Review: Fouk - Sundays EP (Boogie Angst)

Fouk are anything but lonely on their new EP, 'Sundays' as Daniel Leseman and Hans Peeman are joined by The Phenomenal Handclap Band, 79.5 and Archil & Leon for a a proper service of a 4-tracker!

Fouk found 'Love At First Sight' with Debórah Bond (see review HERE) and now it's more like an orgy as mates The Phenomenal Handclap Band (of We Are Worlds Away - see review HERE) and fellow New York City / Razor 'N' Tape disco fans, 79.5.

But before that starts, the title track is fronted by Parisian duo Archil & Leon, is perfect carib/reggae soft disco that'll find it's way into many an ear-worm of a Sunday set.  Apparently recorded in studios "brimming with self-built instruments and mechanical curiosities, they manipulate springs, water acoustics, and motor-driven devices, and these tactile gestures infuse the track with an organic unpredictability"!   Well, that might be so, but if you're looking for a chilled Sébastien Tellier 'La Ritournelle' with Pete, Bjorn & John 'Young Folks' (Ed. and who isn't?), this is pretty close to it.

This is not typical of the EP as 'Reverie', the one created with 79.5 is very much in the 79.5. album mode with great vocals and a bouncy disco synths that's equally happy in a house crossover a la Razor 'N' Tape.

And not content with that, 'Tune It Out' is fully 70s NYC disco influenced with the experts that are The Phenomenal Handclap Band on board (you'll recall their contribution to Linda Mirada's album 'Qué largo es el verano' (see review HERE) that builds so that the vocals get all space/chant with sythns and heavy bass that'll get any diso ball spinning.

So varied is this EP, you'd get the idea that it's a compilation set but each track is brilliant and recommended to get your orders in ASAP before it gets picked up by one of the big boys.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:.Sundays EP

Artist: Fouk feat. Archil & Leon, The Phenomenal Handclap Band & 79.5

Title: Sundays EP 

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label : Boogie Angst

Catalog Number : TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Various Artists - XPRESS Singles Vol. 1 (The Disco Express)

After the excitment of The Disco Express - TDE100 - we're still on a Special Service as the XPRESS Single Vol. 1 service is "packed with fresh originals and hand-picked gems, the compilation blends funk, soul, nu-disco, house, and electronica".

If you missed The Disco Express 100 (see HERE), the exhibition (see HERE) and our interview with Bustin' Loose Tom of last year (see HERE), you'll want to catch up with the timetable for post-100 TDE starting with this Singles Vol. 1 release.

Bustin' Loose kicks off from the South London terminal with 'Soulbound' which also gets a Dam Swindle remix - stunning stuff that's not going to stop at the end of the line.  These guys have totally refurbished the engine of 70s disco into an modern rapid transit.

Backed by the equally impressive 'Abracadabra' by Magnolia & Sam Karlson featuring Relaye as an original version plus a 'stripped back' Phil Weeks Ghetto Mix and a housey La Felix remix.

All seal TDE as a must have fun party release; need I say more?

BUY LINK / Vinyl Pre-Order: Soulbound: https://go.protonrad.io/rlF3tLpn4furY

                                                Abracadabra  https://go.protonrad.io/rlkj2h-kyjdFU

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Artist: Various Artists (Bustin’ Loose, Magnolia, Sam Karlson, Dam Swindle, Phil Weeks, Relaye, La Felix)

Title: XPRESS Singles Vol. 1

Release date: 27th March, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS107
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: JKriv & Jason Linder - Real Ones (Razor-N-Tape Records)

If you are based in Brooklyn, chances are that you'll be more than aware of the Razor 'n' Tape world of label and store along with the name of co-founder and 'leader', JKriv (aka Jason Kriveloff) but do you know the Brooklyn based, American jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, producer Jason Linder?  Well, here's you first opportunity to get to know them as a duo and 'Real Ones'.

JKriv is no stranger to teaming up with like minded folks like the Rocksteady Disco crew (see 'Adaption' EP review HERE) or his most recent pairing with Peter Matson (see 'Facile' EP on Favorite Recordings - see review HERE), not to mention countless remixes in the last 20 plus years: but keyboardist Jason Lindner, who is 'arguable' best known as he chosen to been on David Bowie's last album 'BlackStar' (★) of ten years ago.

