Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Leon Dinero's rendition of 'One Way Love' breathes new life into James Hunter's classic, transforming it into a smooth rocksteady gem. Backed by the Inversions and guided by Victor Axelrod's expert production, Dinero infuses the track with a laid-back groove and soulful vocal delivery that feels both timeless and fresh. The relaxed rhythm and heartfelt performance lend the song an authenticity that might leave listeners wondering if this version predates the original. Hunter's exceptional songwriting shines through, transcending genre boundaries with its elegant melody and sharp lyrics. Dinero's 'One Way Love' is a stunning example to the enduring power of a well-crafted song.

Review: Jalen Ngonda's latest single, That's All I Wanted From You, features his exceptional talent for soul music. Released on Daptone Records, the track features beautifully orchestrated melodies under Ngonda's stirring vocals. With a perfect blend of raw edge and melody, the song includes female backing vocals that evoke a soothing nostalgia. The tight rhythm section propels the track into a rousing bridge, making it a standout piece. Ngonda, originally from Washington, DC, and now based in London, has excited audiences with his vintage soul appeal and unique personality. Having played major festivals and sold-out shows in Europe, his signing with Daptone has generated significant buzz. 'That's All I Wanted From You' is available on 7", and it cements Ngonda's status as a modern soul artist with an old soul charm.

Review: Presenting a standout 45 from Jalen Ngonda and his bandia release that's already making waves. With 'Illusions' gracing the BBC Radio 2 A-List and 'Rapture' lighting up BBC Radio 6, these tracks deserved a spin on vinyl. Packed with sophisticated arrangements and grooves so smooth they practically glide, Jalen's voice holds it all together with a richness only seasoned live performance brings. Both sides are primed to ignite dancefloors, adding class to soul nights around the world.

Review: Orquesta Akokan returns with vibrant interpretations of Rosalia's hits 'Con Altura' and 'TKN,' showcasing their Grammy-nominated Cuban flair. Led by vocalist Jose 'Pepito' Gomez and featuring Cuban talent like lyricist Kiko Ruiz, known for his work with Buena Vista Social Club and Orquesta Maria Alejandra y Cubania, Orquesta Akokan infuses these tracks with a classic rawness sure to energize global dancefloors. The band's self-titled debut album, recorded live at Havana's historic Estudios Areito, embodies the Yoruba term "Akokan," meaning "from the heart." Produced by Jacob Plasse and arranged by Mike Eckroth, this release on 7" encapsulates Akokan's heartfelt musical gift, blending originality with Cuba's rich musical heritage in every beat and melody.

Review: Judah Tafari's new 7" Great Escape / Bezos vs. Musk delivers a potent dose of classic roots reggae with deeply spiritual Rastafari themes. Though not widely known, Judah Eskender Tafari has garnered a dedicated following through his work since the late '70s. His music continues to resonate in roots reggae sound systems and DJ sets, maintaining relevance nearly fifty years later. On Great Escape, produced by Victor Axelrod for Daptone, Tafari reflects on humanity's quest for salvation, drawing on Old Testament imagery. The track's lush, authentic roots production allows Tafari's earnest vocals to shine, reminding listeners of the powerful spiritual messages that have always defined his work. On Side-2, 'Bezos vs. Musk,' adds a contemporary twist, showcasing Tafari's ability to remain both relevant an rooted in his spiritual mission.

Review: Heartache In Room 14 marks The Altons' highly anticipated full-length debut on Daptone, promising a soulful, cinematic journey. Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce share lead vocals, creating a rich, emotive interplay that's hard to come by in modern soul. With tracks like 'Waiting' and 'Perdoname', the album weaves through melancholic ballads, tejano influences, and a touch of Bond-style psychedelia, making it clear why they're a standout act. Already primed to be a must-have of 2025, Heartache In Room 14 blends classic warmth with undeniable chemistry.

Review: After a run of hit singles on Penrose Records, The Altons are primed to release their debut album, Heartache in Room 14, on Daptone. Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce share lead vocals, creating a romantic depth often missing in today's soul. The album dives into moody ballads and tejano-flavoured duets, with hints of Bond theme psychedelia that give it a cinematic edge. Heartache in Room 14 promises to be more than just another soul record and is rather is a must-have for 2025.

Review: The Altons make their Daptone debut with Heartache in Room 14, pressed here as a limited sky-blue vinyl LP with an MP3 download code. Known for their streak of standout singles on Penrose Records, this release sees Adriana Flores and Brian Ponce sharing lead vocals, adding a heartfelt, almost cinematic quality that cuts through today's soul. Expect moody ballads, tejano-inspired duets and splashes of Bond-esque psychedelia. Heartache in Room 14 isn't just another soul album - it's primed to be 2025's must-have in this exclusive sky-blue pressing.

Review: Brooklyn's Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings were already underground legends by 2005, but this was the release that blew the doors wide open. Reissued here in a 20th anniversary remaster with full instrumental versions, it captures the group in peak form: tight, defiant and dripping with groove. From the snarling funk of 'My Man is a Mean Man' to the gospel-inflected ache of 'Stranded' and the rolling swagger of 'You're Gonna Get It', every track is a showcase for Jones' irrepressible power. 'How Long Do I Have to Wait For You?' and 'This Land is Your Land' still hit like soul standards, while 'Fish in My Dish' and 'Your Thing is a Drag' lean into grit and grind. The instrumentals only deepen the appreciation: pure rhythm section muscle. Recorded in Bushwick's now-legendary House of Soul, it's the record that built the Daptone soundiand lit the fuse for a soul revival that still resonates today.

