Review: Bloco & Soul Essentials are back with their smooth, feel-good vibes with their 7" There For You. Side-1 features the title track, a joyful slice of soul with a fantastic horn section and classy vocals. It captures a warm, 70s mood with smooth strings and an overall laid-back groove that's perfect for fans of classic soul sounds. On Side-2, 'Shady Lady' offers a slower, funkier groove. The track's funky bassline and gentle piano keys create a relaxed, sultry atmosphere, while the rich blend of guitar and smooth vocals tie everything together beautifully. There For You is an essential pick for anyone who enjoys soul music with a touch of Japanese funk and jazz influences, delivering timeless grooves with a modern edge.
Review: Matthieu Chedid and Seu Jorge's long-running collaboration reaches a new peak with this latest release. A-side, the track 'Parioca' brings together the duo's signature stylesiChedid's French flair and Jorge's Brazilian rhythms, resulting in a seamless fusion of groove and melody that invites listeners into a warm, joyful world where their distinct musical identities meet. The B-side's dub mix of 'Parioca' takes things in a deeper direction, layering hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric textures that open up the track, creating an expansive, dubby atmosphere. It's a perfect companion to the original, showing the depth and versatility of their musical partnership, which continues to evolve after more than a decade of collaboration.
Review: Tabou 1 is on a roll right now and their latest offering features reggae icon Johnny Clarke teaming up with the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. 'Every Knee' is an archetypal roots reggae anthem that has everything you want in a tune. It demands to be played loud and proud and blends Clarke's soulful, spiritual vocals with Sly & Robbie's masterful bass and drum foundation. The rest of the tracks here also have deep grooves and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with themes of devotion and unity and are enhanced by the signature dub-infused production.
DJ Deviant & Swamburger - "Get On The Floor" (3:33)
DJ Deviant - "Where's The Party" (3:47)
Review: DJ Deviant and Swamburger join forces for a double-sided serving of feel-good hip-hop and r&b on this 7" release. 'Get On The Floor' is a surefire party starter, its infectious beat and catchy hooks practically demanding movement and setting the tone for a night of good times. The track is a vibrant blend of classic hip-hop elements and contemporary production, with DJ Deviant's cuts and scratches adding a layer of turntablist flair. On the flip, 'Where's The Party' sees DJ Deviant flying solo, keeping the energy high with a smooth groove and feelgood vibes that are reminiscent of 90s r&b classics. The ever enduring appeal of hip-hop and r&b in full effect.
Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.
Review: Following a surprisingly extended hiatus of three years, the admirable Earthly Measures imprint is ready to unleash the fourth volume in their Earthly Tapes series. This time round, they've not only chosen to showcase the work of more female artists, but also producers and musicians with "native roots connected to five countries in South America and Europe". Musically, it furthers the label's "electronica plus nature" ethos, flitting between deliciously dubbed-out ambient chuggers (Manu Ela), Latin-tinged slow motion dub disco (Barda), percussion-rich wooziness (Shigara), locked-in low-slung house hypnotism (Sahale & Samarana), tropical house sunshine (Carla Velenti) and chugging Balearic dreaminess (NoN Project).
Alton Ellis & Slim Smith - "Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)" (2:55)
Alton Ellis - "Be True" (2:41)
Review: This reissue brings a fascinating piece of reggae history back to the light, showcasing a unique collaboration between Alton Ellis and Slim Smith. Recorded in 1971 at Chalk Farm Studios, this 7-inch single captures a moment of creative exploration and cross-cultural fusion. Side A features 'Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)', a mid-tempo soul duet where their voices intertwine in a display of effortless harmony and heartfelt emotion. Their performance blends soulful melodies with a distinctly Jamaican rhythmic sensibility. On the flip, Ellis takes the lead with 'Be True', a reggae-funk infused cut that highlights his versatility. The track is a testament to Ellis' ability to seamlessly blend genres. Originally intended for release on A&M Records, these tracks were part of a larger project spearheaded by producer Stanley Pemberton. This reissue sheds light on this intriguing chapter in reggae history and allows listeners to appreciate the artistry of Ellis and Smith in a new light. Their collaboration is a testament to their vocal prowess and their ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries.
