Back catalogue: Disco/Nu-Disco

Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.

Review: Cool Million's Tonight featuring the legendary Glenn Jones is a catchy fusion of 80s soul and funk with modern flair. Jones's soulful vocals effortlessly glide over smooth lyrics, perfectly complementing the infectious groove laid down by Cool Million and the track exudes a nostalgic vibe while still feeling fresh and contemporary, showcasing the duo's adeptness at blending retro influences with modern production. 'Tonight' has a timeless appeal of soul and funk, making it a entertaining listen for fans of both classic and contemporary music alike.

Review: Samosa Records returns with Afrikano Vol. 3 which is a lovely Afro-themed, genre-blending EP featuring four standout tracks from trusted artists. Kicking things off is Vincent Galgo's 'African Rebel,' a 125bpm fusion of horns, driving rhythms, and Afro-pop bass. Frank Virgilio follows with 'Mistress,' a jazz-infused mid-tempo groover, packed with guitar riffs, organ stabs, and hypnotic bongos. Newcomer Casper Leo delivers 'Tom Tom,' a tribal delight featuring Kora guitar and melodic Marimba. Closing the EP is Lego Edit's 'El Safari,' a sultry Afrobeat banger that grabs hold and doesn't let go.

Review: Gloria Gaynor, renowned for her global hit 'I Will Survive', brings back a forgotten gem in the shape of 'This Love Affair,' re-released by Expansion Records. This soul and disco classic captures pure Philly magic, co-written by Gaynor herself and given that authentic flavour by arrangers Norman Harris and Ron 'Have Mercy' Kersey. Side-1 features the definitive 7" version of 'This Love Affair,' a sought-after rarity since its original 1978 release, with its irresistible groove packed into just 2 minutes and 43 seconds. Side-2 offers the full album version, still beloved by fans. This back-to-back release is great for soul and disco aficionados, showcasing Gaynor's timeless talent and the enduring allure of Philly soul.

Review: Dancin' The Mambo (The Reflex Revision) grooves with infectious disco energy, seamlessly blending Chic-esque rhythms with early piano house vibes. The Reflex's revision injects new life into this 1980 gem, maintaining its French flair while adding modern twists. With its pulsating basslines and irresistible beats, this track is a testament to the timeless allure of disco music. Perfect for igniting dancefloors, its vibrant energy captures the essence of a bygone era while feeling fresh and exciting for contemporary audiences. Prepare to be transported to a world where disco reigns supreme and every beat compels you to move.

Review: Harmonics, the latest album from Hot Chip's Joe Goddard, is a celebration of warmth, instinct, and collaboration. Spanning 14 tracks, this record weaves through UK garage, house, hip-hop, pop and disco, bringing together a diverse array of voices. Eno Williams of Ibibio Sound Machine energises the afro-house groove of 'Progress,' while UK rapper Oranje adds flair to the starry-eyed 'When Love's Out of Fashion.' Hayden Thorpe's expressive vocals elevate the low-slung house track 'Summon,' and Hot Chip bandmates Alexis Taylor and Al Doyle lend their talents to the shimmering 'Heal Your Mind.' Goddard, known for his 2012 hit 'Gabriel,' revisits that focused energy here while capturing the carefree spirit of his earlier solo work. Tracks like 'Mountains' and 'Follow You' echo the Hot Chip sound, while collaborations with artists like Falle Nioke and Alabaster DePlume bring in elements of Afrobeat and jazz house. 'Destiny' and 'New World' showcase Goddard's mastery of house music, making Harmonics his most fun and genre-spanning solo album yet, proving his versatility in crafting compelling dance music.

Review: As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.

Review: Monologues boss Ben Gomori has served up plenty of edits of African classics for labels like Sterns Music and Analog Africa, and now presents four Afro-Caribbean reworks licensed from tastemakers in the scene, namely Mr. Bongo, Soundway Records and Analog Africa. He injects South African legend Marumo's 'Khomo Tsaka Deile Kae' with big beats, while Black Truth Band's 'Umbala' is paired back to a disco bumper. Emmanuel Kahe Et Jeanette Kemogne's 'Ye Medjuie' brings 1980s Cameroon funk and Peter Britto's lo-fi soca gem 'I Want Your Love' is beefed up for the club. Useful tools for sure.

Review: Michael Gray brings his famously soulful sound to this new release on Sultra and it very much taps into a timeless vibe and old school disco feel. The grooves are nice and loose, the percussion is organic and fresh and the vocals, which re-sing a real classic, solar to the heavens next to mid tempo beats. After the A-side extended mix featuring Kimberly Brown & The Sultra Gospel Singers comes 'Never Let You Down' (feat Anthony Poteat & LaMay - extended mix). This one is a little deeper, quicker and funky, but is no less impassioned with its live vocals and lush synth work all bringing the good time vibes.

Review: The superb Star Creature label has always been a treasure trove of disco brilliance whether old, new or reissued. This one very much falls into the latter category and finds Jimmie Green's magic 1980 tune 'Dance' reappearing on 45rpm. It's a seductive and funky number with warped and slinky bass, lush hand claps and big horns. Little is known about the mysterious man behind it but suffice it to say he sure has some vocal skills. On the flip side tune 'Let Yourself Go' they take a more slow and sensuous approach over languid grooves and deep rhythms topped with great Rhodes.

Review: Glenn Underground has been living and breathing and shaping Chicago house music for as long as we can remember. His GU Classics label is a place where he drops his own edits of special talks from across the years and many different styles. This latest edition starts with him playing keys on Ingram's starring jazz-funk-disco banger 'Music Has The Power.' After that comes James Brown's 'Take Me Higher' with some club-ready drums extended for modern floors. Last of all is a subtle rework of Meco's super vibey and percussive, chord-laced and swinging 'Cantina Boogie.'

Review: GW Edits returns with Volume 3, offering two electrifying tracks that breathe new life into disco classics. 'Mighty Cloud' kicks off with a disco rhythm and a heavy stomping house beat, enhanced by a captivating flute melody that adds a touch of funk and soul. Next up is 'Turnaround,' a remix of the iconic disco anthem 'Turn the Beat Around.' Greg Wilson's expert touch transforms this timeless track into a modern dancefloor gem, ensuring its place as a staple for both old-school disco lovers and contemporary club-goers. Teaming up with Che Wilson, GW Edits delivers another stellar release that promises to keep the dancefloor pumping all night long.

Review: Rahaan is an absolute don when it comes to disco done right and with genuine soul. He's been rolling it out in original and edit form for many years and none of it ever goes out of date. Here he presents Gregory Carmouche & Cherelle Cherisoul Sullivan on the second release on the Yellow Taxi label. 'It Is What It Is' is a lovely loose jam with noodling chord work, rolling drums and magnificent vocals that bring plenty of sunshine next to playful whistles. Those vocals are more centred on the B-side opener while an instrumental remixes peels them away entirely.

Review: Disco Juice kicks off with some irresistibly sweet disco jams on this first volume on 12". Sonic Soul Orchestra get things underway with 'Good Inside' featuring the one and only Kathy Brown belting out some big hooks over strident drums. There are more rickety drums and loose-limbed funk workouts on Da Lukas's 'Drop The Funk' then Yam Who? & Rikky Disco's 'Set Me Free' brings big trumpet energy and withering pads next to lush strings. Last but not least, Guy Preston's 'Purple Heart' (feat Adrian Crutchfield) rounds out with a hip-swinging groove and call and response vocal to get hands in the air.