Review: There are some records you buy simply because you love the name. Or maybe that's just us? Either way, from where we're sticking stuff into the shopping cart, Index For Working Musik's second long form is one of those examples. Which Direction Goes The Beam more than lives up to the quality of the band name, and then goes and adds artwork which can only be described as 'stunning' into the mix. Angular, jerky, harsh, and artsy rock noises that run between the savage and distorted to the rousing and rollocking, the five piece should be ranking up there with the most innovative, imaginative and inimitable guitar outfits out there at the moment. Chamber-esque arrangements, strange murky mystery, and the overall feeling that we're in uncharted territories and nobody - but nobody - wants to find their way home
Review: Emerging from the vibrant but devilish Bermuda scene of the early 70s, Spacing Out stands as a gleaming instrumental lapis. The entirely self-taught band recombined the raw chi of OG instrumentation with pre-spirited arrangements by The Meters, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and The Isley Brothers. This one cemented the Invaders as a finely polished instrumental ensemble, gilding the slabs for the retro-soul and funk scenes to follow, and which were in turn incubators of hatchlings Daptone and Big Crown. The reissue, a collaboration with the band and their full participation, comes complete with an expansive booklet by Jefferson "Chairman" Mao, offering an in-depth look at the group with rare photos. With expository, reverb-laden percs, ridin' breakdowns and low strung brasses, the record arouses a mood of loose-girdled passion.
Review: Originally released in 1993, this special edition enhances The James Taylor Quartet's legacy with remastered tracks and bonus material. Known for its infectious grooves, soulful melodies and catchy Hammond organ riffs, it captures the energy of London's 90s jazz scene and then some. Featuring standout tracks like 'Love Will Keep Us Together,' the album seamlessly blends jazz, funk and soul and this reissue reaffirms its timeless appeal by introducing new generations to its dynamic sound while offering nostalgia for longtime fans. A cornerstone of modern jazz-funk brilliance.
Review: Le Phonographe's chronological reissue series continues with the highly anticipated re-release of Juniore's debut album Ouh La La (2017). Following the success of Un Peu d'Histoire and Marabout in 2024, this reissue presents an upgraded audiophile-quality version of the album, where the original Sony France pressing omitted several tracks and suffered a thin sound. Ouh La La has been out of print since 2019 and was difficult to find in the UK except as an expensive import; Juniore, the French band known for its retro blend of ye-ye pop, psychedelic rock, and chanson, channel 60s French influences and contemporary indie pop, with conferring hypnagogic vocals upon sprawling jangles.
Review: Ekoya is the fourth album from Jupiter & Okwess and it marks a new chapter in their sound as they embrace Congolese funk, rock, Afropop and Latin influences. This record was conceived during a South American tour and recorded in Mexico so reflects a cross-cultural fusion that's deeply rooted in African history and features collaborations with artists like Flavia Coelho and Mare Advertencia. Along the way, the music tackles themes of change, resilience and the global challenges we face so tracks like 'Selele' and 'Orgillo' fuse political commentary with big rhythms. Through a great mix of languages, rich instrumentation and powerful messages, Ekoya is a wonderfully worldly celebration.
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