Review: The 7" release of 'Free Ma'n by the Ethiopians and 'Shanty Town' by Soul Brothers on Studio 1 is a must-have classic for reggae lovers. These two heavy hitters are beautiful standout from the early days of the legendary Studio One in Jamaica, and were first related back in 1966. The tunes perfectly embody the raw, soulful sound of Jamaican ska and rocksteady of the era with vocal depth and effortless dub warmth. The Ethiopians are known for their socially conscious lyrics and deliver a powerful performance on 'Free Man', while the Soul Brothers back them with Studio 1's signature mix of jazzy brass, syncopated rhythms and laid-back bass.
Review: This collaborative EP brings together two Australian artists, blending their unique takes on progressive house, techno, trance,and chill-out music into a seamless collection that transports listeners back to the laid-back vibes of the early 90s. The result is a stunning journey through balearic and downtempo landscapes, with each track offering a nostalgic yet fresh twist. Side-A opens with 'Zephyr', a gentle, early 90s Balearic track that recalls the atmospheric essence of William Orbit's 'Water From A Vine Leaf'. With its hip beat, soothing piano and urban edge, it immediately sets a reflective tone. 'Liana's Cove' follows with a slow groove, deep bassline and mystical ambiance that invites you to get deeper into the music, evoking the tranquil isolation of a hidden bay. On Side-B, 'Perfect Harmony (feat. Sa+ga)' introduces a chill-out urban style with its downtempo breakbeat and smooth, laid-back flow perfect for winding down. Closing the EP is 'Spindrift', a funky chill-out gem, light and floaty with an aquatic atmosphere that feels like drifting along calm waters. Together, these tracks create a rich, cohesive sound that bridges the past with the present. Bring back the chill out rooms!
Review: So what happens when a European post-punk outfit meets an American 'ambient country ensemble'? The answer: A Nanocluster. In fact, three. This being the third. Immersion first met SUSS in September 2021, and the results were mesmerising. Three years on and the impact was no less staggering. Originally landing in September 2024, part tres takes us into the kind of musical places we're used to finding Spiritualized or Mogwai, and even then the references are misleading. For as many times as Nanocluster Vol. 3 sucks us into a thick soup of ambient and atmosphere, inviting us to get lost in opiate cloud formations, it also asks us to jump on board a stream train of rolling and driving rhythms, juggernauts gathering depth and complexity as they forge ahead. A stunning collection of highly evocative and incredible musical instrumentals.
Review: Rocksteady from Japanese crew Inokasira Rangers, whom've here teamed up with singer Hikari Suzuki for a cutely delivered cover of the Americana song 'Tonight You Belong To Me' by Nancy Sinatra. Performed in a "skinhead reggae" manner, this is a mysterious but fun version of the erstwhile lolloping 60s pop version. On the flip comes a curveball in the versioned form of one of the greatest-selling singles of all time, 'Ue o Muite Arukou' (aka. 'Sukiyaki' in English-speaking markets), originally sung by Kyu Sakamoto and again retaken by the Rangers.
Samba De Matuto Leao Do Norte De Maragogi - "Nunca Me Faltou Sonora" (Kolago Kult Deep Samba mix) (6:47)
Samba De Matuto Leao Do Norte De Maragogi - "Nunca Me Faltou Sonora" (2:56)
Blessing Of Shango (Kolago Kult rework) (8:12)
Seria_Calimbo (Kolago Kult original club mix) (6:42)
Review: This London-based crew follows up their recent and acclaimed Akyio project with a 12" that dives deep into the vibrant rhythms of Brazil. The original is by the unique Samba De Matuto Leao Do Norte De Maragogi and was recorded by DJ Tudo. Kolago Kult offers a mix that is packed with Latin swagger, organic percussion and jumble of hand drums while the late Master Tiao adds his vocals to this samba-inspired street sound. Kolago Kult then steps up with two psychedelic remixes that are packed with heavy and dubby rhythms and many layers of percussion. A truly global journey, this one.
Seun Kuti & Sampa The Great - "Emi Aluta" (Zamrock remix) (3:31)
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 - "Emi Aluta" (feat Sampa The Great - 45 edit) (3:55)
Review: Afrobeat virtuoso Seun Kuti is soon to release his highly anticipated album, Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) later this year. It features guest appearances from Damian Marley and Sampa The Great so promises to be a global sensation. Ahead of that, we get a taste of things to come from his distinctive Afrobeat sound with this powerful new work on Milan's Record Kicks. First up here with get the bubbly rhythms of 'Emi Aluta' (Zamrock remix) then 'Emi Aluta' (feat Sampa The Great - 45 edit) comes complete with some hard bars.
