Lovemonk Spain Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Back in November 2018, Oli Stewart AKA Casbah 73 delivered his most wholehearted tribute to the disco era yet, the brilliant "Love Saves The Day". On "To Be Free", he continues in a similar vein, doffing a cap to the pioneers of the Philly Soul sound via cut-glass strings, crunchy Clavinet lines, tasty electric piano solos, walking bass and a lead vocal from Angela (Angie) Gooden that stirs memories of disco divas of old. Stewart and his cohort of musicians go a little wild on the mostly instrumental disco-funk flipside, an exercise in dueling solos, lusty Latin horns, flanged guitars and heavy percussion that will get you hot under the collar for nine, all-action minutes. Brilliant stuff from start to finish from the experienced producer: don't sleep on this one.

Review: Lovemonk is a small but very sunny and eclectic label from Spain. Everything fits under the motto "Discos Buenos." Their latest offering comes from label chief Casbah 73 and is titled 'In The Dark', yet another low slung yet uplifting disco affair from the Madrid scene hero dealing with touch, human contact and yearning. The original version is backed by the impactful Horns Mix, while on the flip you have got the full dancefloor dynamics of the Turn Off The Lights Mix - all centered around Angela Gooden's amazing vocals.

Review: Monsieur Dimitri from Paris works his magic on Casbah 73's organic disco grooves with a remix treatment that surpasses all expectations. Casbah's original track may sound like a band-recorded take with added production sheen, but it's actually a deceptively well-made track recorded by a talented solo artist. Dimitri brings added wompy disco-house heat to the track in two parts, with the first part focusing on the more bangerific elements of the original, and the B (part two) stripping things back to focus on the more minimal, solo dubby parts.

Review: Madrid via Cuba musical gang El Combo Batanga have finally dropped this new double-sider 7". It was teased by the early reals sou the a-side which brings plenty of dance floor filing heat with 'El Que La Rompe La Paga'. It's packed with samba shuffle, expressive horn work and results, and relentless keys work designed to get the ass moving. On the flip is 'Toca La Campana' which is a little less dense but not less rhythmic in the way it sways to and fro with fiery Spanish vocals and funk riffs.

Review: Last spotted cavorting with his Nirvana-covering side project Blue Mode and previous operating as Kid Costa, killer flautist and composer Chip Wickham (real name Roger) delivers his debut LP on Lovemonk. Ranging from gentle wave lapping spiritualism of tracks such as "Tokyo Slow Mo" and the cinematic "Pushed Too Far" to much more frenetic, energetic cuts like "Le Leyenda Del Tiempo" by way of funkier, lolloping grooves like "The Detour", it's a beautiful, vibrant snapshot of Wickham's skills that will grow as the months get warmer. Stunning.