GUTS Vinilo y CD

Review: Guts dropped the superb album Estrellas back in late 2022. It was recorded during the pandemic and is a treasure trove of distinctive Afro-Cuban musical traditions, highly percussive sounds, brass-based rhythms and simmering melodies. Heavenly has now put together a mix of special remixes for this limited edition 12". First up 'Por Que Ou Ka Fe Sa' (Poirier remix) is a delightfully airy and light-footed rhythm with gorgeous guitar melodies. The David Walters remix) makes more of the vocal chants and chunky funky drums. 'San Lazaro' (Bosq remix) cuts loose with some summary brass and carefree drums and 'Medewui' (Captain Planet remix) is a shuffling percussive closer.

Review: While he's been offering up some sizzling solo albums of late, French DJ/producer GUTS is still arguably better known as the seasoned selector behind the excellent "Beach Diggin'" compilations. Here he offers up another compilation, this time showcasing tried-and-tested tracks that have been rocking his DJ sets for the last few years. Mostly focused around club-friendly global sounds past and present, the 17-track selection is full of little known killers, overlooked dancefloor workouts and forgotten gems. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the horn-sporting boogie-zouk bounce of Evasion 85's "Van La Ka Vante" and the cheeky "Rappers Delight" re-write "Bon Tempos" by Equipe Radio Cidade, to the sparkling Afro-disco heat of Eko Roosevelt Louis' "Tondoho Mba" and the righteous Afro-Brazilian drum workout that is Alma Luma's "Princesa Isabel".