Bongo Joe Switzerland Vinilo y CD

Review: .Geneva, Switzerland duo Bound By Endogamy are taking no prisoners with this collection of eight intense workouts that seem to straddle a multitude of genres and somehow emerge from the chaos with something new. Unsurprisingly, given what's here, the pair - Shlomo Balexert and Kleio Thomaides - are prominent figures on the underground punk and squat scene in their hometown, and there's plenty on this record that feels as though it's got to that time in the morning and you're still wandering around a disused labyrinthine building trying to remember where the front door was. Combining the ferocity of hardcore with the atmosphere and futurism of electro and rave, it's growling but crisp, distorted and DIY, dancefloor and weirdo all at once. An album that will not disappoint anyone who has been keeping an eye on this outfit as they emerged from strong successive cassette releases and a single 7" into this full throttle, self-titled long player.

Review: Collignon brings some real class to this new one on Bongo Joe Records. It is a tidy two-track 45rpm that is best described as psychedelic tropical. Opener 'Viemos De Longe' is a dense and busy mix of warped synth wobbles and steamy jungle effects, humid pads and mystic melodies that take you deep into overgrown flora where all manner of birds and frogs await with their weird and wonderful calls. Add in some psyched-out rock guitars and a sense of 60s spy theme funk and you have a marvellous cut. Flip it over for further sonic fun in the form of the magical 'Visita Noturna.'

Review: The debut album from Amsterdam-based muso Donald 'Donny' Madjid (a member of The Mauskovic Dance Band) came after an unusual break in his often hectic touring cycle, largely thanks to the pandemic. Keeping himself sane with a plethora of vintage synths as well as a 60s era drum-machine, the resulting experiments gave way to 2021's retro-fitted disco meets new wave opus Pure Donzin. Now that tour-life has resumed and his schedule chock-a-block yet again, it's taken three years for another dose of pure Donny with the release of his follow up Zonder Pardon EP. Authentic swathes of machine-percussion, thick synth-lines and Madjid's own disarming croon (sung almost exclusively in his native tongue) channel the sonic iconography of Talking Heads or Roxy Music, yet transported by way of an Italo-Disco rave to the funkiest spots of inner-city Holland.

Review: Meril Wubslin's fourth album, Faire ca, is a daring musical odyssey that ventures into uncharted territories with fearless creativity. Recorded in Kwake Bass' South London studio, this nine-track masterpiece defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending blues, folk, post-rock, and dub to create a unique sonic landscape. Collaborating with Kwake Bass, known for his groundbreaking work with Sampha and Kae Tempest, Meril Wubslin fearlessly explores unfamiliar soundscapes. From the intimate blues and folk-inspired 'Grands Espaces' to the experimental fusion of 'La Main' and the electro-blues percussion of 'Famille Phare,' each track showcases the band's innovative spirit and exceptional musicianship. With its bold experimentation and captivating melodies, 'Faire ca' promises enduring musical rewards for listeners and solidifies Meril Wubslin's position as pioneers in the realm of avant-garde music. This album is a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh and exhilarating musical experience.

Review: Bongo Joe ventures into the Caribbean's musical heart here and spotlights the Dominican Republic's rich musical heritage on Merengue Tipico: Nueva Generacion! which uncovers the essence of Dominican merengue, a sound so often overshadowed in musical discourse. Curated by Xavier Daive, aka Funky Bompa, the compilation reveals rare 60s and 70s gems, unveiling a transformative era post-Trujillo. Daive's 20-year immersion in the Dominican Republic yields original 45s, capturing merengue's evolution in a creatively charged period. Influenced by pioneers like "Tatico" Henriquez, tracks like Rafaelito Roman's 'Que Mala Suerte' exude infectious energy, while Aristides Ramirez's 'Los Lanbones' injects some humour. This compilation transcends reissue norms, offering a deep dive into merengue's roots and thereby enriching global music landscapes.