Third release on Andrew Weatherall’s Bird Scarer label with some advanced disco influenced electronix by George Thompson part of Spectral Empire, also known as Black Merlin. Remix work delivered by Scott Fraser.
Spectacular Italo disco 12” featuring two superslick synth-groovers from the mighty Klein & MBO, aka Mario Boncaldo and Tony Carrasco, whose genre-bending electro-Italo proto-house sound hit big on both the NY disco and Chicago house scenes of the early 80s. Side A slides in with the deeply electro ‘MBO Theme’ whose killer blend of disco-tinged techno beats, quirky 80s robotic rap-style lyrics and catchy guitar licks. Flip over and you are treated to the the aptly named ‘Wonderful’. First we have the fantastic eight-minute disco-dub version featuring the gorgeous sweet vocals of Rosanna Casale followed by the hugely in-demand instrumental version. Sounding almost like a live mix, this tech-heavy beauty punches out synths and drum machine effects that are way ahead of their time! Minimal Italo production at its best.
Big time stompin’ and ultra rattling disco. Sex Tags Ufo with trademark disco cuts by DJ Fett Burger and DJ Grillo Wiener. Trademark disco for the heavy buglin’ percussion mixes.
Two timeless classics by Brazilian jazz-funk pioneers Azymuth in fresh new interpretations.Theo’s SS Translation of ”avendias das mengeuiras” is an edit that keeps the groove flowing and thoroughly translates all the energy and impetus that made this track such a delight when it first saw release back in the day. LTJ Xperience (aka Luca Trevisi) re joins the FAR OUT ranks for a second outing after his stellar remix in the Far Out Monster Disco Orchestra series. This time LTJ’s slo-mo disco revision of “Partido Alto’ takes the B-side of this release into a grove laden funkathon of nigh on epic proportions. The slap bass line of the original sits deep in the back beat groove Trevisi crafted in this stomper of a remix and delivers a true homage to a band who knew how to get down with the best of them.
Created in 2011 by drummer and arranger Slikk Tim, DopeGems is a five piece band dedicated to that gritty, raw instrumental sound of the 70s music lovers. That special blend of jazz, funk, and classic soundtracks, but so rarely performed live: there comes the idea of DopeGems. By combining vibraphone, guitar and vintage keys on top of a rock-solid rythm section, the band is able to sound bigger than the sum of it parts, enabling the unit to be very versatile, from searing improvisations to heavy, deep grooves, all the way to full-on symphonic movie charts. “Journey To The Shore” is paired with an equally inspired rendition of “Quasar”, originally recorded on Herbie Hancock’s The Crossing but rather taking its cues from the 1977 version by Bennie Maupin, featuring its sophisticated arrangement by Onaje Allen Grubs. DopeGems manages to squeeze out a darkly shimmering diamond of tune from this sacred rare groove nugget, while respecting all the details of the symphonic original with only 5 musicians.
A side is a little bedroom jam that has never been released. Drums by the mightful Matt Rex, hand claps and finga snaps by Tom Noble. Flip is a gently reworked version of “Music Engine” from Tom’s “In Liger Vision” EP.
Continuing their forays into the world of yesteryear grooves unabated, Lumberjacks in Hell are at it again, this time drafting in O Boogie and Red Greg for some disco funk finesse for the smoothest get-downs. O Boogie lords it over the first side, leaning heavy on a rich piano hook that hammers lower register chords over an incessant disco tick, while evergreen track “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” gets re-versioned in such a floor-burning fashion you’ll need asbestos boots just to get out alive. Red Greg’s “Inner Rhythm” plies familiar tropes into a sweet instrumental groove that makes all the right moves.
Third edition of Sex Tags Amfibia’s annual 7inch split features digi-dubbed, ultra heavy and solid bass prods outta Moss Norway. Kambo Super Sound with serious steppa dub action on the A. On B a dance-hall-dubbed track from Don Papa’s archive suitable for toasting as well as heavy car stereos.
Chunky is a proud Mancunian with roots in Zimbabwe which may explain such a worldly, open-minded outlook on life. This ‘Chunkadelic’ four track double EP is packed with fresh ideas, taking the UK bass sound in new and interesting directions. “Decca” is a crisp, busy, jacking house cut, but one that combines UK bass and Chicago house inspiration. “Experiment 727” swings it in a stuttering electro-samba style – tight. “Thang” offers a new take on the 90s garage sound, looping up a hooky female vocal (‘put that thing on me’) with a 2-stepping 808 groove. And finally we have “Rugged”, which does exactly what it says in the title, combining a tough dubstep double punch with juke style skittering percussion.
For the 32nd release, Skylax brings back the fantastic Jason Grove with six brand new tracks.
The French My Love Is Underground with more timeless house tracks inspired by the golden era of New York and Jersey house music from the early and mid nineties.
Continuing their quest to unearth deep house gems new and old, Vibes & Pepper introduce the world to Manuel Keyz with a killer four-track workout that makes all the classic moves.
Emotion II Emotion is Portland duo Avalon Kalin (Finesse) and Rafael Fauria (Miracles Club) that blend Garage & Deep House live with gritty samples, FM synthesis, analog hardware, swing and passion. Looking back to the golden age of House Music and pushing it forward as a live art form. Inspired by the best of the 90’s club sounds, they deliver here their first EP full of house killers.
This time Dockside works with Dwayne Jensen, one of Detroit’s true pioneers of house, boss of Fathom Records. Here are 2 excellent tracks of funky deep house with a really serious groove.
New Dolly sublabel. As Dolly is mainly focussed on classic Detroit/Chicago inspired house and techno, Dolly Dubs will widen the spectrum. First up is Staffan Lindberg from Sweden who delivers four excellent modern and sharply produced house/club tracks that will work on any floor.
Julius Steinhoff comes up with his second solo 12inch on Smallville “So Glad”. Steinhoffs soloworks strike even more voluptuary with slightly rapturous pleasure. ‘So Glad’ makes slick moves with sparse chords and a frisky machine beat revolving limber square bass. ‘Slow Movement’ slips down a gear into robust Chicago jack mode and ‘All Of A Sudden’ gets all minimal and sinuous next to the plush late night swerve of ‘Speak No Evil’.
Minuendo Recordings presents Earth Energy Pt.1 by 2DeepSoul aka Brad Peterson and Rai Scott, featuring two deep house tracks.
Genius of Time are back on Aniara. This release features two of the highlights from their current set: A-side ”Tuffa Trummor Med Synt” is a New Jersey House bomb, whereas ”Tuffa Trummor Med Röst” on the flip follows up last years ”Science Fiction” with an off the hook beat, expertly processed vocals and a strings breakdown reminiscent of that mid-90’s inner city vibe.
The Hipodrome Of Music 