Soundway レコード& CD

Review: The Black Truth Rhythm Band is renowned for its Afrobeat fusion - a sound that very much epitomizes the vibrant spirit of 1970s funk and soul. Their iconic album 'Ifetayo (Love Excels All)' stands as a testament to their musical prowess and social consciousness. It has been fully remastered here with all its pulsating rhythms, infectious brass, and impassioned vocals transcending time to deliver a message of love and unity. Rooted in the African diaspora experience, the band's music serves as a rallying cry for social justice and cultural pride. Ifetayo remains a timeless work that still resonates with audiences worldwide thanks to its potent blend of groove and meaning.

Review: Now this is exactly the sort of record we want to be hearing this summer. It's full of warmth, joy and soul from the New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier, who have already put out some well received 12"s on the Soundway Records label. As far as debuts go, it as good as they get with its majestic mix of big horns, deep house groves and euphoric disco vibes all finished with some super smooth vocals and the odd cheeky sax. Written in South Aukland during 2020 and capturing plenty of that spot's sun, the record brims with life affirming chords, bendy baselines and influences as broad and diverse as Roisin Murphy, Peven Everett and Tim Maia.

Review: Oluko Imo is a legendary figure in Yoruba mythology as well as being revered as one of the progenitors of the Yoruba people. He is believed to be a descendant of Oduduwa, the mythical founder and first king of the Yoruba people, but it's also the name of a Trinidadian musician who blends calypso heritage with Afrobeat and jazz from Nigeria. He recorded his iconic album between Lagos and New York in 1988 and it has long been a cult classic. This reissue features the title track from it - a deep cut and steamy rhythm, and 'Were Oju Le (Eyes Are Getting Red)', a horn led Afro-funk workout.

Review: The Lahaar is a Trans-Tasman collaboration between Julien Dyne, Horatio Luna and Surprise Chef's Lachlan Stuckey, featuring Mara TK and Toby Laing on vocals. Channeling a heady cocktail of inspirations from New York to Lagos, the supergroup easily moves through different styles in quick succession, from uptempo boogie to mega-ploddy dub. Seguing between original bangers and exploitation movie library music, the EP closes on the riveting 'Chase Scene (Part 1)', which casts evadign tjhe law in a surprisingly emotive light.

Review: Since it was first reissued a few years ago, Steve Monite's Only You album has gone from being a stupidly rare Nigerian boogie "holy grail", to an easy-to-access "must have" for anyone with even a passing interest in African disco and electrofunk. If you've yet to acquire a copy, we'd recommend picking up a copy of this officially licensed Soundway repress. It contains two different takes on the now anthemic 'Only You' - an infectious Lagos boogie delight - plus the pleasingly dubbed-out, piano-heavy electrofunk gem 'Things Fall Apart (Disco Jam)' (the original mix is also included at the end of side B), the slick and sweet 'Welcome My Love' and the more downtempo 'I Had a Dream'.