Epsilon レコード& CD

Review: Cash Money Experience are soul dons and if you need proof listen no further than this new 7". Darryl Howard is the vocalist and songwriter of Nu'rons and here he offers up the lead vocals while Emanuel Campbell, who is one of his co-members in Nu'rons, is responsible for the lyrics. On the extended version of 'Outside Looking In' the vocals convey plenty of pain on nice laidback drums and funky riffs. The Full Radio Edit distils things to a shorter play length but is just as effective.

Review: The Epsilon Record Co label has been digging deep again to turn out some obscure soul treasure. This one has never been released before and so is sure to become a staple in the sets of DJs like Hunee and Floating Points. 'What Will I Be' is a busy dancer, with hard ass chord work and big drum hits all softened by a speedy but emotive falsetto. On the backside is Let's Try It Again' from 1980, another heart aching and tender soul nugget with expressive melodies and nagging bass under rolling drums. Both are stone cold gems.

Review: This is the first time these two mega obscure and super rare Northern Soul nuggets have been re-released. They were initially recorded at Edgewood Studio in Washington DC in 1969 by Keni St. Lewis who was a prolific songwriter who recorded only a couple of his own tunes. He as a part of various other groups like The Cairos and The Chancellors and this was his first real hit as a solo artist after he wrote others for the likes of Billy Butler, Gene Chandler and The O'Jays.

Review: Epsilon Record Co. has done great work here by getting a new one out of Mantis who is back after 40 years with a brand new and super soulful single. It is one rooted in the classic though, with nice lo-fi and not overproduced drum work, glorious chords and a feel good vocal. 'When I Feel Like You Love Me' is utterly uplifting and cheery and is sure to melt all hearts who hear it. An instrumental is offered up on the flip but do the right thing and plenty the full and magical vocal version.

Review: A charmingly ethereal platinum gem of synthy disco-soul, Mantis' 'Love Was Born For Me' is a formerly unissued slice of genius dance music from the lesser-spotted New Hampshire, US fivesome. Allen Atkins, Baxter Fullerton, Alvin Harrison, Vernon Stewart, Rocky Whitaker, Paul Ungar all came together as fresh graduates of Dartmouth College back in 1976, and decided to take a shot at stardom while they were young, as the trope goes. Never quite finding favour with the "free" hand of the music market - of course, most of the best talents tend to be smothered by it, not lifted up - it's only now that they're seeing more recognition than ever before, thanks to the reissuing work of our friends over at Epsilon. Now we hear the beautifully songwritten 'Love Was Born For Me', citing the feeling of jubilance and renewed confidence in love, not to mention the wowowow-ing lo-fi slow jam, 'Do We Have A Love', which shows off the incredible vocal melisma of Allen Atkins.

Review: A never-heard-before unearthing of another Northern soul curiosity, 'Let's Get Together' is a formerly lost gem by Natural Impulse, an eight-piece soul group from San Francisco whose diverse lineup included Jess Gonzalez, Andres Soto, Hank Oden and Geoff Gilbas. This jubilant get-on-upper pines after a 'baby' for whom the lead singer couldn't live without; the twist is that this rather wistful assessment hardly registers any sense of melancholy in the listener. Instead, you've got all manner of horns, breakbeats, electric pianos and solos operating in harmonious unison, painting an entirely happy picture of new love. Cop it while you can.

Review: There's not much to go on when it comes this latest release on trusted soul and funk outpost Epsilon. Whoever Pals & Gal were, their sound is rooted in the classic era of 70s soul even if the track was completed bang on the turn of the decade in 1980. There's a big band arrangement powering 'Lil' Bit Different' which was put together by Ron Foster, and there's as much focus on holding down the groove as different instruments coming to the fore to do their thing. The lyrics tell it straight - this is just a little bit different.

Review: Renaldo Domino has nothing to do with the pizza chain, of course - in fact, he was so named because his voice was sweet as sugar (Domino is an American sugar brand, if you didn't know.) He had a very short but sweet - pun intended - a career that saw him drop tunes on Mercury subsidiaries Smash and Blue Rock, and later Twinight records. They managed to make an impact and for that reason, he was inspired to get back to making new music in 2019. 'I'm Hip To Your Game' was his first single and one that was soon re-recorded for a second release - it's deep and warm with lavish strings where the A-side has a swinging Northern Soul vibe.

Review: The Williams Brothers, hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, burst onto the scene with a compelling blend of sweet soul and deep funk. Their standout double-sider featuring 'That's Life' and 'Rap On,' originally released in 1972 on Twain Record, showcases their exceptional musical abilities. This release, now a rare gem, captures the soulful depth and vibrant energy that defined the group, making it a collector's dream. Starting in gospel music, the brothers transitioned to R&B with their father's reluctant blessing, quickly becoming local sensations. Their journey took a significant turn when they won a competition by New Zealand Breweries, leading to international tours and increased fame. Despite facing early challenges, including a tragic car accident that paralyzed the youngest brother Anthony, the Williams Brothers have continued to evolve, recently venturing into EDM and gaining recognition as an electrifying opening act for major DJs. Their records, especially early releases like 'That's Life/Rap On', are highly sought after today, commanding thousands of dollars per copy, solidifying their status as an underground legend of music.