Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.

Review: Purple Print Records Compilation 3 is a rich exploration of minimal and tech house, bringing unique textures and groovy rhythms to the forefront. Side-1 opens with He Did's 'Mientras Tanto', a fun and infectious groove. The track's deep, rolling bassline and lively percussion make it an instant mood-setter. Following is DeWaal's 'Iceshade', a bouncy, upbeat track that balances playful energy with a steady, deep tech groove. Side-2 moves further into introspective territory with Raz's 'Rora', a smooth and melodic track that drifts along effortlessly, blending subtle harmony with a deeper bassline. Yama Music's 'In My Space' rounds out the collection with a broken beat approach, delivering techy, spacious vibes that add depth and variety to the mix. Altogether, this compilation is a refined showcase of tech house cuts that'll resonate with dancefloor times.

Review: Freerange's City To City series returns with its second edition, this time spotlighting Lisbon. Known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, perhaps one of the city's best-known hotspots is the iconic Lux Fragile, which has shaped the city's sound since the late 90s. Longtime resident DJs from Lisbon are now gaining global traction; to butterfly-net the essence of the coastal metropolis, this new mix LP hears six original tracks from local talents, chief among whom are Megatronic, progressor and ambassador for the city, and Yen Sung & Photonz, two names closely tied to the circuit's deeper-underground corners.A

Review: Originally released in 1977, 'Deliver Me From My Enemies' is one of those roots reggae tunes that became something of a cornerstone of the gene from the visionary Vivian "Yabby You" Jackson. It is the title track of his third album and was recorded at Channel One Studio with mixing by the great King Tubby so was as real and authentic as it gets. It is a short and sweet sound that mixes up spiritual vocals with haunting production marked by Yabby You's signature mystical sound of minor-key melodies, deep bass and evocative horns. drumming. Backed by top session musicians, it reflects Jackson's deep Rastafarian beliefs and critiques of social injustice and marked a crucial release in the evolution of conscious reggae.

Review: One Eye Witness rounds up another four acts for their periodic V/A series, spewing forth four breaks-driven whooshers crossing into progressive techno territory. The Hague duo Young Adults nod to a 1997 Loveparade anthem with 'It's Only Temporary', while breaks and kick implants converge on Christopher Ledger's 'Change That', a track which sounds like the starting firings of an interplanetary expedition pod after years of disuse. Joely brings cosmic chug on the cocooning B1 'Transitional', while the Samesame closer 'Novel End' is just that, traversing a noxious atmosphere with a flexoskeletal electro beat.

Review: Disco and house deviant YSE Saint Laur'Ant is back with a dive into groove-laden sounds that have long been his signature, all while blending genres with real finesse. Side-A begins with a gospel-tinged track featuring ESG-style rhythms, raw beats and an addictive bassline. It is followed by 'Special,' where airy vocals over a laid-back groove create a dreamy atmosphere then flip it over and New York Boys delivers a spaced-out pulse with urban grit. The finale, 'Gone Fighting' is a midtempo closer that shines with its infectious Slavic sample wrapping up this EP with a reflective, groovy vibe.

Review: A genre-defying exploration of industrial, noise and breakbeat influences. With a strong vocal presence and a deep understanding of break-based rhythms, YSSUE creates a unique sonic landscape that challenges conventions. Side-1 opens with 'Count 7/8', blending acoustic and synthetic sounds in a way that feels both experimental and grounded. The track's rhythmic complexity and textural depth set the tone for the rest of the album. 'Wherever' follows, merging jungle breakbeats with industrial intensity, while maintaining a catchy, accessible edge that will appeal to fans of both genres. The title track, 'Human Nature', stands out with its gritty, downtempo atmosphere. Reminiscent of Massive Attack's Mezzanine, the track's production is dark and atmospheric, layering dub elements with a subtle, edgy intensity that captures the essence of the human condition. Side-2 opens with 'No Cops In Paradise', where dub meets breakcore in a clash of electronics, creating a chaotic yet controlled rhythm. 'Hefty Dub' closes the album with a tribute to dub, offering a deep, immersive groove that wraps up the journey with a satisfying, bass-heavy finish. Human Nature is a bold, boundary-pushing record that successfully fuses disparate influences into something entirely fresh.

Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.

Review: Pierre-Alexandre Busson, a producer known for his multifaceted talents in both music and photography, steps further into his Destiino alias with a darkly ambient collection that stretches across downbeat house, industrial electronica and melancholic disco. Having made his name in the world of French electro, Busson's transition to Destiino was marked by an exploration of improvised compositions following his participation in a sound installation at the 57th Venice Biennale in 2017. This shift from his previous styles allowed him to dive deeper into moody, atmospheric landscapes. The current project, released under CHLOE's Lumiere Noire imprint, comes as a continuation of this artistic exploration, breaking from the dancefloor-driven energy of his past work to embrace a more introspective and expansive approach. Opening with 'Yokohama,' Busson sets a pensive tone, layering soft synths over a minimalist beat. 'My Crush' follows with a reflective yet upbeat mood, while 'Somlake' (feat. Inigo Vontier) weaves light, meditative textures. 'Transe Has No Speed' dives into dense atmospherics and 'Imagery' introduces a rhythmic, bodily groove. The second side offers 'Musique Electronique Repetitive,' using looping motifs to create a trance effect, while 'La Houle' brings fluidity and 'Morning Routine' soothes with its gentle vibe. 'Pulsar' (feat. Inigo Vontier) pulses with cosmic rhythms, and 'No Pain' closes with a melancholy, reflective note.