'BlackStar' was said to be "more explicity jazz-orientated than its predecessors" and I suspect Linder might have thoughts on that with his 30 year plus career in jazz, especially the most haunting title track on the album.  

In contrast, 'Real Ones' as a "clubby and synth driven" poject is fun and dancefloor focused.  The title track has echos of 80s jazz-funk stylings with a synthy '1000 Finger Man' thrust and echoes of 'Mission Impossible' in a Miami beach style, or perhaps Italian.  Sounds mad, but I don't think Tony Visconti could pull it off, or Luchino Visconti for that matter.

'Catch Feelings' is similar in feel but equally could have been spawned in the studios of Ken Patten in Sheffield or even Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements'.  So you get the idea how good this is and the third part of this trilogy, 'Regionale' which ties all these elements together and puts them on a Bullet train in Japan to touch base with the electronic pioneers of the Far East.

The EP is completed with a Retromigration Remix of 'Regionale' which give take in more house and given it a loopy vocal.

This is so different to the JKriv & Megatronic's EP 'The Truth In Gospel' (see review HERE) but this new collaboration is no 'one off' or new as Jkriv & Jason have been working together at Razor-N-Tape events for a number of year as A Joyful Noise.  This is great news as it's proof this is dancefloor tested and more in the locker to come out.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: JKriv, Jason Lindner - Real Ones

Artist: Jkriv & Jason Linder

Title: Real Ones EP

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label : Razor-N-Tape Records

Catalog Number : RNTD132

Format : Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Salt Queen - Are U OK (inc. Freak Nasty Remix) (Samples From Mars)

This is a warning for amazing trippy acid as an example of a Sample From Mars as Salt Queen asks empathetic questions from the dance floor - with harsh reality statements; I'm sweating already! 

The is a kinda anti-drug message as visual artist and musician Salt Queen (Magali van Caloen) teams up with Samples From Mars founder, Teddy Stuart and acts out her Acid nurse of the dancefloor spoken word deadpan vocal which doesn't quite make humorous or humorousless but we've all seen such dancefloor behaviour. .

The bonus is that the Acid is a hard as anything you've ever had and the even better news tis the the Freak Nasty remix turns it up to 11 and edits the vocals: a full instrumental would be fun too!

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Whatever you do, however you're feeling, drink lots of water and don't put your back out is the best advice.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Salt Queen

Artist:  Salt Queen

Title: Are U OK (inc. Freak Nasty Remix)

Release date: 27th March, 2026

Label :Samples From Mars

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Tim Lucent, Kristos, Mona Matsuoka (+Matt FX on Remix) - Hakyō no Kiki (Non-Friction Records)

J-Acid house twist with some 'Hakyō no Kiki' biz; no idea either but this is fun and who doesn't like fun?

Mona's vocal dilivery is very deadpan so it touchs a little 'O Superman' but it's busy blippy house that's like J-pop doing Coldcut.

And just to make it even better, Mtt FX remixes in what he call 'Slip 'n' Stagg' which warps it more towards Jack-garage!

EP on its way in May so stay tuned.

BUY LINK /PRE-ORDER: https://xelon.ffm.to/hnk / https://xelon.ffm.to/hnksns

Artist:  Tim Lucent, Kristos, Mona Matsuoka (+Matt FX on Remix) 

Title: Hakyō no Kiki 6

Release date: 20th / 27th March, 2026

Label : Non-Friction Records

Catalog Number : NON-008, NON-009

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Flo Naegeli - Lush Life EP (Sonar Kollektiv)

Not John Coltrane, Billy Stayhorn or Lou Donaldson but Flo Naegeli has some 'Lush Life' all of his own as he crossed the boundaries of soul-pop-soft rock and more!

Originally hailing from the Bavarian forests of southeastern Germany, singer, song-writer and multi-instrumentalist Flo Naegeli began his musical journey as a folk accordionist at the tender age of just seven years old. Growing up in a household that instilled a joyful and open-minded relationship with music, Flo was initially influenced by traditional sounds, before transitioning to the more contemporary tones of the electric guitar - a change informed by a bicycle accident where Flo broke both of his forearms!

He began to learn guitar around the age of 14, inspired by music icons like Prince and Jimi Hendrix. When he wasn’t playing in bands, a strict self- imposed conscientious routine of study and practice saw this wunderkind blossom, and despite resistance from his parents, he continued his musical education at college, earning a degree in the subject and the opportunity to pursue a career as a professional musician.

