Notes: Q-Bert's Thud Rumble has teamed with Serato to forge new essentials for your DJ battle arsenal - Weapons of Wax. This specialty 12" series of die cut records is the first official Serato vinyl release in anything other than the
classic disc format.
The W.O.W. series is comprised of four separate releases (Titled: Spike, Ninja, Guillotine, and Buzz ). Aside fromadding an intimidation factor to your decks, the vinyl allows you to scratch and manipulate sounds and tracks in ways you never thought imaginable. A must have for any DJ at any skill level.
Review: It's been a while since the Albion stable graced our platters, but they're back in style with more of that on-point house music voodoo for the heat of the night. This single is a vessel for the various sides of Tommi Vicari Jr, who rolls out his Czevski alias to deliver a bruising remix of "57 Hertz" by 76-79. It's a reverb-soaked, dubbed out affair with a rock solid rhythm section and plenty of trippy FX tweaking on top. On the flip it's a different story with a similar feeling as we get the straight up Tommi Vicari Jr material in the shape of two killer tracks crafted for transcendental moments of dancefloor hypnosis.
Harry Romero - "Revolution" (House Masters edit) (5:13)
Prunk & Rona Ray - "Keep It Simple" (6:41)
Review: The mighty Defeated has got a fun package on its hands here with some fat disco and house anthems primed and ready for big room summer fun. A'Studio's 'SOS' (feat Polina - Skylark remix - Nic Fanciulli edit) is chunky house with a hooky vocal and rolling groove designed to sweep you up and away. Chloe Caillet then remixes Tensnake's classic 'Coma Cat' into a hands-in-the-air house stomper with epic strings. Harry Romero's sweaty 'Revolution' gets its drums buffed up and well swung by a House Master's Edit and Prunk & Rona Ray steal the EP at the last with their lush vocal house cut 'Keep It Simple.'
Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts - "Fried Fish ’n’ Collard Greens" (2:40)
The Native Yinzer - "The Hip Strip" (2:33)
Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.
The Truth (feat Bella Hardcover - acappella) (3:41)
Review: The Kwench label is back with more tasteful and timeless house and techno fusions here as Ad & The Persuader link up for The Truth EP. The title cut opens up with some lazy, wavy, dubby grooves with heady pads and then a dub version makes it even more fleshy and horizontal. 'Strolling' keeps things classy and deep cut with pillowy kicks toped with starry-eyed melodies and some glitchy perc. An cappella closes out the EP for DJ use. This is a quietly excellent 12" that oozes quality.
Review: The legendary Fokuz label outta the Netherlands hits a 110th release and opts for a selection of remixes from various artists. AirK & Cephei open up with 'Desire,' a slick roller with booming bass and epic synths. Break then comes through with tight remix of A2 Soligen & Type 2 's 'Can't Go' complete with expertly design hits. Break then goes it alone on the original 'Coming 4U' with its low end oscillations and closes out the EP back in remix mode. His take on 'What Are You' is a roaming, textural affair with twisted leads and flurries of toms.
Review: This is one of those raw soul sounds that never goes out of fashion, and thankfully neither does it often disappear from availability. It features two r&b classics, the dancefloor-ready 'Last Night' and the soulful 'Don't Break Your Promises', both originally released on the Rainbow label in the UK and a long-time bastion of Aitken's mastery of blending Jamaican and British influences. The opener draws from The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, showcasing r&b's imprint on Aitken's style. 'Don't Break Your Promises' is a Milson Luce cover that gained fame in Jamaica before inspiring numerous versions.
Review: Fourth part of the compilation celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Milanese record shop. This collection is entirely composed of previously unreleased music, exclusively produced for the occasion by many artists of great relevance in the worldwide music scene, who supported the store over the last ten years.
This EP features Ellen Allien, Kreggo, Timeslip89, Itinerant Dubs and Heith.
Toby Tobias - "Streets of Gold" (Alphonse remix) (5:12)
Pyramids Of Space - "Quantis" (5:20)
Dance - "Amber" (4:25)
Review: Voice Notes is a new imprint run by London underground veteran Toby Tobias with Alphonse. A five track various artist EP, Voice Notes 002 is a time-honoured memorial for its sister label London Housing Trust, that they shut down a few years ago after 10 releases. Featuring tracks by label boss Tobias who delivers some emotive electro on 'Streets Of Gold', his evil twin Alphonse on the UK flava of 'Rujac', plus introducing Dance with the dub techno deconstruction of 'Amber', Rodney Bennett with the classic Stateside deep house of 'Palm Sunday' and Pyramids of Space with the downbeat IDM journey 'Quantis'.
