New releases last two weeks: All genres

Review: With his third EP and second for this label, Seattle-based South American Martin Selasco's project continues to carve out a distinct space in the Balearic downtempo universe, radiating a sun-baked, cross-cultural charm that is worldly and intimate. Side-A opens with 'La Pantera', a smoky instrumental driven by a dubby pulse and layered Latin percussion, the track's hazy atmosphere and subtle melodic touches hinting at everything from tropical lounge to low-slung sound system culture. 'Descalzo' is more of a downtempo cumbia laced gem with light funk and breezy French-Island textures. The rhythm sways with a casual elegance, evoking barefoot dances at golden hour and lazy days under a beachside canopy. Effortlessly blending influences, this EP feels like a postcard from an imagined coastline that somewhere between Colombia, Guadeloupe and the Balearics.

Review: Back in 2018, artist Omar "El Oms" Juarez introduced the world to Marie and Necalli, then known as Thee Lakesiders. Sensing something special, he linked them with Big Crown's Leon Michels and The Shacks and together, they recorded 'Parachute,' a soulful gem that became a cult classic and sparked a new wave of modern soul. The original 7" sold nearly 10,000 copies and its music video racked up over 15 million views. To celebrate its seven-year anniversary, the label has now assembled this special edition of 'Parachute' and its instrumental version on transparent green vinyl, complete with El Oms' artwork and guaranteed no represses. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Review: Some cynics say there's no romance *without* finance, but the one hit wondrous German funk and soulers Thirty Two Soul Band begged to differ. A formerly unreleased lowrider soul beauty from 1975, 'Finance Or Romance' was shelved for nearly half a century, but now it finally steps out of the vault and chooses love. Woozy horns collide with a plaintive groove that could've easily lit up any Eastside cruise: "what's it gonna be, what's it gonna be?". On the flip, 'Body Wave' also resurfaces for the first time since its scarce 7" run, a sultry midtempo cut, dusty fidelity intact.

Review: Legendary London label and record shop Rough Trade is celebrating its formative years from 1978 to 1993 the only way it knows how - with music. Founded in 1977, Rough Trade has consistently championed innovative artists from Metal Urbain to its current roster including Amyl and The Sniffers, Pulp and Jockstrap, always capturing the DIY spirit and musical daring that have defined its legacy for over 45 years. This limited-edition 7" singles boxset was curated by co-MDs Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis and feature some of their favourite singles from the label's early days, from reggae king Augustus Pablo - who launched the label - to Subway Sect, Stiff Little Fingers and on to Cabaret Voltaire. The collection is accompanied by new sleeve notes for added context and offers a personal reflection rather than a standard back-catalogue overview by highlighting hits, hidden gems and overlooked classics.

Review: A reflective step sideways from the ever-restless Paul Weller, this new release finds the modfather reinterpreting the music that shaped him with measured reverence. Not just a covers project, but a kind of internal cartography-charting influences that feel intimate and formative. The standout 'Lawdy Rolla' is loose and lived-in, a bluesy drawl that lands somewhere between campfire spiritual and basement jam. On the flip, 'Pinball' is rendered with fragile grace, stripped of Pete Townshend's original angst and reimagined as something more quietly resigned. With guests including Noel Gallagher, Robert Plant and Seckou Keita, it's a record driven less by ego than memory. Produced with warmth by Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Cradock, it's an understated, deeply felt offering from an artist still unafraid to look inward.

Review: The 'SAR' EP celebrates the early brilliance of the American Womack family, originally performing as the Womack Brothers before evolving into The Valentinos. This well curated collection showcases four lesser known gems that trace a certain aspect of soul's evolution from the gospel depth of 'Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray' to the raw r&b of 'Don't Go Away' and 'Rock In The Cradle Of Love,' while the stunning group soul of 'Put Me Down Easy' is another doozy. Most tracks make their vinyl debut here, with 'Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray' previously only appearing on a rare SAR pressing. It forms a vital tribute to soul's origins.