Review: Kristo - Hopelessly Devoted / Eternal Love (Independent)

Modern day blue-eyed soul on the edge of yacht rock is on the horizon by Kristo with 'Hopelessly Devoted' and 'Eternal Love', nu-Belgian Popcorn heartbreak!

Following the success 'Spinning Around' last November, Belgian artist Kristo returns with new singles 'Hopelessly Devoted' and 'Eternal Love'.

'Eternal Love' (on DSPs now), an ’80s-inspired power ballad, features slow-burning piano chords, punchy Linn-style drums, and a soaring, emotional vocal. Co-written with Steven Vergauwen, recorded and produced by Boris Van Overschee, and performed entirely by Kristo himself, the track perfectly blends the grandeur of classic pop ballads with sleek, modern production.  'Eternal Love' is a must-listen for fans of vintage Minneapolis funk, larger-than-life choruses, and nostalgic slow dances under neon lights.

'Hopelessly Devoted' is out May 29th. The track unfolds as a silky, groove-led R&B cut where a laid-back rhythm locks into warm horn accents and an intimate yet infectious vocal hook. Blending classic songwriting with a modern soul aesthetic, Kristo continues to refine a sound rooted in musicality and artistic integrity.

As a true artist and multi-instrumentalist in every sense, Kristo writes, plays, and co- produces his own music, drawing from a wide palette of influences including vintage R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and classic pop. His work reflects a strong focus on craftsmanship and depth, balanced with a contemporary edge.  'Hopelessly Devoted' further expands the sonic world of Kristo’s forthcoming debut album, due in December 2026. Shaped by a deeply musical upbringing—his father a tenor saxophonist and his mother a marimba teacher— his artistry is grounded in a lifelong dedication to music.

Influenced by artists such as Prince, David Bowie, and D’Angelo, Kristo has developed a distinct voice and sound of his own. This has already translated into notable live experience, including performances at Gent Jazz Festival and North Sea Jazz (Talent Stage), as well as support slots for artists such as Macy Gray and Theo Croker. With two more singles planned ahead of his debut album, Kristo continues to build momentum as a rising artist in today’s contemporary Soul, Funk and R&B landscape, with a clear crossover appeal and growing international potential. 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kristo7/hopelessly-devoted

Artist: Kristo

Title: Hopelessly Devoted / Eternal Love
Release date: 29th May, 2026
Label : Independent
Catalog Number: TBC
Format:  Digital/Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Sosyete '25 - Yaygara (Tru-Thoughts)

Yet another discovery on Tru Thoughts that's not quite what you'd expect as they flip ESG and Batov to coincide with their Love Supreme appearance and Mr Bongo's Brighton All-dayer!

Like a middle eastern Stereolab on funk, Sosyete '25's debut album is, "a vibrant journey through love, liberation and the restless curiosity that fuels desire, humour and connection". 

The project brings together songwriter and vocalist Merve Erdem (Kit Sebastian/Brainfeeder), guitarist and producer Glenn Fallows (Globeflower Masters/Mr Bongo) and producer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Elliott - who previously released the acclaimed Call Sender project on Tru Thoughts alongside Bay Area (US) resident multi-instrumentalist, recording engineer and drummer Michael Reed supported by Cerys Matthews / New Music Fix (BBC 6 Music), Nassir Nassirzadeh (KCRW), Soho Radio, Rinse FM, FIP and more.

Blending Mediterranean disco pop, outernational funk and Turkish poeticism, Yaygara follows the singles 'Bilmece', 'Oyun' and 'Yan', each offering an early glimpse into the trio’s playful but deeply felt sonic identity. Named after the Turkish word for commotion or uproar, the album is steeped in movement. It opens with 'Bilmece', where Merve’s voice drifts through a dreamlike haze as she contemplates existence as an unsolvable riddle. Paul and Glenn anchor the track with a tough rhythmic core while the Lotar, played by Dan Smith, Paul’s longtime collaborator, takes the track to another place that is strange but familiar.

