Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Purple Print Records Compilation 3 is a rich exploration of minimal and tech house, bringing unique textures and groovy rhythms to the forefront. Side-1 opens with He Did's 'Mientras Tanto', a fun and infectious groove. The track's deep, rolling bassline and lively percussion make it an instant mood-setter. Following is DeWaal's 'Iceshade', a bouncy, upbeat track that balances playful energy with a steady, deep tech groove. Side-2 moves further into introspective territory with Raz's 'Rora', a smooth and melodic track that drifts along effortlessly, blending subtle harmony with a deeper bassline. Yama Music's 'In My Space' rounds out the collection with a broken beat approach, delivering techy, spacious vibes that add depth and variety to the mix. Altogether, this compilation is a refined showcase of tech house cuts that'll resonate with dancefloor times.

Review: Maurice Joshua presents Yvonne Gage's Garden of Eve, bringing back the iconic 1980 Chicago production by Donald "Dee Bee" Burnside. In this 2024 remake, Grammy Award-winning producer and DJ Maurice Joshua delivers a fresh disco-funk twist, injecting new life into the classic with smooth grooves and an infectious rhythm. To complete the package, renowned remixer Moplen steps in with a masterful rework, adding his signature touch and rounding out this release on M-Jay US with style and flair, making it a must-have for dancefloor enthusiasts.

Review: Freerange's City To City series returns with its second edition, this time spotlighting Lisbon. Known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, perhaps one of the city's best-known hotspots is the iconic Lux Fragile, which has shaped the city's sound since the late 90s. Longtime resident DJs from Lisbon are now gaining global traction; to butterfly-net the essence of the coastal metropolis, this new mix LP hears six original tracks from local talents, chief among whom are Megatronic, progressor and ambassador for the city, and Yen Sung & Photonz, two names closely tied to the circuit's deeper-underground corners.A

Review: On this sampler EP for the Razor N Tape label's latest Family Affair compilation, the Brooklyn based imprint showcases previously unheard cuts from a mixture of new artists and long-established names. In the latter camp you'll find long-serving deep house don Vincenzo, who delivers the gorgeous, tactile and loved-up deliciousness of 'Love Accurate', and Croatian nu-disco don Ilya Rudman (the acid-heavy dancefloor squelch of 'Discoteka Parmida'). Elsewhere, Yasmin impresses with the neo-soul/nu-disco fusion warmth of 'Real High', Arnau Obiols slams down the Fela-influenced Afrobeat excellence of 'Pagan Mambo', and label co-founder J Kriv turns Bessa Simons 'Si Naana' into an Afro-tinged analogue house treat

Review: Brian Dougans and Garry Cobain, the masterminds behind Future Sound of London, return with The Pulse EP Vol 3, a reissue of their classic work under various aliases on the Jumpin' & Pumpin' label. This highly anticipated 12" features tracks that showcase their 90s techno brilliance. Side-1 opens with Smart Systems' 'Tingler' (Four By Four mix), a dark, sinister track that channels Beltram's 'hover' sound into a hardcore rave anthem. Indo Tribe's 'Owl' (I Can See You mix) follows, hailed by fans as one of the greatest breakbeat hardcore tracks ever made, a retro-classic loaded with chunky, energetic beats and an unforgettable sample. Side-2 kicks off with Indo Tribe's 'Bite The Bullet Baby' (Jacques Reynoix mix), another gem that blends early 90s rave energy with a unique edge. The real highlight, however, is Yage's 'Calcium' (Elementary mix), which first appeared on Future Sound of London's Accelerator album. Even today, it sounds transcendental and timeless, its melodic piano lines and otherworldly ambiance continuing to win over listeners. This EP is a vital piece of underground rave history and an essential listen for fans of early techno and breakbeat hardcore.

Review: One Eye Witness rounds up another four acts for their periodic V/A series, spewing forth four breaks-driven whooshers crossing into progressive techno territory. The Hague duo Young Adults nod to a 1997 Loveparade anthem with 'It's Only Temporary', while breaks and kick implants converge on Christopher Ledger's 'Change That', a track which sounds like the starting firings of an interplanetary expedition pod after years of disuse. Joely brings cosmic chug on the cocooning B1 'Transitional', while the Samesame closer 'Novel End' is just that, traversing a noxious atmosphere with a flexoskeletal electro beat.

Review: Disco and house deviant YSE Saint Laur'Ant is back with a dive into groove-laden sounds that have long been his signature, all while blending genres with real finesse. Side-A begins with a gospel-tinged track featuring ESG-style rhythms, raw beats and an addictive bassline. It is followed by 'Special,' where airy vocals over a laid-back groove create a dreamy atmosphere then flip it over and New York Boys delivers a spaced-out pulse with urban grit. The finale, 'Gone Fighting' is a midtempo closer that shines with its infectious Slavic sample wrapping up this EP with a reflective, groovy vibe.