Review: Big repress alert! This is the much-loved debut album from the Menahan Street Band, which is a talented collaboration of musicians including the great Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, El Michels Affair, Antibalas and the Budos Band. Led by producer Thomas Brenneck (who has worked before with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Budos Band and also Amy Winehouse), the record was recorded in the bedroom of his Menahan Street apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It is a soulful, instrumental exploration that showcases the immense talent of the group and draws on all of their diverse influences to create a unique and captivating sound that pushes the boundaries of instrumental music into sumptuous and soulful worlds.

Review: Caracoles propels Orquesta Akokan's GRAMMY-nominated mambo into the contemporary era here with sounds infused with akokan-a Cuban Yoruba term for heartfelt expression. Led by producer Jacob Plasse and pianist Michael Eckroth, the album is their third and it delves deep into mambo's rich tapestry. Collaborating with Cuban artist Kiko Ruiz, who is known for his work with Buena Vista Social Club, the album intertwines everyday Cuban narratives with Palo Mayombe spirituality that adds layers of depth. Rooted in the traditions of Benny More and Perez Prado, Caracoles revives mambo's essence as both celebration and prayer here while invoking spiritual resonance through impassioned grooves.

Review: The creation of Got A Story To Tell was a transformative journey for Thee Sacred Souls, recorded and produced at Daptone's Penrose Recorders by Gabriel Roth in Riverside, CA. Written amidst the whirlwind of their acclaimed 2022 album tour, the process tested and strengthened the band, leading to their most compelling songs yet. Founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano, and Josh Lane crafted the album, enriched by a lineup of horn players, string artists, percussionists, organists, and background vocalists. Notably, Larry Rendon from Thee Midniters, an iconic East LA band, joined on saxophone, connecting the album to soul music's rich history. Got A Story To Tell resonates with a timeless quality, blending soul influences with a contemporary edge. Tracks like the empowering 'Lucid Girl,' driven by Garcia's potent drums and Samano's resonant bass, set a vibrant tone. The album unfolds with narratives and characters, from the psychedelic allure of 'Waiting On The Right Time' to the poignant plea for empathy in 'One and the Same.'

Review: Thee Sacred Souls return with Got A Story To Tell, the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2022 self-titled debut. This new album, featuring 12 original tracks, showcases the band's growing artistry, recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Daptone's Penrose Recorders in Riverside, CA. Drawing from a deep well of soul music, Got A Story To Tell weaves a timeless yet contemporary tapestry. The album kicks off with 'Lucid Girl,' a celebration of independence set against powerful drums and bass, while 'Waiting On The Right Time' brings a hint of slow-burning psychedelia. In 'One and the Same,' vocalist Lane delivers a heartfelt plea for unity through her passionate lyrics. With lush orchestration, including strings, congas, and horns, the album is rich and textured, making each listen a rewarding experience. Got A Story To Tell marks a stunning evolution in Thee Sacred Souls' sound.

Review: Thee Sacred Souls return with their highly anticipated album Got A Story To Tell, a collection of 12 original songs full of their exquisite craftsmanship. The album, recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, captures the band's evolution through intense touring and creative growth. The lead single 'Lucid Girl' sets the stage, celebrating independent women with tough drums and bass, and a compelling narrative delivered by Josh Lane's pure tenor. Special guest Larry Rendon on saxophone adds a historic touch, linking the band's name to East LA's Thee Midniters. Tracks like 'Waiting On The Right Time' and 'One and the Same' explore themes of empathy and unity, blending slow-burning psychedelia with soul. The album's rich instrumentation, including strings, congas, and horns, creates a timeless sound that rewards repeated listens. Thee Sacred Souls have crafted an album that is both a nod to soul music's past and a statement for the present, ensuring their story continues to grow.

Review: Penrose Records returns with Vol. 2 of its coveted compilation series, featuring 14 tracks of sweet soul from SoCal's finest. This LP brings together hits from the label's top 45 releases over the past two years, including standout performances by Thee Sacred Souls, The Altons, Vicky Tafoya, and Jensine Benitez. Newcomers Johnny Ruiz & The Escapers and Junior Scaife also make a memorable impression. Each track is steeped in vintage late 60s and early 70s soul influences, but the songwriting and performances elevate them beyond mere homage. Following in the footsteps of Brooklyn's Daptone Records, Penrose and its sister label, Colemine Records, have spearheaded the modern soul revival. The music is organic and raw, recorded without sequencers or excessive effects. Highlights include Thee Sacred Souls' 'Can I Call You Rose?' and Los Yesterdays' infectious 'Nobody's Clown.' Vicky Tafoya's 'Forever' is a lovely lowrider jam that captures the essence of classic soul. Pressed on vinyl with a pure, warm sound, Vol. 2 is perfect for any soul enthusiast looking to dive into modern takes on timeless grooves.