Back catalogue: Funk

Review: This priceless double-header brings together two timeless gems from South African music icon Letta Mbulu. On one side, the afro-electro boogie cult classic 'Nomalizo', a favourite among diggers and refined selectors alike, with its honeyed vocals, salty synth work and languid rhythms. On the other, there's 'Kilimanjaro Takes Us Higher', an uplifting, up-tempo dancefloor anthem radiating optimism with soul-drenched vocals, funk bass, disco strings and agile keys. Released together as a single for the first time, these sought-after tracks have been embraced across countless scenes for decades. Nothing short of essential.

Review: Germany's funk collective expand their sound on this release, recorded live at the MPS studio in the Black Forest. The raw, break-heavy foundation remains, but the album ventures into jazz, soul, and psychedelia, capturing an organic energy that feels both spontaneous and precise. Tracks like 'Open The Gate' blend punchy brass with intricate rhythms, while 'Spinning' layers folk-psych guitar and cinematic horns, creating a fluid dialogue between the musicians. 'Back And Better' highlights Nichola Richards' soulful vocals, adding depth to the sparse beats. The album also explores playful experimentation, with 'Sparks of Joy' embracing a swampy groove, and 'Phantom Power' introducing an electric phin, nodding to world jazz influences. Carlton Jumel Smith's performance on 'Can't Stop This Fire' and the gospel-tinged 'Homebound' anchor the album, grounding its expansive journey. The result is a cohesive and evolving soundione that truly captures the clearly audible joy of collaboration.