Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Warren 'Hanna' Harris, the multi-talented producer and instrumentalist from Cleveland, returns to Vibes And Pepper with a five-track EP of sophisticated and soulful sounds. The A-side features two previously released gems, 'Omnipotence' and 'The Dark', both timeless examples of Harris's ability to craft intricate arrangements that meld future jazz, broken beat and deep house influences, while the B-side unveils three previously unreleased tracks, highlighting his deft hand in manipulating sound, creating a landscape of unconventional sounds and structures. 'His Eyes (Detroit Remix)' is a standout, its mesmerising groove and soulful melodies take us to the heart of Motor City, while 'Menace' takes a darker turn, its brooding bassline and haunting chords evoking a disquieting aura of suspense and mystery. 'Spirit Logical' closes the EP with a flourish, its uplifting melodies and intricate rhythms again highlighting Harris's masterful production skills.

Review: Operant since 2006 as wonder-purveyors of everything funk and soul come battle breaks, Wack Records share their latest 7", a smattering of hip-hop flips met by the heated hands of resident producers Smoove and Suckaside. This time brought to two Philly-to-NYC hip-hop originals first laid down by the top-reg duo The High & Mighty (Mr. Eon and DJ Mighty Mi), Smoove and Suckaside first let the crackles and licks hang loose for a debauched drama on the A, before a tighter groove opens up further on the B-side's 'B Boy Document 25'.

Review: The upcoming second solo studio album by US singer-songwriter and guitarist Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes fame), What Now follows up Jaime and its Reimagined edition, striking out with a fierce, "truest and bluest", nigh "brutal" lyricism, in which Howard addresses the titular question - "what now?" - and how today's society might respond. Written, of course, during the height of the pandemic, when such doubts were excised and up in the air (and more so than usual), the album's sonic aesthetic spans full-bodied funk, psychedelic chord progressions, and a powerful bombast. The overall answer sounds to be: move through it; surrender to "the now", gracefully.

Review: The mighty Dusty Donuts return to Queensbridge where they encounter a 'Lost Girl' featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. This bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is sure to ignite any gathering. On the flipside, the vibes shift from Queensbridge to Staten Island and bring a special sound to work the crowd - this heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with choppy, dark soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. It's a track that commands attention with the drums but also locks in head and heart.

Review: Lalah Hathaway's Vantablack is a triumphant return, featuring her exceptional vocal talent and musical evolution. The album is a mix of soulful melodies, intricate arrangements and introspective lyrics that delve into themes of self-identity, love, and resilience. Hathaway's collaborations with artists like Rapsody, Common, and MC Lyte add depth and dimension to the album, highlighting her ability to connect with listeners on a personal and emotional level. Tracks like 'So In Love,' 'BLACK,' and 'I Am' stand out for their infectious energy and powerful messages. Overall, Vantablack is an enjoyable album that will surprise listeners with the depth found on this album.

Review: After a recent release on CD following its first outing on Omar S's FXHE, Diners Club International now drops Hi Tech's self-titled album on cassette with some added bonus joints. It's a thrilling, pacey listen that whisks you off your feet and through a world of juke, footwork and ghetto beats that are all drenched in soul. The cuts are short and sweet, from the smudged and smeared r&b overtones of 'Funny Fuckits' (feat Nila & Stefan Xix) to the heavily filtered and trap-style 'Fitness By King Milo.' It's a futuristic sound steeped in fresh and inventive rhythms and heartfelt emotions.

Review: Diners Club International recently served up this Hi Tech album, Detwat, on CD, but now backs that up with a limited cassette version featuring some bonus cuts. It originally got released on Omar S's FHXE label and is a sleazy and high-speed ghetto workout with filthy low ends aimed well and truly at the rump. Juke, footwork and plenty of spin-off styles are all chewed up and spat out with plenty of top collars and guests adding colour. There are pumping beats and fractured vocals on 'Money Phone', Drake style trap vocoders on 'TakeOffOnnaPorsche' and bright, reflective, optimistic chords over hurried beats on 'Glitch N Ass' (feat Cheapskate Skutta, Dastardly Kids) amongst many more highlights.

Review: Hometown Heroes are the slick supergroup made up of audiovisual evangelist DJ Yoda, soundsystem shocker Brad Baloo of The Nextmen, and legendary rhyme supplier Edo G hailing from Boston. With the former two names hailing from London, UK, this latest collab makes for yet another heady, across-the-pond communication in sound. The eponymous record, following up April's 'Talk About It' pre-release single, amounts to a nostalgic, scratch-heavy foray into chill boom-bap with Britcore production overtones, making for a niche but skill-flaunting sound, with much wisdom, advice and love poured in.