Back catalogue: All genres

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Berlin's Cocktail d'Amore and Tokyo's Ene Records have come together once again to present the music of Solidair. The duo of Cocktail alumni Luigi Di Venere and Jules Etienne present three tracks aimed to induce a dance floor hypnosis. Orgonite (Riding the Waves) does just that, a slow build awash in the ebb and flow of acid tinges, just enough to wet your whistle on a Saturday night. The original mix keeps the skeletal support but throws in a life preserver of 8 bit gaming synthesis. Frisky arps call and respond to each other before making way for sinewy pads to lift off. Tiger's Eye sets itself onto cruising speed incorporating elements of late 90's acid techno with the sleek and smooth clubbing aesthetics of modern day Berlin.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight dent on the run in grove of the record, box damaged, product in perfect working order***


Selections mark the milestone of making it to a 10th release with Mate Records founder and Madrid mainstay Rafa Santos serving up his unique deep house sounds. Santos has been around a while now, with EPs dating back over a decade on the likes of Greta Plan but mostly on his own label since 2019. He brings elements of funk and soul to his house and it is well-versed in the traditional sounds of New York and Chicago. Never overproduced and with just the right amount of raw, all four of these pair competing drum programming with emotive synth work that both soothes you and moves you on the dance floor.

Review: On his new single 'Pacifico Waves', Joel Sarakula takes the scenic route down a pacific coastline, searching for peace, enlightenment and the perfect sunset. Travelling and searching is nothing new to Sarakula: it's almost his default way of being. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia before swapping oceans to live in the UK and more recently onwards to Gran Canaria: "I've been busy making my islands smaller" he jokes. But the music on 'Pacifico Waves' sounds like none of these places: with its easy drum shuffle, soulful guitar hooks and smooth vocal harmonies it distinctly evokes Southern California. It's such a potent portrait of the West Coast that if not for the contemporary lyrics and some modern production techniques, it could be a long lost hit from an early 80s LA studio band.

Review: Say She She are emergent stars of the NYC scene, pooling considerable talents from various parts of the world into a brew which feels wholly appropriate for the Big Apple. Upholding the open-hearted values of the downtown scene, they turn their hand to dexterous disco-not-disco get-down on ‘Reeling’ without ever sounding referential. Meanwhile on the flip they sink down into a more sultry mood, riding dusty, delicate drums and radiant Rhodes as a vehicle for some unreal vocal harmonies and a sound so cosy you could wrap it around you to stave off the winter.

Review: Say She She is the psychedelic soul group from Brooklyn that's exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and the pleasure of touring Europe and North America, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Authentic and organic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 attempt at foraying into disco 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' wasn't received amazingly at the time, but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is zany and expressive against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This 7" contains both Spencer's original track and the interpretation by the trio, pressed on white vinyl.

Review: Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul group Say She She have exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and multiple TV performances, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Organic and authentic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 track 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' didn't get much attention at the time - his attempt at doing disco wasn't well received - but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is expressive and powerful against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This single has both Say She She's cover - as well as the original - on a 7" disc.

Review: On his debut 45, Junior Scaife shows us he's a vocal heavyweight, whose prowess on the mic is tantamount to the pen. Backed by house band The Penrose Scholars and co-written by producer Anthony Masino, 'When My Heart Breaks' is a bouncy stepper with feel-good vibes and groove in equal measure, serving up a Brenton Wood-esque blast of sunshine and soul. On the flip is 'Moment To Moment', a gorgeous, bluesy ballad with a vocal performance that transcends the trappings of lesser tunes, giving it a depth and seriousness that takes you by the heart and mind to a place where longing and love reign supreme.

Review: Two of Finnish label Timmons regulars in their house band Cold Diamond & Mink and heart-melting vocalist Emilia Sisco come together once more here following previous successes such as 2019's vital 7", 'Don't Believe You Like That'. The gorgeous 'Trouble' has wah-wah pedals and slow-turning rhythms imbued with lush soul from Sisco under laissez-faire horns. 'It'll Get Better' is more intimate with organ chords shimmering over a sentimental groove. These are two timeless jams that could be forgotten 60s classics as much as great new cuts.

Review: The JalapeNo label sure does like it hot and this one is no different. It sees the return of label regulars Skeewiff for a new series of outings that take the form of reworked covers of some of their favourite library tracks, inspired by greats of the genre such as Keith Mansfield, Brian Bennett, and Alan Hawkshaw. First up is 'Exclusive Blend,' a rather classic instrumental composition by Mansfield. 'Spanish Flea' is on the flip and is a version of a very famous work by Herb Alpert and his Tijuana Brass Band. It's a funky take with lots of percussive energy and big strings.

Review: The Sorcerers have been a mainstay of the ATA Records imprint since it was founded in their home city of Leeds back in 2015. Here, the Yorkshire combo, whose primary influences have always been Ethopian "Ethio-jazz" and obscure European horror soundtracks, return to action with a heavyweight dancefloor workout. In truth "In Search of Sha Hulud" is a far more funk-fuelled affair than you might expect, with exoitic Middle Eastern melodies and fluttering flute solos rising above killer drum breaks and a seriously heavy bassline. Turn to the flipside for "The Anderson Spectrum", a pitched-down, 1960s style library funk jam credited to The Yorkshire Film and Television Orchestra, which appears to be another project helmed by leading members of the Sorcerers.

