Back catalogue:

Review: The third volume of the Incense Music compilation series, Incense Music For Dining Room, curated by Toru Hashimoto (Suburbia), comes new iterated on a split 7". Carrying over its themes of fragrance and music, 'Flamenco Sketches', named and remixed after Miles Davis' classic jazz bit, brings an exquisite reed diffusion of live-feel beats and scooped-out bliss-sound. With cover art by Jiro Fujita (FJD) and mastering by Calm, a key figure in the Japanese jazz, chill-out, and Balearic scenes, the record promises serenity: DJ Mitsu the Beats ensures a quietly contented DJ's touch. Side B offers another lo-fi cover of 'Flamenco Sketches' by Nobuyuki Nakajima, lowering the pace to an unassuming, dozy, guitar-blessed tread.

Review: With an irresistible blend of broken beat and nu-jazz grooves, 'Chameleon' is a enjoyable smooth jazz gem driven by funky basslines, strings, lively percussive and catchy keys. The arrangement flows effortlessly, creating a sound both sophisticated and danceableia perfect balance of complexity and accessibility. Flipping to the B-side, 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' takes a more laid-back approach. Led by a warm, soulful organ, the track exudes chill vibes with its subtle funk underpinnings and jazzy finesse. The addition of a vocoder adds a playful, retro-futuristic charm, rounding out a composition that's as soothing as it is engaging.

Review: Japanese jazz, funk and rare groove sensations Nautilus share their latest cover version, this time of Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love'. This version stars Toshiyuki Saki on guest drums and vocalist Ruto Kasahara on vocals, bringing a digressional arc to Nautilus' usual sound. On the flip comes another rerub, this time of Nautilus' own 'Love Theme From Spartacus', from their latest album, remixed by producer Kenichiro Nishihara, which incorporates a light-hearted and feathery jazz-hop verve.

Review: New-gen rare groove band Nautilus, operating out of Japan, deliver their latest 7" record, 'Life'. Just two crisp, piquant, fresh, and bubbly uncorkings in sound - 'Life', featuring vocalist Emi Tawata, and the instrumental 'Master Blaster'- are here heard sprayed like buckshot across the stereo system. The former is a candid admission by Tawata of her fear of the dark and ghosts, one which compels the listener to ponder the song's spiritual metaphor - "I'd rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news" being the lyric of note - while the latter is a comparatively muted four-to-the-floor funk inflammation, held together by a phat but tricksy drum line and overgirding Rhodes.

Review: Hey everybody, here's... Nautilus! This prolific contemporary jazz trio are at the top of their game. Regular contributors to their patrons Urban Discos and Oonops Drops, their repertoire extends to everything from full-length EPs' and albums' worths of original material to one-off guilty pleasure covers. This new rendition of Oasis' 'Wonderwall' definitely falls into the latter category. This slick new version abounds in gut-grasping major chords and spine-tingling drum brush caresses, and features passionately candid yet no less elegant vocals by Ray Yamaoda. On the B comes the comparatively funky knockout and jazz original, 'Through The Night'.

Review: Broken beat legends Nautilus return with a futuristic teaser for their upcoming 2026 studio album, and on this evidence, it's going to be superb. The first single reimagines a legendary anime soundtrack with their signature groove and features Japanese singer and sanshin virtuoso Anna Sato, whose vocals elevate the track to a new dimension. The release is completed by Berlin-based DJ and producer Delfonic, a well-known disco and house don and label head, renowned for his deep club remixes and praised by Gilles Peterson. Delfonic adds a magical touch with heavy beats that come with plenty of lavish synth work.

Review: 'Incense Music for Dining Room' is the third release in the acclaimed Incense Music compilation series curated by Toru Hashimoto, with artwork by Jiro Fujita and mastering by Calm, who is one of Japan's leading figures in jazz, chill-out and Balearic music. The 7" comes with two standout tracks: side-A features a beautiful reinterpretation of Yusef Lateef's 'Love Theme From Spartacus,' famously sampled by Nujabes on 'The Final View,' while Side-AA delivers a mellow, jazzy take on Joe Thomas' 'Coco' which also known as the basis for Buddha Brand's 'Buddha's Holiday.' It makes for a refined blend of nostalgia, jazz and chillout for discerning diggers.

