Funk Embassy Vinilo y CD

Review: Released by Funk Embassy Records, 'Universal Language' is the debut album by Estonian funk outfit Silky Steps, a five-piece band from Tallinn that blends neo-soul, nu-disco and pop-funk. The album is full of catchy hooks, smooth vocals, funky guitars and synths that evoke the likes of Nile Rodgers, Jungle and L'imperatrice. The lyrics are playful and sensual, exploring themes of love, lust and connection. Highlights are the slo-mo opener 'Music' with its infectious vocoder, 'Falling For You', a collaboration with MC Roki that explores deep bass-driven territory and 'Fly, Goodbye', a bittersweet and nostalgic track with sensual neon-lit aesthetics.

Review: Several years deep into their quest to amplify their homeland's rich funk talent, Eastern European collective Estonian Funk Embassy level up with this exceptional compendium of tracks written and recording during Estonia's time under Soviet control. The first time most of these records have been released and distributed beyond domestic release, it's a total treasure trove of grooves ranging from upbeat, big band-led swing ("Keskoosamba"), thigh-slapping horn-heavy funk ("Rasked Veosed"), smokier, lounge-lapping jazzier influences ("Naed Vaid Oma Silmi"), sleazy disco funk ("Sa Haara Kinni Mu Kaest" and many shades in between. Capturing Estonia's musical legacy in all directions, this is a genuinely unique record.

Review: There could have been no better way to escape the Soviet than through the music of the Groove of ESSR compilation series which now returns with a second volume. This time Funk Embassy serves up 11 cuts from between 1973 and 1984 and they are a mix of dance floor-ready sounds and more pensive material for somewhere else. Most of these tunes are getting their first-ever release here and the 12" comes with a 30-page booklet featuring some great background as well as thoughts from some of the artists. The likes of likes Gilles Peterson and DJ Tahira played tunes from the first one which tells you how good this series is.