Review: NEMS, the "Mayor of Coney Island," joins forces with DJ Skizz and SkyAsia to drop 'Christmas Spectacular' on 7" vinylia physical release after its digital debut. This one is a proper holiday banger backed by High Water Music, FYL and DWMG and featuring eye-catching artwork with Kith's photography and a layout by Sieteson. Known for his gritty style and wit, NEMS puts his own twist on festive vibes, making this bit of vinyl a must-have for hip-hop fans wanting a fresh spin on holiday cheer.
Markus Enochson presents Suedojazz - "Sober" (5:14)
Review: TLM celebrates its 50th vinyl-only release with an exceptional offering of jazz-lounge house intonations. Legendary Canadian Mike Perras knocks down the first domino with 'Life Goes On', a jazzy house cut driven by a captive Rhodes groove. Craig Bratley follows with a deep houser featuring Tim Hutton on trumpet, while Mark Turner honours the legacy of Blaze on the A. The AA, meanwhile, introduces DFRA Experience Jazz Band from Argentina with 'Isolation', a smoothened pure jazz cut composed by Diego Ruiz and featuring Pablo Raposso on piano, Hernan Cassibba on double bass, Gonzalo Rodriguez De Vicente on sax, Joaquin Muro on trumpet, and Bruno Varela on drums. 'Sober' by Markus Enochson closes things out on a double bass boomer 'Sober', effecting a truly loose bonhomie.
Review: Eastside Edits is back with yet another infectious disc's worth of funky disco edits for DJs and collectors alike. Welcoming a fresh throng of international talent, this eighth edition hears up-and-coming Indonesian producer Rhework appear alongside renowned UK duo Suckaside. The former's 'Street Sounds' channel the effortless bustle of square-blocked, gridlocked city streets, where steam rises from manhole covers, taxicabs trailblaze yellow light trails, and funk clubs roar as loudly as underground subway systems. Suckaside's B-side is a call-and-responsive version of equal calibre, though it does clock in at a slower tempo.
Review: The Boom Bap Classics 7"s series was launched in 2022 and sticks to a sturdy format, always billing two double-A-listers of rap stardom from the 90s on reissued vinyl. The choices are always lesser-trodden, and buck expectational trends; even longtime hip-hop heads are unlikely to have heard of Akinyele and Sadat X, solo progeny of the Rochelle rap collective, Brand Nubian. On 'Loud Hangover', rough gangsta rap hewings prove assimilable with boom bap's tendency to show its sensitive side, with an icy yet mournful string hung and suspended a "y'knowwhati'msayin'?" laden farrago. 'Stages And Lights' leans further into emotive dynamism, with Derrick Murphy waxing real on public housing shortages, church pieties and Black culture.
Review: Harkit has put together this vital 7" reissue of a soulful treasure celebrating two standout acts from the golden era of rhythm & blues. Sam & Kitty and Johnny Sayles how up to deliver a stirring performance on 'I've Got Something Good' which is driven big, big raw horns and their heartfelt harmonies and rich vocal chemistry. They very much embody the passion of classic soul duos and on the flipside, 'I Can't Get Enough (Of Your Love)' exudes raw emotion and a sleazy, guttural vocal with a mix of orchestral horns and more intimate melodies over hard-edged and banging funk drums. Together, these tunes capture the essence of vintage soul and funk.
Review: Spanish label Base Lee Music has tapped up hometown hero Roberto Sanchez for this great new rockers roots single. 'Words Of My Mouth' really has it all - the smooth flowing bassline that undulates and rumbles with cavernous warmth, the acoustic guitar plucks up top to hint at the old school reggae sound and a vocal that is pure and soulful. The Message band come through with a dub version on the flip that layers in tons of echo and reverb and gets those snaking hi-hats hissing as they melt away to nothing.
Review: This 7" delivers two rare treasures from the early 70s Latin underground, showcasing a blend of innovation and groove. Side-1 is an electrifying gem from 1971, driven by its creative vocal delivery and rhythmic Latin funk foundation. The track's raw energy and unique arrangement make it an irresistible dancefloor favorite. On Side-2, a 1973 classic merges Brazilian jazz with funk and soul, delivering a sophisticated yet infectious groove. Its lush instrumentation and smooth melodies create a heady, distinctive atmosphere, reflecting the musical experimentation of the era. Two tracks that encapsulate the spirit of a dynamic scene.