Review: The second analog release from the Japanese hip-hop label Warufuzake, 'Coffee' hears the amusingly-named Soy Ayers helm up production and rap duties for a new release on 7" wax. The track is a playful b-boy-breaksy hip-hop cut that regales the story of men seducing the objects of their affections with euphemistic 'coffee'. Exquisitely illustrated and obi-stripped, we can't wait to hear more from this new venture and wisecracking moniker.

Review: Spice does everything from buttery sweet soul to disco that makes you want to move. They are a firm favourite with those cultured crate diggers and their Let There Be Spice album is about as good as it gets. This fresh 7" from P-Vine features two of the standout tracks. First up is 'The Last Time' with some expertly penned choruses and a vocal turn that will have your mouth open in awe. Flip it over and the quality does not drop - "I'm So Glad To Say' is a high watermark for modern soul with staccato guitars over a persuasive bassline and gentle drums to make for a perfect captivating and mellow groove. A real must-own 45rpm.

Review: Colemine Records has devoted itself to releasing top notch soul music for close to 20 years now. Those who follow the label closely trust the purveyor of the label (Terry Cole) enough to blindly pick up each and almost every release. The label's knack for finding and sharing some of the best versions of soul music is clearly evident from the latest by a group called The Splendids. Originally recorded in 1961, these two songs were destined to launch this talented ensemble. Two things' happened in 1962 though. Beatles music made Doo-Wop almost irrelevant overnight. In addition, members of the group got called into Vietnam. 63 years later after originally forming, the surviving three of the five members recording once again. The result is phenomenal and makes us feel like we are back in the 1950s. Only 500 copies in total have been pressed.

Review: Spring has sprung and Statues bring some positive vibrations to IIB. Clear skies is a shimmering Alan Parsonsesque cosmic groove beaming out into the atmosphere Coyote soften the OG into a fading twilight reflection. The Vendetta suite create a mesmeric ambient gem The Creek continues the kaleidoscopic feel with a soothing dreamlike trip towards a lovely vocal finish. Nothing but clear skies all round.

Review: Luv Shack is a little old place where good-time disco sounds never stop flowing. The Disco Biscuits series from the label is now up to the third volume and it's as crucial as the first two. Lee Stevens gets it going with 'Theme For Disco Biscuits' which is a contemporary take on a classic Italo stomper. Endrik Schroder's 'Infinity' is a glossy synth-heavy disco made with 80s hi-energy in mind. 'One Of A Kind' on the flip then slows down with a warm house chug and Golden Boogie Connection keeps it horizontal with 'Dull Grey', topped off with some nice acid.

Review: Based out of Brooklyn, New York, The Still Brothers is a group made up of two childhood friends, Andrew LeCoche of Ula Ruth and Evan Heinze from The Shacks. They started their musical adventure way back in the 6th grade. In the decade since they have managed to record and tour with their own respective groups, as well as work on their own distinctive brand of indie together. Here they tap up Sloshy for a feature on a new 7" that comes via Lewis. 'It's Not Over' is a dreamy cut lush vocal harmonies and lo-fi drums making for a beautifully melancholic sound. 'Crazy' has slightly more primate drum breaks and the Shoshy is just as smooth.

Review: VP have got some special and long-lost roots reggae classics here on 45rpm for the first timer in forever. The A-side here first dropped in 1979 and was recorded at Channel One, mixed at King Tubby's and produced by Prince Jammy not one before he went digital - something of a holy trinity of top-class reggae quality. The original is full of proper good and authentic dub flavour with fat bass and smoky atmospheres. Prince Jammy's own superb dub cut features on the flipside which is full of his usual mixing desk magic.

Review: Top Sounds digs into the garage rock archives and has turned out some real treasure. The Syn were a short-lived but now cult outfit that, in 1967, released just two 45 rpms for the Deram label. Ever since then, fans of them and 60s rock alike, have fawned over them and collectors have paid high prices to own them. Now they can for a much more reasonable fee with this reissued 7" featuring the jaunty melodies and vocal harmonies of 'Created By Clive' and faster, harder more psyched out 'I'm Following You.'

Review: The world is full of heart-rendering electronic pop. So much so, you sometimes have to ask yourself if we can handle - or indeed actually need - any more. Rendered almost-immune to the emotionally barrage that seems to haunt our airwaves, playlists, and Made In Chelsea episodes, anyone who still has feelings in 2023 is doing well by all accounts.
Then along come Synthia, billed by the Big Crown label as a 'supergroup', comprising production don Leon 'El Michels Affair' Michels, and vocalist Claire Cottrill, AKA Clairo. Debate over what constitutes a 'group' aside, So Low, a startling double-A is enough to make you forget everything we just talked about, throw away the idea of overkill, and dive right in. As if born to score something cool, reflective, thought-proving and devastatingly romantic, fans of Electric Youth, Cocteau Twins and Almagris should be here already.

Review: Miles Away Records are proud to introduce their latest single to land on the label: the cosmic soul gem 'Super Star' by Ruth Waters and the State Of Mind Show Band. Ruth 'Silky' Waters was best known for her two disco-infused albums Never Gonna Be The Same and Out In The Open, produced by the late, great John Davis. 'Super Star', however, was released on the tiny independent KMBA Recordings label in the late 1970s, and draws on the twin wells of modern soul and gospel, lending both a touch of cosmic goodness. On the flip, there's 'Super Star Pt.2', which plunges deeper into the cosmic essence of the track by way of both extended guitar and synth solos; both tracks are stupendios in their own rights, making this a hotly versatile release for a far-and-wide DJ demographic.