Disco/Reediciones charts

Review: Established way-back in 1981, before the idea of Italo-disco as a standalone style became popular, Erik van Vilet and Michael van der Kuy's Laserdance project was responsible for a string of synth-heavy electronic disco and prototype Eurodance anthems. Unusually, the project is still a going concern, with the duo recording a new album in 2024. Fire On Earth dates from 1994 and here reappears on CD for the first time since. Largely cheery, sci-fi-fired and undeniably optimistic, the music on show combines elements associated with Italo-disco and 1980s synthpop - thickset, arpeggio style basslines, colourful chords, Fairlight-derived orchestral stabs and bubbly electronic lead lines - with conscious nods to Eurodance, Italodance and the then emerging sound of trance.

Review: 'Humanoid Invasion' is a stone-cold Italo disco classic from 1986 that now gets reissued on the irrepressible ZYX label. It comes in various forms starting with the Dance Mix which is bright and led by shiny, irresistible arps and squelchy synth bass. The jittery rhythms demand you jerk your body and the Space Mix then adds extra effects and reverb with more shine on the chords. A Digital remix feels more crisp and contemporary but still in a retro-future way and then a 7" and an epic Megamix Vol 1 are included to make this the ultimate ode to a classic.