Back in stock: Funk

Review: Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers come together for this most personal gospel funk album which was inspired by the birth of Frique's daughter, Jesamy. It finds the Amsterdam-based multi-instrumentalist mixing up organic funk with obscure synths, bubbly basslines that are always on the move with swirling guitars that add the colour and all make for an unusual and interesting mix of P-funk and gospel-disco. There are plenty of universal messages throughout which all emphasise the need for unconditional love while legendary vocalists like Dennis Bovell, Muriel Blijd, Mariseya, Brandon Delagraentiss and Rocq-E Harrell contribute to the powerful sound. Delagraentiss's choir, The Gospel Experience, also do their bit by adding big, rich, heartfelt vocals. It's quite the listen.

Review: Mysterious edits pushers Discotecas worship a mysterious figure known as 'Gwen', the artist supposedly responsible for making these EPs. Their second instalment here comes in the form of a laid-back, electro-balearic affair replete with several layers of bass guitar, lolling synth and acoustic-mimicking percs. A remix of Sade's 'Paradise' leads the charge, centring her harmonious vocals at the core of the mix, while two further unknown re-edits cement the overall nine minute disco vibe.

Review: Mr Bongo reissues a classic record here from an iconic musical maverick. From her roots in India, to becoming a world famous artist with a celebrated career in music and acting, Asha Puthli forged a career path through '60s psych, free jazz, pop, rock, disco, and more. Her 1976 album The Devil Is Loose is maybe the most well known record, featuring the classic 'Space Talk' which was championed by many DJs, most famously the late David Mancuso at The Loft, in addition to being sampled The Notorious B.I.G., P Diddy and The Pharcyde. In later years, Puhtli went on to collaborate with the likes of Bill Laswell, DJ Spooky and Talvin Singh.

Review: Wilfully skeletal, kitsch 80s disco-funk from the Rah Band, whose humble origins in England's County Durham proved no stumbling block for the successes that would follow, not least the classic 70s glam/disco oddity 'The Knack', complete with balaclava-clad Top of the Pops appearance . The assembling, productive hands of one Richard A. Hewson, and the syringeal sweetnesses of then-wife Liz Hewson, is what made 'Messages From The Stars' so great. This track emerged as a modest club hit - it was TikTok that ensured its longevity many years later, as well as support from the likes of Horse Meat Disco - and could be described an inchoate form of "bedroom" pop. Though it was made simply in Hewson's home studio on a simple Roland SH5, the efficacy with which Liz's nearly-half-hearted voice is super-effective: vocal elements play back through echoic highpass filters (and cut-up echoes on the B's 'Astro Mix'), while clever whistle melodies and sudden gated snares help embed the overall theme of astral sexuality.

Review: Rahaan returns with another scorching collection of disco edits, guaranteed to ignite dancefloors and satisfy even the most discerning disco devotees, featuring four blazing cuts, each one expertly crafted to maximize dancefloor impact. 'Repo Lady' kicks things off with an irresistible groove, its infectious energy and soulful vocals setting the tone for a joyous ride. 'Bodywork' keeps the energy high, its pulsating rhythms and funky bassline urging listeners to move their feet. On the flip, 'Woman Of The Party' delivers a dose of feel-good vibes, its uplifting melodies and soulful vocals creating a euphoric atmosphere. 'Go Dancin'' closes out the EP with a bang, its infectious groove and irresistible energy ensuring that the party continues well into the night. This limited-edition release is a must-have for any serious collector or DJ, a testament to Rahaan's mastery of the disco edit.

Review: Pam Todd & The Love Exchange's 'Let's Get Together' dropped in the golden disco era of the late 70s and is one of our all-time top jams. The percussive breakdown at the mid-section is magic, and it all oozes funk, as well as having a proper singalong vocal up top. Mr K maintains the care of the original while tweaking the drums for modern floors across three subtly different mixes here on the Shrylden label. We found this one in the warehouse, so don't sleep, cause it won't be around long.