Back catalogue:

Review: A reissued 7" single, pressed on standard black vinyl, shows Carmen's unique fusion of soul, country and r&b, recorded in New York City with legendary producer Bob Morgan. Carmen's smooth, emotive vocals are perfectly complemented by the rich, soulful instrumentation of The New Frontier, harnessing the beauty of the early '70s music scene. Both songs highlight Carmen's ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with groovy, soulful melodies, creating a sound that resonates with fans of both northern soul and roots music. Despite not achieving mainstream fame, Carmen developed a dedicated following, and these songs provide a snapshot of his talent as a songwriter and performer. Housed in a full-color jacket with an insert, this release is perfect for fans of classic soul, funk, country and the crossroads of these genres. It's a remarkable opportunity to experience the timeless, evocative music of Kip Carmen in all its warmth and authenticity.

Review: A double dose of dancefloor bliss is administered (subversively without doctor's orders) by Kent Soul. These two numbers have been faved by fans from several scenes and the world over: first, there's The Cheques' 'In The Groove', a longingly upbeat homage to a groovin' place by the obscure Louisianan organists. Lead organist Tony Nardi, would later go on to form the Thai funk group Salt & Pepper, famously recording 'Man Of My Word', but for then and now, this 60s manoeuvre would serve to transcend its mod origins, attracting the Northern soul crowd in the years to come. After, 'Arabian Jerk' by The Merits rehears a Goldwax production out of Memphis: mod and exotica collide in a steaming instrumental excitation of backbeat accents and parping 2-4 guitars, making a mod belly dancer's anthem.

Review: The Chicago Gangsters, a family-led group originally from Akron, Ohio, span multiple genres from gritty funk to smooth soul. Despite that name, their work largely embodied a mixture of raw disco grooves and emotive ballads. Their 1976 sophomore release, which includes a memorable rendition of Eugene McDaniel's 'Feel Like Making Love' and the title track 'Gangster Love,' stands as a key part of their legacy. This track, notably their first 12" single, hints at their influence in shaping the disco funk sound of the era. While they recorded under the Gold Plate label, they later transitioned to RCA and Heat, producing tracks that resonated across the decades, most famously sampled in LL Cool J's 'Mama Said Knock You Out.' Their energetic performances and varied discography left a lasting imprint on both the funk and early hip-hop scenes.

Review: Polish producer Latarnik and American vocalist Anthony Mills collide on this new album for Polish label Astigmatic to explore lo-fi hip-hop, soul, dub and experimental electronics. Mills's falsetto vocal brings great Neo-soul warmth to Crack Rock with emotionally charged tones soaring over the production which ranges from sugary and 80s-tinged disco and boogie on 'Crack' to deep, seductive and gooey on 'Passive Lover' which is a more romantic sound. Latarnik's work is often minimal yet immersive which creates space for Mills' voice to shine and is delivered in equal parts spoken word, chant and soulful croon. The hypnotic, slow-burning soundscapes that result are both intimate and confrontational, ready to make you dance but also often just to feel. Unapologetically raw and deeply human, this one lingers long after the final track ends.