Back catalogue: All genres

Review: UK's Flock returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Flock II, shows an extraordinary ensemble featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Danalogue, and Al MacSween. Recorded in the tranquil Welsh countryside, this album represents a significant evolution from their debut, which was captured in a single day at London's Fish Factory. Over an impactful week at the mystical Druidstone retreat, the group developed innovative "jump-off" devices tailored to each track, inspired by unconventional structures and atmospheric elements. These included visual aids like diagrams with repeated patterns and a revolving lamp casting dappled light, all designed to cultivate a specific creative mindset. The recordings, made in the unique environment of Studio Owzia converted country churchiresult in compositions that range from intense to hypnotic, inviting listeners on a deeply personal journey through ethereal soundscapes. The collaborative spirit and strong bond among these talented musicians are palpable throughout, making Flock II a genre-defying recording. The brilliant cover art by Muhammad "Rofi" Fatchurofi perfectly complements the album's nebulous aesthetic, encapsulating Flock's artistic vision.

Review: Always keen to break new ground, Strut's latest compilation comes not from a well-known European or American crate-digger, but rather Kenyan-born, Uganda-based DJ Kampire. A Dancefloor in Ndola sees her look back to her time growing up in Zambia and specifically the music she heard and loved during these formative years. It's a great idea, executed brilliantly, with Kampire showcasing an enticing and highly entertaining mix of East and South African music from the 70s and 80s, including Congolese rumba and soukous, bubblegum, and kalindula, a guitar-led style native to Zambia. It's a joyous an eye-opening collection all told and notable for - aside from the high quality throughout - Kampire's decision to showcase a high number of tracks from legendary and little-known female artists. A genuinely essential collection all told.

Review: Strut continues to explore the vast archives of Disque Debs, a long-running, Guadalupe-based label that, over the course of half a century, released a wealth of music from the Caribbean. In the process, Henri Debs imprint helped launch the careers of countless French-speaking artists while not only showcasing stylistic movements such as zouk, bouyon and merengue, but also bold, colourful and tropical takes on existing Caribbean, Amercian and European sounds. Highlights include - but are in no way limited to - the slowly unfurling, synth-heavy shuffle of Sadi Lancreot's club-ready 'Dou Se Vou Ki Siwo' and the horn-heavy tropical disco brilliance of Dominuque Parol's 'Come On Baby'.