great to see the correct decision has been made to grant Black Messiah a double LP pressing. Everyone no doubt has their favourites on Black Messiah but it's great to have cuts like "Sugah Daddy" on wax, that one is perfect for the house party situations.
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