Leaving the family home and moving to the eastern part of Germany gave Flo a different perspective on his country, and perhaps a stronger connection with its recent history in particular. He began to move away from playing in groups, focussing on solo work and embracing new technologies like Logic to enable him to work alone. One of the major hurdles for any artist who finds themselves in an isolated environment is self-doubt - something that Flo is proud to have worked to overcome, discovering instead empowerment through his art. Having a family of his own, and in particular becoming a father, has also reinforced his strength of purpose.

Now signed to Sonar Kollektiv, Flo’s debut EP for the label, entitled Lush Life, is a collection of songs that are replete with reflections on fatherhood, family struggles and friendship. He considers his relationships with both his mother and father, on Freedom and Love By The Hour respectively (both featuring guest drummer Stephan Salewski) and on Closer examines how his own roles as both a husband and father have helped overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Elsewhere, Shake laments separation from a close friendship whereas both Colourblind and Quiet Power deliver confident affirmations regarding the benefits of life experience and growth. Indeed, the EP is one awash with optimism and positivity, embracing the challenges that life throws at us, whilst accepting the difficulties in conquering them. Such sensitive subject matter is conveyed both tenderly and sincerely through Flo’s soulful vocals, optimistic energy and the uplifting feel of his music. Drums, bass,synthesisers, piano, percussion and electric guitar, all played by Flo - with the addition of Jannicke Hagen on trumpet and a string quartet of Maria Graefe & Sean Morrison on violin, Clarissa Kanske on viola and Alma Stolte on cello - wrap warmly around the assured and inspiriting vocal lines to create something simultaneously conscious and reassured.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/LushLifeEP

Artist: Flo Naegeli

Title: Lush Life EP

Release date: 20th March, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK550EP

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Turbojazz - Memorabilia (Last Forever Records)

When it comes to 'Memorabilia', it's fair to say that Turbojazz has a great big box of impressive tracks over the years to rummage through for his new album.

DJ/Producer Turbojazz (aka Tommy Garofalo) and founder of Last Forever Records has expanded his 'Turbojazz & Friends' productions with this monster of ten track album that features one of Atjazz' favourite vocalist Rona Ray, the voice(s) that is/are Robert Owens, Javonnette, along with Doni Nichole, Veezo (remember 'Vezzions' - see review HERE), Broken One, cor.ese and Bad Colours.

Now you'd think that with all this variety of added talent, 'Memorabilia' would be a lot more random than it is as even Turbojazz with after burners on is still all about the dancefloor and the instrumental 'Summer Madnezz' only stands out as it's a really energetic groover with hi-frequency strings that's equal to 'The Joy' plus the Veezo collab, the jazzy piano led, 'It's Not Alright' (that's more than alright) and the unbroken, 'Lush Disco' with Broken One. 

We've mostly seen Turbojazz in his work will Foliage (with Sean McCabe et al) but 2026 'Memorabilia' has been set with this release - there's so much to this than 'The Joy': it's "more than an album — it's a message to the dance music world that culture lives on through those who carry it forward."

BTW: 'The Joy' has more than a passing resemblence to Jon Culter house classic, 'It's Yours' which is a massive recommendation in itself!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Memorabilia (album) | Turbojazz | Last Forever Records

Artist: Turbojazz  

Title:  Memorabilia

Release date: 20th March, 2026

Label: Last Forever Records

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Malik Hendricks - Stretching EP (Flat White Recordings)

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If you're not totally on top of Malik Hendricks, you might this he's gone off-track of late but this new EP, 'Stretching' finds the DJ/Producer is quite the opposite - let him see you streching into those sun salutations to NYC House!

So you know your NYC names, Hendricks has been DJing for over 10 years and his 'Praise' EP including a remix by Eli Escobar which was a classic mix of Gospel/Detroit/Soul House (Off-track Recordings, 2023) but there's also been remixes by Byron The Aquarius, James Bangura and Roy Vision whilst he's also done remixes himself like on Razor-N-Tape's 79.5 'Feel Like Dancin'' (more of 79.5 coming next week!)

Being able to to strech out through the title track into the post-industrial deep house express of '物の哀れ (Mono No Aware)', this EP is going to be you next favourite as the third original track 'After The Rain' promises the rain will stop with major thunderclaps for the dancefloor along with the disco space ships.