Review: Ahead of an oncoming Tbilisi party set to be thrown by the Sameheads crew, their latest 7" appears ahead of time as the latest offering by fellow friends, Andrea & Alexander. With just 300 copies available, this dreamy duo share a juxtaposed space with a more esoteric, gritty B-side, occupied by TINA's 'Vacation', which breaks from the usual Sameheads sound, almost entirely, to indulge a massively wonky inhumation. The A's own 'Olias', by contrast, is light and sixteen-thy, dotting along with detuned Italo saws and descending cadences of relief. Once performed live at the fabled Sameheads festival, City Of A Thousand Suns, the label here celebrate its recorded version for the world to hear on repeat.
Review: Emerald's 25th outing takes the form of another superb compilation with four artists who have already released on the label and plenty of new names making an equally good impression. ANNE kicks off with the deep, thudding kicks of 'Coral Reefs' complete with lush hits to smooth the groove. There is more weight and intensity to the oversized hi-hats ringlets on Mike Konstantinidis's 'Apocalypse', DJ Plant Texture layers in plenty of gritty and grime to his gritty 'Swingers' and Jarrod Yeates goes for a twisted after-party vibe on his intense and unrelenting 'Sesh Gremlin', with many more highlights besides.
Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.
Aquasky & The Breakfastaz - "Good Sound" (instrumental)
Review: Passenger have embarked on a limited edition run of instrumental 10" releases. These will be issued in strictly low quantity for the DJs who prefer their tracks without vocals. First, we strip down the first two tracks from the Teamplayers series which did global damage on original release. Grab them while you can because there will never be another chance.
Aquasky/The Drummatic Twins - "Bring It On Down" (Aquasky VIP mix)
Aquasky/The Ragga Twins - "Ready For This" (Baobinga mix)
Review: It was a year ago that the much anticipated Aquasky "Teamplayers" album was released and here is the final installment of remixed, revamped and rejigged tunes, released on the Passenger label.. 'Bring It On Down' features Aquasky loosening up the bassline of the original, slapping in a nasty new vocal and giving it a heavy electro funk work out. Also, Baobinga goes on a solo run with a party vibe meets dubstep feel.
Steve Arrington - "Dancin' In The Key Of Life" (Frankie Knuckles edit) (9:07)
The Trammps - "Disco Party" (Frankie Knuckles edit) (7:42)
Review: Disco Queen just keep on pumping out the good stuff with two more divine edits from house music's spiritual and dearly missed father Frankie Knuckles. Two sides for two different peaks of the nights; Steve Arrington's "Dancin' In The Key Of Life" is that classic 11pm feel good warm up that's layered with clever momentum while The Trammps' "Disco Party" lives up to its name with incredible energy and soul and a dynamic drop into the original midway. Rest in peace Frankie.
Review: Hyaku marks the 100th vinyl release for Samurai Music, so shout out to the crew for staying dedicated to the format. It also celebrates nearly 17 years of dedication to quality music and timeless design and, for this milestone, the label has assembled producers who epitomise the current Samurai sound. Each track offers a unique take on that from the crunchy breakbeats of ACS to the relentless energy of Sam KDC's 'Mutilate.' Together, these contributions form a diverse collection that highlights the artistry and innovation of this talented crew while also reflecting the journey Samurai has been on for all these years. Here's to many more.
Review: As the Darker Shades Of Roots label hurtles towards its 50th release, it turns to the fine pairing of Ash & Willow. This fledgling outfit debuted in 2016 but has been slow to release. Last year was a busy one with a trio of new 7"s that are now finally arriving to us. 'The Heart Of All Men' opens up this one with slow-motion rhythms and some organic percussion that adds the detail. On the flip, the ice picks up a little and the sun shines down bright over meandering leads on The Shades's 'Revelation 21.'
Review: Darker Shades Of Roots explores just that and has done so expertly over the course of a half-century of releases to date. The New Year starts off for them with another tasteful two-tracker that pairs a couple of contemporary artists. Ash & Willow are up first and offer 'I & I Stand' which has classic melodica leads worked into a tight rhythm that's detailed with earthy guitar riffs and lush chords, and of course some fine mic work. The Shades's 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' then comes through with more whimsical melodica sounds and moodier vocals.
Review: Ash & Willow have music in their catalogue as far back as 2016, but very little since. last year proved to be a busy one with not one but three new singles produced. They all come on the Darker Shades Of Roots label and are available with us now. This one features all their signature styles - authentic, organic reggae rhythms with conscious lyrics and melodies that linger long in your mind. 'Challenge Yourself' is a fine example of that here and on the flip is The Shades with the instrumental dub 'Grow More Loving'.
Review: This third volume of instrumentals continues the faultless Isle of Jura label's deep dive into dub versions and beyond. Side one takes in references from UK street soul and reggae and features two late-'80s tracks by Howard Hill with machine-led rhythms, rudeboy reggae skank and soulful pads. Protek's 'I Love to Dance With You' is a proto-house gem featured in a Jura Soundsystem mix and here it gets a loving re-edit by The Nightlark. Side B includes an instrumental-driven track with spacey FX from The Cool Notes' and Ilija Rudman's 'Dub 4 Love' which is a knowing nod to acid house's golden era.
Review: This 7" reissue of 'I'm So Proud' by Aswad and The Natural Band's 'There Was A Time' delivers a funk-filled gem originally released in 1972. Aswad's 'I'm So Proud' leads with a soulful blend of funk and soul, anchored by a strong vocal performance and tight rhythm section. On the flip, The Natural Band's 'There Was A Time' is a dynamic instrumental jam that showcases tight grooves and infectious rhythms, making it an essential track for any funk enthusiast. Previously fetching high prices on the second-hand market, this reissue is a great opportunity to experience these classic tracks without breaking the bank.
Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
Review: After the success of their last outing, A New Chapter, from this label, Balders Audio offers up a second various artists 12" with some punchy techno for loud sound systems. Audio Units opens up with the thrilling drum programming and intense synth textures of 'Transmodality.' Linear System then keeps up the pace with '0724am' which is a sleek, linear, heady techno roller marbled with eerie little cosmic details. Tangram's 'Variant Trials' shuts down with what is a deep, dark, moody acid-laced techno mind melter. Perfect 5 am tackle if you ask us.
Everybody Loves The Sunshine (instrumental) (4:36)
Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represented a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity as it marked a shift towards a funkier, more relaxed sound in 1976. It is one of his best-loved tunes as a result and always comes out when the weather warms up. That means it also often gets reissued, as it does here, as the track captures the essence of summer through joyful lyrics and a hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation while on the flip us an instrumental that offers a slightly different vibe. It all comes on nice yellow marbled vinyl.
A Soft Mist Production - "Upside Down Rainbows" (5:01)
Dr Sud - "Zaffiro" (Jazz cut) (3:59)
DatSIM - "Influx" (4:40)
The Rabbit Hole - "Tail Groove" (4:27)
Review: No matter your particular preference in the deep house world, this various artists' outing from Q1E2 Recordings is sure to have something for you. Mike Riveria & Marco Ohboy, for example, tap into an early sound on 'Euphoria' with its big, brash piano stabs and whistles, while A Soft Mist Production keeps it all cuddly and deep with languid chords draped over gentle drums on 'Upside Down Rainbows.' DatSIM brings in some space-tech vibes for a deft rhythm and neon infused sound on 'Influx' and The Rabbit Hole's 'Tail Groove' has a mad double bass sound jumping about beneath frantic jungle breaks.
Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
Jeff Barnes/Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Rooster" (2:47)
Tommy McCook/The Supersonics - "The Saint" (3:06)
Review: Historic British label Harlem Shuffle Records reissue a rare rocksteady track by the Jamaican singer Jeff Barnes, backed by the Jamaican band Tommy McCook & The Supersonics, here. A single-sided 7" vinyl comes with but one dubby audio-delight: the original 1970 version of 'The Rooster', a catchy, whistlingly haunting but no less upbeat song produced by Duke Reid and first released on his eponymous Duke Records label. Harlem Shuffle now add it to their catalogue, which charts only the best in ska and rocksteady.
