Back catalogue: Disco/Reediciones

Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.

Review: Cool Million's 'Tonight' arrives here on a special limited edition white vinyl. Featuring the legendary Glenn Jones it's a lush blend of 80s soul and funk infused with a modern twist. Jones's soulful vocals glide effortlessly over sleek lyrics, harmonising perfectly with Cool Million's infectious groove. The track radiates nostalgic 80s smoothness but never sounds kitsch and that shows the duo's fusion of retro influences with modern production has stood the test of time. A slow-motion dub on the flip makes this a great little weapon.

Review: This evergreen favourite gets another reissue, this time on coloured vinyl. Cool Million's 'Tonight' featuring the legendary Glenn Jones mixes up lush 80s soul and funk with a modern twist. Jones's soulful vocals seamlessly float as he serves up smooth lyrics that perfectly complement the infectious groove crafted by Cool Million. There's a nice balance of nostalgia throughout as retro influences kiss up with modern production which means that the tune carries a timeless appeal and always stands out in any set. This remains a must-cop, especially as we head into summer.

Review: Cotonete are a genuinely unique proposition: an eight-piece French jazz-funk outfit who performed live for a decade before recording their first single in 2016. They've delivered a couple of great albums since, including this year's brilliant Victoire De La Musique. 'O Ceu E Preto', a Brazilian flavoured number, was one of the highlights of that album and here gets reworked for house dancefloors by French veteran DJ Deep and pals. On side A, he joins forces with fellow local legend Dimitri From Paris to deliver a chunky, bass-heavy vocal version that sits somewhere between Masters At Work's more Afro-house-infuenced efforts and Deep's own late-night dancefloor hypnotism. He explores the latter side of his musical personality further, alongside Romain Parcet, on a flipside dub that exquisitely deep, trippy and delay laden. It's a genuine triumph!

Review: These are two proper old school dance floor heaters from DJ Friction - yes, the very same - who in 2017 debuted his boogie and modern funk project, Ground Control, with first album Boogie Some More via Sedsoul Records. The glorious tunes feature vocals from David Whitley, Tansy Davis, Adriano Prestel, Ciaan, and Talkboxers Sin2 and CJ and now two tracks from the album come on this exclusive 7". This marks the beginning of a new era for DJ Friction who launches Soulsonic Recordings. Both of these are two more colourful and charming neo-boogie bangers with rich licks, bold basslines and irresistible funk.

Review: Originally released in 2017, 'All Night Long' now gets a well-deserved vinyl release on 7". A tribute to the golden era of funk and disco, this release perfectly captures the electrifying energy of the early 80s while keeping things fresh for modern dancefloors. 'All Night Long' is a shimmering fusion of funk, soul, disco and electro, dripping with nostalgia. The groove is infectious, with crisp drum machines, funky basslines and synth stabs that instantly bring to mind classics from the likes of The Whispers or Shalamar. It's the kind of track that oozes retro charm but remains undeniably timeless. On the flip, 'Funkin On The One' shifts gears into a deep funk workout inspired by legends like Zapp & Roger and The Gap Band. Heavy slap bass, talkbox vocals and tight rhythms make this a certified dancefloor bomb, embracing the spirit of 80s funk with authentic precision.

Review: After a remarkable project launch last year - the red ribbon cutter DJ Friction Presents Ground Control for Sedsoul - the d&b uberlord DJ Friction now lifts the lid on his new and very different label Soulsonic, with the aid of soul companions Soulkitchen, cracking the safe with a vibrant 7" single ahead of his second full-length. 'Step Into The Light' is a vimmy slice of funk-disco, with powerhouse vocals from David Whitley on the A, whose body-power could only manifest in counterpart to a stripped back B on the flip. The track's gospel inflections recall the electrified optimism of early 80s dance music, thought it also grafts on robo handclaps and tight modern production.

Review: Samosa Records returns with Afrikano Vol. 3 which is a lovely Afro-themed, genre-blending EP featuring four standout tracks from trusted artists. Kicking things off is Vincent Galgo's 'African Rebel,' a 125bpm fusion of horns, driving rhythms, and Afro-pop bass. Frank Virgilio follows with 'Mistress,' a jazz-infused mid-tempo groover, packed with guitar riffs, organ stabs, and hypnotic bongos. Newcomer Casper Leo delivers 'Tom Tom,' a tribal delight featuring Kora guitar and melodic Marimba. Closing the EP is Lego Edit's 'El Safari,' a sultry Afrobeat banger that grabs hold and doesn't let go.

Review: Gloria Gaynor, renowned for her global hit 'I Will Survive', brings back a forgotten gem in the shape of 'This Love Affair,' re-released by Expansion Records. This soul and disco classic captures pure Philly magic, co-written by Gaynor herself and given that authentic flavour by arrangers Norman Harris and Ron 'Have Mercy' Kersey. Side-1 features the definitive 7" version of 'This Love Affair,' a sought-after rarity since its original 1978 release, with its irresistible groove packed into just 2 minutes and 43 seconds. Side-2 offers the full album version, still beloved by fans. This back-to-back release is great for soul and disco aficionados, showcasing Gaynor's timeless talent and the enduring allure of Philly soul.

Review: GI-YO steps in with a debut single on Sedsoulciety Recordings that fuses classic r'&b with a new-boogie vibe and modern pop flair. Packed with tight, punchy rhythms, a catchy bassline and vibrant keyboard riffs, this track exudes energy. GI-YO, a talented writer and producer, brings it all together by playing each instrument himself, with production support from Rob Hardt for that final polish. Released as an exclusive vinyl 45, this track is part of Sedsoulciety's gold line, showcasing a fresh, contemporary sound with undeniable groove and personality.

Review: Brooklyn-born street soul artist Martine Girault was an epitomal artist in the genre, and her extended stopover in the UK would prove instrumental in its development, despite her American origins. She was fittingly also a favourite of many international label staples from Eskimo Recordings to Opaz; while in the UK, she collaborated with producer Ray Hayden of Opaz for her standout single 'Revival'. A significant underground hit, 'Revival' veers on the aspirated side of the downbeat street soul sound. Girault's style is both angelic and hoarse, and riffs on the temporal bubbles of the contemporaneous genre new jack swing, while getting at something much higher than either style alone can peg. This reissue reproduces the song in pristine stereo, and brings out the ghost-noted piano hook to extra pop-out effect.

Review: Hot since day, Girls Of The Internet have widened the eyes and perked the ears of many a squabbling listener since 2017, deploying many a nu-disco nutcracker through imprints such as Drab Queen and Palm Recs. The duo now stop by Athens Of The North, surveying a wide polar acropolis of deep repetition and strung sampledelia. 'Somewhere Someone' delivers peak energies crafted about a mystery sample, while the flipper, 'Where Is Your Love', hears a roomy linkup with James Alexander Bright, straining the A's comparatively full, gluey mien into a much stringier slice of vocal disco minimalism.

Review: A true Chicago veteran with over 100+ releases to his name(s) steps into a fresh chapter with this first EP on a new label, delivering four cuts that reaffirm his mastery of deep house expression. 'Lush' opens with silky, melodic textures, driven by emotive keys and a warm, jazzy touchipure late-night soul. 'Magic (Gherkin Syndrome Mix)' ups the energy, blending jackin' rhythms, funky basslines and a misty atmosphere, while still rooted in deep house sensibility. Flipping to Side-B, 'Showing Off' cools things down with a laid-back piece that is a worth alternate to all the heat elsewhere on this disc. Closing track 'U Don't Own Me (Destructive Beauty Inst)' dives deeper still, a spacious, textured instrumental that has a timeless, defiant spirit. Every track feels like a personal statement from an artist still pushing forward, rooted in tradition but reaching more great emotional heights.

Review: As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.

Review: Goshawk makes his debut on Lumberjacks in Hell with a four-track 12" that blends soulful boogie with house grooves, delivering a vibrant mix of dancefloor-ready tunes. Kicking things off, 'Loyalty' feat LYMA brings a low-slung Detroit vibe, complete with a funky bassline and sultry vocals that pull you right in. The next track is all about energy, with Greg Blackmann's powerful voice driving a dynamic piano chop, creating a groove that refuses to sit still. On the flip side, things stay soulful with LYMA's remix of '1 Up 1 Down', adding her unique touch to round out the release. Goshawk's effortless style and deep-rooted sense of rhythm shine through, making this 12" a must for any selector looking to inject some fresh, soulful vibes into their set.

Review: The superb Star Creature label has always been a treasure trove of disco brilliance whether old, new or reissued. This one very much falls into the latter category and finds Jimmie Green's magic 1980 tune 'Dance' reappearing on 45rpm. It's a seductive and funky number with warped and slinky bass, lush hand claps and big horns. Little is known about the mysterious man behind it but suffice it to say he sure has some vocal skills. On the flip side tune 'Let Yourself Go' they take a more slow and sensuous approach over languid grooves and deep rhythms topped with great Rhodes.

Review: This 45 delivers two standout tracks with a unique twist. On Side-1, 'Stop On By' offers a clean edit of the classic Bobby Byrd and Vicki Anderson hit, blending soulful post-disco, funk and soul elements into a timeless gem. Side-2 features 'Give A Little', complete a lilting groove, smooth, loungey edges and a classic, pure but sultry vocal that make it a dynamic but still mellow choice for more discerning rare groove DJs.

Review: GW Edits returns with Volume 3, offering two electrifying tracks that breathe new life into disco classics. 'Mighty Cloud' kicks off with a disco rhythm and a heavy stomping house beat, enhanced by a captivating flute melody that adds a touch of funk and soul. Next up is 'Turnaround,' a remix of the iconic disco anthem 'Turn the Beat Around.' Greg Wilson's expert touch transforms this timeless track into a modern dancefloor gem, ensuring its place as a staple for both old-school disco lovers and contemporary club-goers. Teaming up with Che Wilson, GW Edits delivers another stellar release that promises to keep the dancefloor pumping all night long.

Review: Rahaan is an absolute don when it comes to disco done right and with genuine soul. He's been rolling it out in original and edit form for many years and none of it ever goes out of date. Here he presents Gregory Carmouche & Cherelle Cherisoul Sullivan on the second release on the Yellow Taxi label. 'It Is What It Is' is a lovely loose jam with noodling chord work, rolling drums and magnificent vocals that bring plenty of sunshine next to playful whistles. Those vocals are more centred on the B-side opener while an instrumental remixes peels them away entirely.

Review: Riccardi Schola returns with a new double A-sided 7" single that is reminiscent of a private press Italo Disco record from the 80s, but infused with a modern twist and raw production style. The first track, 'Mistake Disco,' features Italian singer Giada Pesce, known for her collaboration on Riccardi's debut 'On My Mind' on the Bordello A Parigi label. The second track, 'M'hai preso il cuore,' is a charming ballad sung by Italian singer Giulia, also known as GGG in her DJ persona, with Riccardi providing backing vocals. Both songs evoke the nostalgic essence of early Italo Disco so sit back and soak up the authentic vibes.

Review: Disco Juice kicks off with some irresistibly sweet disco jams on this first volume on 12". Sonic Soul Orchestra get things underway with 'Good Inside' featuring the one and only Kathy Brown belting out some big hooks over strident drums. There are more rickety drums and loose-limbed funk workouts on Da Lukas's 'Drop The Funk' then Yam Who? & Rikky Disco's 'Set Me Free' brings big trumpet energy and withering pads next to lush strings. Last but not least, Guy Preston's 'Purple Heart' (feat Adrian Crutchfield) rounds out with a hip-swinging groove and call and response vocal to get hands in the air.