Review: The third volume in the Insense Music compilation series, Insense Music for Dining Room, deepens its exploration of ambient, jazz, chill-out and Balearic sounds, all of which are perfect for serene dining moments. Curated by Tohru Hashimoto with artwork by Jiro Fujita and mastering by Calm, who a key figure in Japan's music scene as well as a renowned Balearic boss, this 7" release shines from the off: side A features Yakenohara's subtle, exclusive take on Bill Evans's 'Peace Piece' which blends his genre-fluid skills as rapper, DJ and producer. Side B offers Noa Noa's warm tribute to Bobby Hutcherson's 'Montara,' a hip-hop sampling favourite. The release precedes a full compilation dropping this May.

Review: For sensitivity and naturalism in experimental music, Gosha Martynov & Natasha Sinyakova seize the crown with their new album Imena Rek. On their first foray into the physical, the duo expand the spectral ambience and medicated breaks of their earlier work with lithe touches of organic jazz and Cafe Del Mar cool, creating a complex assemblage of dreamy downbeat and emotive electronica that's entirely easy on the ears. The record is an ever-evolving, life-giving slough; we wade through many restorative swamps, each bearing its own sonic, ecosystemic character. The fen's mouth stretches open wide on 'Pozhaluysta', tempting the listener with an open-skied siren song set to skittish drum pats, while things grow hazier from 'Osvobodi Menia' and thereafter; the trip-hop influence is almost entirely naturalised, shedding the genre's usual rough-edged clicks and pops for a preferential sawn-off, willowy sound, that retains its smoothness even in moments of irresolution and tension, as on 'Rany'. And the slow mangrove whirl 'Iskra' really flaunts the pair's talents, with beautifully played pan flutes, and resonant silicate rustles, convoking a new hallowed ground; we wind up mentally clutching at damp mosses, imagining ourselves laid arrest in a sodden but warm bayou, as we're serenaded by two Armenian-American master musicians.

Review: Nautilus are one of the most prominent outfits out right now to embody the rare groove scene. Here the three-piece demonstrate their lesser-spotted musical spectacularity with a sun-soaked, serotonin-packed new record. A perfect introduction to the band's craft, which spans both covers and originals, we've first Oasis with a version of 'Wonderwall', followed by honourable takes on Thelonious Monk and Yusef Lateef, and then the Nautilus originals 'Overflowing' and 'Cosmic Maze'. All tracks feature the spangling voices of Emi Tawata and Rayamada, each of whom compliment the keyed, vocoder-steeped, and abundant playing of Toshiyuki Sasaki, Shigeki Umezawa and Daisuke Takeuchi.

Review: Japanese jazz-funk trio Nautilus's Sunrise is a vibrant album packed with their signature blend of tight grooves, lush melodies and soulful synths. Drawing inspiration from classic 70s jazz-funk while infusing modern sensibilities, this record delivers a signature dynamic sound that's both nostalgic and fresh. Intricate instrumentation defines it with leader Toshiyuki Sasaki's precise drumming, Shunsuke Umino's fluid basslines and Daisuke Takeuchi's expressive keys driving each track. Highlights include shimmering originals and inventive reinterpretations that once again cement Nautilus as a cornerstone of contemporary jazz-funk innovation.

Review: Tokyo-based jazz fusion trio Nautilus have presented their brand new album, Pacific Voyage in various formats and the is s a nice yellow wax version. It's a breezy summertime soundtrack that blends sunny Yacht Rock with a hint of cool 80s City Pop as the trio reinterprets classic hits from this era and add fresh spins to songs like Bobby Caldwell's 'What You Won't Do For Love' and Toto's 'Georgy Porgy.' The album also features tracks from artists like Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Shuggie Otis, Nohelani Cypriano, and Toshiki Kadomatsu, all given the special Nautilus treatment. Guest appearances include UK soul singer John Turrell, German rap legend Toni-L, and Japanese soul artist Ryuto Kasahara.

