Rhythm Section International レコード& CD

Review: Chaos In The CBD have quietly been building an impressive reputation for some time, with releases on Hot Haus, Amadeus and Needwant all hitting the spot. Here they transfer to Bradley Zero's Rhythm Section International with what's arguably their most mature and musically expansive EP to date. There's a decidedly dusty, eyes-closed deep house feel throughout, with hypnotic grooves laden with all manner of neat, often jazz inspired touches. This is perhaps most obvious on the St Germain style jazz-house goodness of "Observe" - all skipping cymbals, bouncy grooves and killer pianos - but can also be found on the deeper "Observe". It's there, too, on the lilting brilliance of "Midnight In Peckham" - think yearning trumpets and twinkling piano motifs - and the blissful "Luxury Motivation".

Review: He may not have achieved the same acclaim and status as his fellow West Coast native Thundercat, but Mychaal Fisher AKA MMYYKK looks set to follow in his footsteps. His genre-bending music, as showcased on this brilliant Rhythm Section International debut, draws on a similar pool of influences - think Prince style purple funk, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and classic electrofunk - while also upping the soul factor to dizzyingly high levels. The results speak for themselves, with Fisher - in cahoots with a wealth of collaborators from around the world - remaining front and centre throughput thanks to his own emotive lyrics and smooth-as-butter lead vocals. In other words, it's an EP you need in your life right now.

Review: This mini album from Saul, a collaboration-loving duo comprised of Jack Stephenson-Oliver (keys player with Vels Trio) and producer Barney Whittaker AKA Footshooter, could well be one of the most summery-sounding releases of 2022. A gorgeously warm, dreamy and tactile affair that effortlessly joins the dots between classy dancefloor dynamics, laidback electronics, freewheeling jazz musicianship and soulful vocal flavours, it's a genuinely brilliant and highly entertaining affair. Our picks of an extremely strong bunch include the broken beat/electro-boogie fusion of 'Coalesce (featuring Natty Wylah)', the gently two-step influenced deep house soul of Allysha Joy hook-up 'The Light' and the Balearic ambient meets post-dubstep bass music flex of 'Lifted'.