Review: Fourth Wave reissue one of the great works of Japanese composer, keyboardist and producer Hiroshi Sato. Forming part of a fresh flood of reissues that the label have explicitly mandated, Sato's are highlights among a discrete period of exquisitely recorded and visually designed LPs from the late 70s and early 80s. With a sleekly surreal cover artwork by Tadanori Yokoo - psych rock's pastiching answer to Vaughan Oliver - Sato brought chilled finger-flair to his various recorded synth patches, electric pianos, chamber brasses and guitars, all of which are recorded to produce a precise, razored sound in xpander-funk. Something latent - something much more - than mere smooth AOR is conveyed here. Perhaps it can be focalised in the LP's aura of effortless, disengaged mellowness, as if good comportment and style is an inevitability of life in cosmopolitan 80s Tokyo.
Review: The enigmatic Downtown Romeo Records returns with its signature blend of melancholy and intensity from Saved My Life. First up, the Chuva de Verao remix of 'Amar' is a lush downtempo track laced with subtle acid elements that draw you into a hypnotic vortex. Meanwhile, the Ilusao Dub on the flip pushes forward with a powerful, massive breakbeat groove. It's a usual mix of sound designs, acoustic elements and club energy that really stands out. True to the label's tradition, the record is presented in a luxurious sleeve, complete with an embossed stamp and insert that elevates the tactile experience.
Review: As the official soundtrack to Claire Sanford and Josephine Anderson's documentary Texada, New-York based composer Elori Saxl's latest record comes issued on a steadfast, standalone vinyl edition. Texada explores the evolving connection between people and the remote Texada Island, British Columbia, shaped by ancient limestone formations and industrial history. Saxl transforms these themes into sound, blending analog synthesizers, processed baritone saxophone (by Henry Solomon) and field recordings of water and rock. Her compositions evoke stone textures and the lunar-tidal motion of waves, with tracks like 'The Quarry' capturing the drive of resource extraction, and 'The Most Special Place' reflecting nostalgia and discovery, merging human and geological scales.
Review: Say She She's latest festive offering becomes even more irresistible with this special opaque dark purple vinyl edition. The A-side reimagines Marvin Gaye's 'Purple Snowflakes,' wrapping cascading piano lines and delicate harmonies in a mood that's equal parts nostalgic and otherworldly. On the B-side, their first original holiday tune, 'This Wintertime,' evokes warmth and intimacy, celebrating the simple joy of togetherness. Pressed on this stunning coloured vinyl, the release pairs perfectly with its timeless sound, offering collectors and fans alike something truly special for the season.
Review: Say She She bring soulful magic to the holidays with two tracks that effortlessly combine tradition and originality. Their cover of Marvin Gaye's 'Purple Snowflakes' brims with soft, tumbling melodies and an understated psychedelic charm, while 'This Wintertime' radiates with the heartfelt warmth of their first original Christmas tune. Lush harmonies and thoughtful arrangements define both tracks, reminding us of music's power to connect and uplift. This festive 7" single captures the spirit of the season in Say She She's signature style.
Review: Junior Scaife delivers two ensouled sides, produced and co-written by Penrose mainstay Anthony Masino. One of the most gifted vocalists in the soulscape of today, Scaife infuses every note with a shrill sprechgesang, a longing, heaving intonation heard between the runs. 'Nobody Gets My Love' is an ode to tensions of love and pride, wielding the late-60s Hestor and Wylie Detroit sound as a listless instrument for impudence. On the B, 'Too Much Too Soon', offers a slow-burning ballad laced with wah guitar and a comparatively elegance, marking a standout for the lowrider soul crowd.
Konya Wa Boogie Back (Luvraw remix - acappella) (6:16)
Review: Scha Dara Parr's 'Konya Wa Boogie Back' 7" vinyl brings a smooth, laid-back vibe that channels classic West Coast hip-hop. On Side-1, the Luvraw remix, delivering mellow, low-rider energy with its sun-soaked beats, perfect for a breezy summer day. The remix's polished production and easygoing flow highlight the track's relaxed groove, blending hip-hop with subtle r&b warmth. On Side-2, the acapella version strips things back, allowing Scha Dara Parr's vocal cadence and lyrical flow to shine. This release is a nod to smooth, old-school vibes while showcasing the group's timeless style and adaptability. Unique!
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