Review: After years spent working alongside a talented pool of jazz musicians as the Neue Grafik Ensemble, Fred N'Thepe has decided to go solo for the first time this decade. Dalston Tapes Vol 1 is, according to Rhythm Section International, a conscious attempt by the artists to return to his beat-making roots. It's an album, then, rooted in hip-hop mixtape culture, where vocal numbers featuring guest MCs sit side by side with rap-free "beats" - lusciously and impeccably crafted instrumentals in which warming bass guitar lines, deep electronic sub-bass, sparkling electronic motifs and choice samples cluster around loosely swung, MPC-driven beat patterns. It's a great collection all told, with nods towards club-ready broken beat and deep house sitting side by side with Dilla-esque workouts and references towards London's vibrant hip-hop and grime underground.

Review: This is the first pressing of Nickodemus' classic Sun People on translucent yellow vinyl and it comes from Wonderwheel. Originally released in 2009 by Thievery Corporation's Eighteenth Street Lounge label, the album features tracks inspired by Nickodemus' global travels and the people he met on the way. Known for his NYC summer soundtrack with Turntables On The Hudson and 20 years of worldwide tours, Nickodemus crafted songs for sun lovers and optimists here and as such listening toit leaves ou with a warming glow. Collaborators from Guinea, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Romania, India, Turkey, the UK and NYC contribute to this vibrant album and make it a truly cultural affair with hits like 'N'dini,' 'Sun Children,' and 'The Love Feeling' all sounding great.

Review: A welcome reissue of Nightmares On Wax's now classic Late Night Tales curators' mix comp. First released in 2003, this new LP edition is naturally the unmixed version and demonstrates the timeless bleep-era dance selector's funkiest and hippest influences, all of which demonstrate that this is an artist whose love for music extends far beyond the popular; the likes of Cortex, Quincy Jones, Search, Dusty Springfield, Large Professor, and even Brian Blessed prove this to be a diggers' delight that goes well beyond your average postie's job-lot. Ending on two original numbers, too - 'Brothers On The Slide (Dub)' and 'The White City (Part 1)' - you can be sure that George Evelyn's talents don't extend just to the decks either, bringing an original organic hip-hop and electronic funk source to an otherwise madly layered set of sonic flavours.

Review: Japanese jazzist Kenichiro Nishihara drew much acclaim for his second LP Humming Jazz in 2008, which came a full five years after his debut in 2003, and heralded a stabler career thereafter. With its harmonious, benignant piano melodies and oblique drum palette - which hears the artist secure both live bossa nova performances and original hip house beats - Nishihara knew the inherent entertainment value in tender modal jazz, and sought to enmesh sophistication with pop breeziness. 'Rain Falls' is an especially round-bodied track, with glycemic vocal flavours from Kissey Asplund and richly EQ-ed drums, setting a soulful precedent for two key hip-hop gems to come: 'From Time To Time' and 'Consider My Love', featuring rappers Gregg Green and Pismo. 'Step Out' signals the record's close with bopping triplet gaiety.

Review: Now available in long-awaited LP form, Kenichiro Nishihara's second LP Life is issued via Urban Discos. Aiming to capture the essence of life in 12 tracks, the record, originally released in January 2010, fuses the blissed-out, piano-drenched Tokyo hip-hop sound with an advanced jazztronica palette and deals in themes of blessings, personal philosophy and stoical musings on everyday hardship but ultimate satisfaction. The rap features from Substantial, Steph Pockets, Amanda Diva, Pismo, Nina Vidal, Kissey Asplund and Gregg Green occur alternately between solo instrumentals from Nishihara himself; all tracks in the first category almost all deal in themes of flourishing and authenticity in day-to-day life, while those in the latter box serve as felicitous personal soundtracks for those cathartic revelations that can only arise through experience and dialogue.

Review: Chicago-based composer and underground mainstay Rob Mazurek has teamed up with modular synth expert and light artist Alberto Novello for this new collaboration on Hive Mind. The music was recorded in a single afternoon at Dobialab, an experimental artist space in Northern Italy where they cooked up an immersive, improvised journey into uncharted musical dimensions. Across all the coherent pieces, Novello provides a rhythmic and timbral foundation while Mazurek weaves delicate trumpet harmonies, bells and samples to build an atmospheric soundscape. The results veer from new age to psychedelic and are truly mesmerising, like an intense space ritual that explores new realms.