Review: A genre-defying exploration of industrial, noise and breakbeat influences. With a strong vocal presence and a deep understanding of break-based rhythms, YSSUE creates a unique sonic landscape that challenges conventions. Side-1 opens with 'Count 7/8', blending acoustic and synthetic sounds in a way that feels both experimental and grounded. The track's rhythmic complexity and textural depth set the tone for the rest of the album. 'Wherever' follows, merging jungle breakbeats with industrial intensity, while maintaining a catchy, accessible edge that will appeal to fans of both genres. The title track, 'Human Nature', stands out with its gritty, downtempo atmosphere. Reminiscent of Massive Attack's Mezzanine, the track's production is dark and atmospheric, layering dub elements with a subtle, edgy intensity that captures the essence of the human condition. Side-2 opens with 'No Cops In Paradise', where dub meets breakcore in a clash of electronics, creating a chaotic yet controlled rhythm. 'Hefty Dub' closes the album with a tribute to dub, offering a deep, immersive groove that wraps up the journey with a satisfying, bass-heavy finish. Human Nature is a bold, boundary-pushing record that successfully fuses disparate influences into something entirely fresh.

Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.

Review: Pierre-Alexandre Busson, a producer known for his multifaceted talents in both music and photography, steps further into his Destiino alias with a darkly ambient collection that stretches across downbeat house, industrial electronica and melancholic disco. Having made his name in the world of French electro, Busson's transition to Destiino was marked by an exploration of improvised compositions following his participation in a sound installation at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017. This shift from his previous styles allowed him to dive deeper into moody, atmospheric landscapes. The current project, released under CHLOE's Lumiere Noire imprint, comes as a continuation of this artistic exploration, breaking from the dancefloor-driven energy of his past work to embrace a more introspective and expansive approach. Opening with 'Yokohama,' Busson sets a pensive tone, layering soft synths over a minimalist beat. 'My Crush' follows with a reflective yet upbeat mood, while 'Somlake' (feat. Inigo Vontier) weaves light, meditative textures. 'Transe Has No Speed' dives into dense atmospherics and 'Imagery' introduces a rhythmic, bodily groove. The second side offers 'Musique Electronique Repetitive,' using looping motifs to create a trance effect, while 'La Houle' brings fluidity and 'Morning Routine' soothes with its gentle vibe. 'Pulsar' (feat. Inigo Vontier) pulses with cosmic rhythms, and 'No Pain' closes with a melancholy, reflective note.

Review: Much to nerdy Japanese electronic lovers' delight, Temporal Drift reissued Hiroshi Yoshimura's Surround last year, and now carry on focussing on his work with the first-ever reissue of Flora, an overlooked gem in ambient music. Recorded in 1987 but unreleased until 2006, which was three years after Yoshimura's sad passing, Flora carries on in style where his acclaimed works Green and Surround left off. It's another sublime record that highlights Yoshimura's ability to explore the interplay between sound and ambience. He was a diverse talent who also created an album for museum playback, and composed a soundtrack for a contemporary fashion show.

Review: Famously self-taught musician Adrian Younge is at the forefront of modern soul music after starting as a hip-hop producer in 1998. He expanded his skills by learning multiple instruments and took inspiration from classic soul and Italian soundtracks before he self-released his debut album Venice Dawn, a moody, synth-heavy album blending Ennio Morricone's style with contemporary flair. His Something About April album followed years later and is a modern classic that merges psychedelic soul, cinematic instrumentals and hip-hop aesthetics while taking cues from greats of the genre like Wu-Tang Clan.

Review: 'Linear Labs: Sao Paulo' on vinyl offers a deep dive into Adrian Younge's masterful blend of analog textures and global influences. Featuring unreleased gems from projects like 'Something About April III' and Snoop Dogg's 'Don't Cry for the Devil', this LP brings together a rich array of soundsifrom Brazilian samba with Samantha Schmutz to ALA.NI's Parisian jazz and Bilal's soul-infused tracks. The album resonates with Younge's signature analog warmth and forward-thinking production. Pressed on vinyl, this release is an essential piece for collectors and fans of psychedelic soul and genre-defying music.

Review: Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad share the 21st volume in the 'Jazz Is Dead' series, the LA-based "love story" founded by the pair in the fallout of the latter's involvement in A Tribe Called Quest. Jazz Is Dead is a longstanding series committed to unearthing and re-sharing the jazz artists who, after initial releases, found continual success in the continua of hip-hop and pop, especially by way of being sampled by other artists. That said, all the artists featured share new contributions to the series, rather than reissued goldies. A new eight-track record, this is yet another LP, one that multiplicitously celebrates and continues the legacies of the greats: chief among them this time is Ghanaian highlife and afrobeat pioneer Ebo Taylor - whom at 88 years old contributes the jolly synth-sonic rivulet 'Obi Do Woa', a sagacious modernising of his originally 70s and 80s psycho-beat sound - and Antonio Carlos e Jocafi, who updates, in the label's own words, "some of the sweetest samba-soul of the 1970s by way of Salvador, Bahia," Brazil. An all-out arsenal of differential Afrobeats (among other kinds of beat), packaged and presented for the modern listener gripped by an insatiable curiosity for the past.