Review: Originally released in 2023, old friends Basic Rhythm and Tim Reaper collide for this double A delight. Both artists take a side... Basic Rhythm strips things right back to its gurgling basics with just a gritty bassline and spaced out percussion on 'Gargantua' before Tim comes in and adds a whole swathe of breaks and energy for a more beefed up version. 'Selectors Convention' takes over the B; a big trippy wormhole that devours everything in its path, it's a full-on psychedelic jungle trip... That gets even more delightful with the VIP. What a reissue.
Originally released in 2023, old friends Basic Rhythm and Tim Reaper collide for this double A delight. Both artists take a side... Basic Rhythm strips things right back to its gurgling basics with just a gritty bassline and spaced out percussion on 'Gargantua' before Tim comes in and adds a whole swathe of breaks and energy for a more beefed up version. 'Selectors Convention' takes over the B; a big trippy wormhole that devours everything in its path, it's a full-on psychedelic jungle trip... That gets even more delightful with the VIP. What a reissue.
Review: 'Funky Soul' - a 1970 single from New Orleans band David Batise & The Gladiators - rose to prominence in the 1990s thanks to its inclusion on several high-profile funk compilations, before finding further success thanks to a Breakestra cover in the early 2000s. Ahead of a new collection of unheard cuts from the southern funk band, Family Groove records has decided to reissue it. In it's A-side 'Part 1' form, the track is a killer instrumental funk workout rich in razor-sharp guitar licks, weighty bass, crunchy drum breaks and hazy horns (the arrangement of which was provided by Isaac Hayes). Arguably even more frantic and energetic is the flipside 'Part 2' take, whose call-and-response vocals were a familiar feature of the band's popular live shows.
Archie Bell & The Drells - "Where Will You Go When The Party's Over" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:06)
People's Choice - "Jam Jam Jam (All Night Long)" (A Tom Moulton mix) (7:42)
Teddy Pendergrass - "I Don't Love You Anymore" (A Tom Moulton mix) (8:46)
Lou Rawls - "See You When I Git There" (A Tom Moulton mix) (9:39)
Review: During the latter stages of the "Philly Soul" era, New York remixer Tom Moulton delivered a string of inspired, DJ friendly reworks for the Philadelphia International label. For proof, check this fine selection of classic Moulton mixes for the storied imprint. Check first his version of Archie Bell and the Drells' "Where Will You Go When The Party's Over", which he brilliantly teases out and increases in intensity over nine spellbinding minutes. The funkier flex of People's Choice's "Jam, Jam, Jam (All Night Long)" is a sweaty, low-down treat, while the Teddy Pendergrass rework is a soaring disco classic in the Philly Soul style. Best of all, though, is the string-drenched disco celebration that is his mix of Lou Rawls' "See You When I Git There".
Review: It was Dave Godin including this lush bit of aching Louisiana deep soul on the first Deep Soul Treasures CD that renewed interest in it. Now, original copies are pricey and hard to find and last year a nice cover version was served up by Lady Blackbird. The good folk at Beat Goes Public aka BGP have decide to reissue the original. It's an impossible to ignore track laden with heartbreak. On the flip side is another bluesy soul gem in the form of 'Hummin' A Sad Song.'
Review: The Moiss Music label seems to like to drop their EPs two at a time. They did it in February and they're doing it again in May. This eighth outing collects four more lively disco cuts, each with their own subtle influences. Berobreo's 'White Rabbit' for instance has funky undertones with loopy guitar riffs and nice breaks. The Magic Track's 'Jamming With Mom' meanwhile is more sensuous and deep, with late-night synth work and seductive vocals. Oldchap's 'I Want To Show You' has an expressive soul vocal with more low-slung grooves and Alexny's 'Not Bad' then gets quick, clipped and loopy for its lip-pouting disco thrills.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Flying Fish dub) (2:57)
Review: Here's a cover which can't fail to please a huge crowd, as Betty Black takes on Eurythmics' eternal 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)'. Black has been hitting her stride as a modern day soul diva after moving on from her accomplished roots voicing some iconic UK garage tunes, and her cover of 'Cry Me A River' is no joke either. Backed up by The Family Fortune and bringing an undeniable 60s sass to her performance, she makes the track her own. As well as the full vocal version on the A-side, the B-side has the slightly edited, dubbed out 'Work Out' version for when you want to work up a sweat.