Review: Stepping into the world of Hiroshi Yoshimura is like entering a tranquil garden, where every sound is a carefully cultivated element of the landscape. His music, originating in the 1980s, blurs the lines between ambient soundscapes and composed pieces, creating an immersive experience that evokes the serenity of the natural world. 'Over The Clover' whispers with the gentle rustling of leaves, while 'Flora' blossoms with delicate melodies. Yoshimura captures the essence of specific natural elements, from the unfurling of a morning glory in 'Asagao' to the subtle shifts in air pressure in 'Wind Echo'. He even finds music in the unexpected, as 'Maple Syrup Factory' introduces a surprising sweetness to the sonic landscape. But Yoshimura's work is not simply about recreating the sounds of nature. The Japanese musician and composer encourages a deeper listening experience, where subtle details and intricate textures emerge with each listen, definitely music that rewards close attention.

Review: Hiroshi Yoshimura is having a moment. Originally released in the 1980s, this collection of environmental music from the Japanese musician and composer offers a tranquil listening experience, Yoshimura painting sonic landscapes that evoke the subtle beauty of the natural world. 'Over The Clover' unfolds with the gentle sway of leaves, while 'Flora' captures the delicate essence of blossoming flowers. Each track is a miniature portrait of nature's intricacies, from the unfurling of morning glories in 'Asagao' to the whispering breeze of 'Wind Echo'. 'Maple Syrup Factory' adds a touch of unexpected sweetness, a subtle shift in the otherwise serene palette. But this is more than just pretty soundscapes. Yoshimura's music invites active listening, revealing intricate details that might be missed on a casual listen. It's music that rewards close attention while simultaneously blending into the background of everyday life.

Review: Much to nerdy Japanese electronic lovers' delight, Temporal Drift reissued Hiroshi Yoshimura's Surround last year, and now carry on focussing on his work with the first-ever reissue of Flora, an overlooked gem in ambient music. Recorded in 1987 but unreleased until 2006, which was three years after Yoshimura's sad passing, Flora carries on in style where his acclaimed works Green and Surround left off. It's another sublime record that highlights Yoshimura's ability to explore the interplay between sound and ambience. He was a diverse talent who also created an album for museum playback, and composed a soundtrack for a contemporary fashion show.

Review: Famously self-taught musician Adrian Younge is at the forefront of modern soul music after starting as a hip-hop producer in 1998. He expanded his skills by learning multiple instruments and took inspiration from classic soul and Italian soundtracks before he self-released his debut album Venice Dawn, a moody, synth-heavy album blending Ennio Morricone's style with contemporary flair. His Something About April album followed years later and is a modern classic that merges psychedelic soul, cinematic instrumentals and hip-hop aesthetics while taking cues from greats of the genre like Wu-Tang Clan.

Review: 'Linear Labs: Sao Paulo' on vinyl offers a deep dive into Adrian Younge's masterful blend of analog textures and global influences. Featuring unreleased gems from projects like 'Something About April III' and Snoop Dogg's 'Don't Cry for the Devil', this LP brings together a rich array of soundsifrom Brazilian samba with Samantha Schmutz to ALA.NI's Parisian jazz and Bilal's soul-infused tracks. The album resonates with Younge's signature analog warmth and forward-thinking production. Pressed on vinyl, this release is an essential piece for collectors and fans of psychedelic soul and genre-defying music.

Review: Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad share the 21st volume in the 'Jazz Is Dead' series, the LA-based "love story" founded by the pair in the fallout of the latter's involvement in A Tribe Called Quest. Jazz Is Dead is a longstanding series committed to unearthing and re-sharing the jazz artists who, after initial releases, found continual success in the continua of hip-hop and pop, especially by way of being sampled by other artists. That said, all the artists featured share new contributions to the series, rather than reissued goldies. A new eight-track record, this is yet another LP, one that multiplicitously celebrates and continues the legacies of the greats: chief among them this time is Ghanaian highlife and afrobeat pioneer Ebo Taylor - whom at 88 years old contributes the jolly synth-sonic rivulet 'Obi Do Woa', a sagacious modernising of his originally 70s and 80s psycho-beat sound - and Antonio Carlos e Jocafi, who updates, in the label's own words, "some of the sweetest samba-soul of the 1970s by way of Salvador, Bahia," Brazil. An all-out arsenal of differential Afrobeats (among other kinds of beat), packaged and presented for the modern listener gripped by an insatiable curiosity for the past.