The hi-emphasis on percussion is perfect for London-based, Spanish-born producer Beringei to put his stamp on a 'Stretching' that loses some BRUK stylings with the magic of steel pans in the rain forest of a remix.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Stretching EP | Malik Hendricks

Artist: Malik Hendricks
Title:  Stretching EP
Release date: 20th March, 2026
Label : Flat White Records
Cat. No. FW015

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Conic Rose - loving parents (Conic Rose)

Conic Rose is like a wedding of musicians and like any wedding, it needs 'loving parents' for the next "immaculate" album!

It was the back end of 2022 that we got our first hint of Conic Rose with 'Gleisdreieck', 'Goodbye' and the magnificent 'Learn To Be Cool' [Miles Davis meets 'Teardrops' via 'Baba O'Riley' (see review HERE) that was follow by the album 'Heller Tag' (see review HERE).

So here's the new single ahead of the forthcoming album 'wedding' and in one track, you've still got the "Kruder & Dorfmeister and Cinematic Orchestra's lovechild, this collection of jazzy, ambient, hip-trippy electronica OST instrumental" with more Bonobo and Nils-Petter Molvaer!

Heavily influenced by their Berlin studio bass, the new album will excite their first that included folks as diverse as DJ Gilles Peterson (BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM, Brownswood etc), Mojo and Jazzwise magazine and more.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://conicrose.bandcamp.com/album/wedding-2

Artist: Conic Rose 

Title: loving parents

Release date: 20th March, 2026

Label: Conic Rose

Cat. No: CONICROSELP03_S2

Format: Digital

Review: Calid - NOWROZ 1405 (Kabul Fire Records)

Afghan singer and guitarist Calid presents 'NOWROZ 1405', an EP standing at the intersection of memory, exile, and rediscovery, released on Kabul Fire to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

This EP is a collection of reinterpretations of songs that emerged from one of the most culturally rich periods in Afghan history, before decades of war fractured its artistic continuity. These songs were never just entertainment; they were emotional documents of their time. Through stripped-down arrangements and an intimate vocal approach, Khalid reconstructs these works not as replicas, but as living memories. Each song carries themes of love shaped by impermanence, love interrupted by migration, war, distance, and time. This EP is not nostalgic. It is an act of presence.

1. Deeshab (Originally performed by Ustad Sarban) “Deeshab ba khuda khumar bodam” — Last night, by God, I was intoxicated. This song exists in the fragile space between reality and imagination. The intoxication Sarban speaks of is not from wine, but from love itself, an altered state where the beloved becomes both real and unreachable. Sarban, one of the most profound voices of Afghan classical music, lived his final years in obscurity and poverty, a fate tragically common for artists whose work once defined an era. His voice carried a depth that could not be replicated, only remembered. In this reinterpretation, Khalid approaches the song as a quiet confession rather than a declaration. The intoxication becomes internal, almost whispered, a private surrender to longing, where the beloved exists not in front of him, but within him. Love here is not possession. It is dissolution.

2. Pekhwanai Mina (Originally performed by Naghma & Mangal) “Pekhwanai Mina” speaks from the ruins of a love that still breathes. Naghma and Mangal, one of Afghanistan’s most iconic musical duos, embodied the emotional chemistry their songs described. Their voices did not simply sing to each other, they belonged to each other. This song reflects on a love that exists only in memory. It is not dramatic or tragic. It is quiet. Mature. Inevitable. Khalid’s interpretation removes the ornamental layers and leaves only the emotional skeleton. What remains is not heartbreak, but recognition, that love does not disappear. It transforms into something invisible but permanent. A presence that no longer speaks, but never leaves.

3. Baran (Originally performed by Ustad Biltoon) “Baran” was born during a time of war, when love had to survive alongside uncertainty. The rain in this song is both literal and symbolic. Outside, the world is unstable. Inside, the singer prepares a space, the dalaan, the heart of the home. In rural Afghan life, the dalaan was not just a dining room, but a place of gathering, protection, and intimacy. By inviting his beloved inside, he is offering more than shelter from rain. He is offering refuge from the world itself. Khalid’s interpretation emphasizes this fragility. The dalaan becomes a metaphor for emotional safety, a space built not with walls, but with devotion. Outside, everything collapses. Inside, love persists.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://calid.bandcamp.com/album/nowroz-1405

Artists: Calid

Release: NOWROZ 1405

Release Date: 20th March, 2026

Label: Kabul Fire Records)

Cat. No. TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp