Back catalogue: Disco/Reediciones

Review: PPU is one of your favourite labels when it comes to dusty and lo-fi soul and related sounds. Now the DC-based crew delivers another gem with Grand Hotel, a collection of ten rare tracks from Estonian funk legend Uku Kuut, who they have released several times before now. The instrumental album traces Kuut's journey through the Soviet Union, Sweden, Los Angeles, and Estonia and is a window into his excellently eclectic style. Highlights include his first home recording from 1982 and a track produced in Herbie Hancock's studio. After more than 30 years of travelling across borders, these precious masters have found a permanent home and means that Grand Hotel is a fine tribute to Kuut's international influences.

Review: In 1981, Unity, a new South African band, were making waves with their album Erube Jambo. Produced by the team of Van Blerk/Roos & Greg Cutler, it features succulent voices and melodies, psychedelic Moog, Hohner clavinet and Fender Rhodes, all surrounded by Afro-folky guitars. Unity's journey began between 1972 and 1973 when Poy-Poy Makhubela appeared on four singles with The Young Movers, produced by David Thekwane. In 1975, Poy-Poy, as a lead guitarist, formed Unity with Jeff Radine (Fender Rhodes, Moog), George Legobye (bass), Edward Modiselle (percussion), and Robert Moema (drums). Most members came from The Sound Jaws, except Radine, who played with Rugare, Harari, Chicco, The Black Five, and Prince Nico. In 1978, after hearing Unity in a club, Mike Tswai joined as their manager. Poy-Poy's career has flourished, touring globally and collaborating with South African legends like Brenda Fassie, Don Laka, Blondie & Pappa, Dorothy Masuka, and Kwaito bands such as Alaska, Boom Shaka, and Trompies. Iinnovative spirit and enduring talent ahoy.

Review: The Mellophonia label offshoot Fusion Sequence won us over with its well-presented and great-sounding first EP, and now a quick follow-up does the same. This one is another various artists affair that starts with some nice futuristic robot disco from Vanity Project. There is more organic and lush Balearic from Bobby Bricks and Pacific Coliseum follows that spine-tingling Ibiza sunset vibe. On the flip side, there is everything from late-night electronic house to lazy disco via Sorcerer's blissed out 'Just For Love' which would entrance any dance floor. There's as much quality as there is variation on this one, which makes it a useful EP indeed.