Adam Beyer & Enrico Sangiuliano - "Preset Heaven" (8:17)
Timmo - "Muzik" (6:11)
Pig&Dan - "La Bruja" (6:37)
Julian Jeweil - "Nasa" (6:11)
Review: Some serious peak time weapons for the main room on offer here, from the ever reliable Swedish label Drumcode. Usual heroes of the label such as Luigi Madonna, Sam Paganini and Joseph Capriati step aside for some other equally reliable staples. On the A, side label boss Adam Beyer teams up with Enrico Sangiuliano on the evocative and life affirming "Preset Heaven" which takes its cues from early trance with its amazing chord progression. It is something more typical of the label next, on the pummelling warehouse stomp of "Muzik" by Bulgaria's Timmo. On the flip, there's more trance nostalgia on offer again - this time from legends Pig & Dan on the hypnotic/melodic bliss of "La Bruja" which we could imagine melting the minds of festival crowds well into the new year. Finally they save the best for last with French peak time specialist Julian Jeweil, serving up the furious, tunneling and strobe-lit ultraviolence of "Nasa" which will have your adrenaline going from the first beat. It has been a stellar year for the powerhouse label, with great releases by Moby, Dubfire and newcomer Layton Giordani.
Review: Cult Edits are specialists in pushing a certain kind of heater, working in a mode landing something between edit and original. Six producers - Mario Bianco, Tomoo Hata, Roe Deers, Radial Gaze, A Tweed and Oltrefuturo - lay down a blend of sampledelic, ecstatic, multi-tempo'd tribal moods. Channelling everything from chic Tulum rituals to the brutalism of Eastern-European underground clubs, and rounded off by doses of Italian rasta and Japanese re-imagining of Hungarian folk song, all come to the label's exquisite brand of mandala-esque vinyl.
Review: We always love to hear from the Club Unite label because if nothing else it has our favourite catalogue numbering system of any label out there. The tunes are of course class too - old school house with a heavy Chicago influence. This various artists selection starts with the taught bass and spangled synths of Blak 'N' Orange's 'Feeling Real Good.' Black Chunes gets more raw and off kilter with the organ claps and clipped vocal cries of 'Don't Hold Back!' and then up the party with the piano bounce of 'Feel The Flow' complete with smooth and seductive vocal coos. Last of all, The Deep Music Agenda brings some US garage swing to 'That Crazy Thing'.
Review: A slept-on roots gem from the mid-70s gets a timely reissue, perfect for warming up those cold winter days. Originally produced by Hector Wright at Lee "Scratch" Perry's legendary Black Ark Studios, this timeless piece showcases the vocal harmonies of The Blue Bells. A-side 'Come Along' features a captivating blend of soulful vocals and uplifting melodies, while the flipside offers a dubwise reimagining, stripping back the arrangement to reveal its hypnotic depths. Originally released in 1976, this repress makes a rare gem accessible once more.
Review: A bold fusion of Afrobeat, funk and jazz on the debut LP from Blvck Spvde & The Cosmos, marking an exciting addition to Mello Music Group's catalogue. The album is steeped in legacy, with powerful rhythms and expansive arrangements, with tracks like 'Doom' revealing an intense, layered sound, while 'What You Won't Do' reinterprets a classic with introspective depth. All in all, there's a balance of forward-thinking jazz with hints of raw, soulful energy as the ten-piece ensemble capture the feel of St. Louis' live scene and a spirit that's truly timeless.
Review: Impact/Onlyroots are non-stop in December with a whole heap of vital 7"s dropping and covering some fine dub and reggae territory in the process. This is another fine reissue that sets its sights on a classic 1972 roots reggae roller than first came from Impact Records with superb production by Sonia Pottinger. 'Ghetto Stays In The Mind' is a classic with dreamy harmonica leads and a rumbling rhythm section that brims with detail and character. The flip side is a dub that is just as great.
Review: German-Ghanaian group the Polyversal Souls have previously collaborated with a number of bands and solo artists from West Africa, so this hook-up with Northern Ghanaian outfit the Bolga All Stars - a collective made up of leading local kologo and frafra-gospel singers and musicians - should not come as much of a surprise. Separated into two parts for the seven-inch release, the track blends the Polyversal Souls' lolloping, late '60s style Afro-funk grooves - complete with fuzzy, period style production - and sharp horn section with glistening guitars, snaking solos and fine vocals from the Bolga All Stars. It's one of the Polyversal Souls' finest releases yet, and that's saying something.
Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights - "Black Society" (2:50)
Super 8 Corporation - "Black Version" (2:58)
Review: The reissue of Bongo Ossie & The Moon Lights' Black Society on Hornin' Sounds is a treasure for hardcore reggae enthusiasts. Originally from 1975, the original delivers a classic roots sound with a fantastic collaboration that resonates deeply with lovers of the genre. The timeless track exudes the soulful and socially conscious vibes characteristic of the era. On Sidde-2, 'Black Version' transforms the original into a dub version. With abundant echo effects and an engaging stop-and-start beat, this track offers a dynamic listening experience. It's perfect for DJs seeking to infuse their sets with a vintage yet innovative reggae twist.
The Sixteen Steps - "Signals From The South" (6:28)
The Sixteen Steps - "Promises On The Run" (7:17)
Review: Rampant and 'up for it' as usual, the Cititrax label is back with a new set of wayward technoid experiments for the more trained ears on the dancefloors. This time it's Romania's Borusiade and newcomer The Sixteen Steps who share two sides of a wax plate and, of course, proceed to annihilate any idea of a quiet night in. The former sets off with the mechanical acid bumps of "Infatuation", guided by an eerie set of vocal blurs, and that's followed by the comparatively more beat-centric techno of the apocalyptic "Confutation". On the flip, The Sixteen Steps first lands on "Signals From The South", a house banger with noxious levels of mutant bass at its core, followed by the single-minded industrialism and sheer techno brutality of "Promises On The Run". WOWZAH!
Review: Pleasure Zone continues to be an inspiring force in the European minimal tech house scene, and they've really pulled the stops out with this essential new release from Boutiq.808 and Tom Marvin. We're not hip to who these cats are, but their music says it all as they skip through snappy rhythms and bold synth forms with the kind of flair you might find on a Spacetravel record. If you appreciate your quirky minimal played out with a live immediacy and some of that Perlon-esque sauce, this record will be well up your street.
Review: Lovers of electro clash will be hyped by this reissue of some classics of the genre from Break 3000. They come from a specific time between 1998 and 2003 on red vinyl and mark the final chapter of the label's current reissue project. The A-side features Break 3000's remix for Germany's Pocketgame label in 2003, part of the We Are He-Man EP alongside a renowned Legowelt remix. Next, the dark electro track The Wait' appeared on Pocketgame's 'Bonuslevel One - North and South' compilation in 2003. The B-side showcases earlier releases 'Electric Blue' and 'Spacemachinenreise' and 'Lectrolite #2' on Break 3000's 'Casa Nova' imprint in 1999, which marked the start of his electro journey.
Review: After racking up millions of streams for hits like 'Jump Up Pon It' and 'Heal Them', Brother Culture is now a reggae and dub icon having been a key figure in the UK scene for decades. His powerful voice and conscious lyrics have earned him a deserving global recognition and now he teams up with Swiss reggae masters The 18th Parallel for 'Ghetto Man,' a hard-hitting anthem of resilience and justice. Their deep roots sound, combined with Brother Culture's commanding delivery, makes for an electrifying track and on the flip, Paolo Baldini DubFiles adds his signature dub touch, making this a sound system anthem that speaks to struggles and strength worldwide.
Review: The relentless Athens Of The North is having a busy month even by its own high standards. February alone has at least three new 45rpms dropping and this might be the best: Homegrown Syndrome were a band that ended up in LA but giggled all round Memphis. Some members had played with an earlier band but they all came good on these previously unleashed tunes that have been found in the attic of Jerry Jones. 'Got The Love' is a chunky funky stepper with swirling synths and disco energy. 'Party Vibes' then takes off once more on hip swig claps, big arching chords and strident drums.
Review: Bill Brown and Al Hall jr met in 1971 in south central LA and shared the same flat as jazz man Doug Carn and Brownstone vocalist Billy Wilson. They often played together and some of the sessions gave rise to the two hard to find tracks offered up here. 'Dreamworld Fantasie' is a first release of an unissued 1977 disco and soul gem that muses on how we'd all like our lives to be - and right now such escapist vibes have never been more in need. Flip it over and you'll find a rare though previously released 1971 single 'Stay Off The moon', which delivers a poignant political message that resonates to this day.
James Brown - "Funky Men" (Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:13)
The JB's - "Just Wanna Make You Dance" (feat Maxxi - Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:48)
Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.
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