Merve writes in Turkish, her phrasing carrying an unforced musicality that transcends language. The songs embrace playfulness, ecstasy and open-hearted emotion. The title track turns love into an act of joyful rebellion, while 'Oyun' leans into disco funk with a wink, teasing the idea that nobody can or should be everything to everyone. Repetition becomes a kind of ritual throughout the record, phrases looping until they feel communal, inviting listeners into a shared space.

Love, in all its contradictions, is the album’s gravitational centre. It burns brightly in 'Yan', the most sensual track on the record, where desire becomes both transformation and surrender. It’s carried with humour on 'Sevgi', as the narrator stubbornly searches for love everywhere, in dreams, under windows, even inside closets, until it’s revealed that love doesn’t appear out of nowhere, just magically, it’s built. 'Sev Delice', the album’s finale, is bright and uplifting. It’s about loving madly and living freely. Paul jokes that “if Blondie and Barış Manço had a disco-funk love child, it would be ‘Sev Delice’”!.

Istanbul-born Merve Erdem, now based in London after years spent in Italy and the US, is a singer, composer, lyricist and filmmaker with roots in Turkish classical and folk music. She began writing songs as a child, drawing early inspiration from artists like Mina, Sezen Aksu, Fairouz and the Rahbani Brothers. Her approach to melody and language is instinctive and poetic, shaped equally by cinema, literature, long walks and everyday experience. Through projects such as Kit Sebastian, she has become known for her ability to balance intimacy with imaginative force, something that sits at the heart of Sosyete '25.

Suffolk-based Paul Elliott’s journey began in the recording studios and live rooms his father and grandfather worked in. DJing in clubs from the age of twelve and building makeshift studios as a teenager, Paul has since become a restless sonic craftsman. His influences shift weekly, from ESG and Liquid Liquid to The Meters, Piero Umiliani and Barış Manço, but his guiding instinct remains the same: groove, feel and curiosity first.

Completing the trio is Brighton-based Glenn Fallows, writer and producer for Heroes of Limbo, The Globeflower Masters and The Impellers, whose melodic sensibility anchors the project. His interlocking guitar and bass phrases and textural synth work help define Sosyete ’25’s blend of Mediterranean pop, outernational disco-funk and global psychedelia. Together, the trio share an ear for rhythm, a fascination with cross-border storytelling, and a commitment to music that is vivid, emotive and joyfully alive.

Don't miss them on the May/June live dates or the limited vinyl edition - see below

LIVE DATES
23 May - Capsule Records, Hove - in-store DJ set 1pm to 3pm
12 June - Mr Bongo records, Brighton - DJ all-dayer
5 July - Love Supreme festival, Glynde - Tru Thoughts tent
12 July - Spun Records, Worthing - Tru Thoughts takeover 2pm to 5pm

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Yaygara | Sosyete '25

Artist: Sosyete '25

Title: Yaygara

Release date: 22nd May, 2026

Label : Tru-Thoughts 

Catalog Number : TRU474D

Format: LIMITED VINYL / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Tony Soprano Band - Downtempo 1 (Dune Castle)

Tony Soprano might not be singing from the usual songsheet but if you're after Stereolab, DJ Shadow, Boards of Canada and late-'90s / early-2000s electronica inspriation, this is the 'Downtempo 1' you need! 

We know from  Cantrips' 'From A Darebin Cave' (see review HERE) that the bright sparks at Dune Castle Records so when label boss Patrick Ryan suggested, "rather than building downtempo music piece by piece through programming, he wanted to capture it happening live, with a five-piece group guided only by loose sonic direction and feel".

And the results of this live improvisation by Bringing together Lucky Pereira (drums), Robert Downey (samplers, drum machine) and Winton Findlay (synthesizers) can vary between dream Kraftwerk Balaeric ('Spyro Theme') to Surprise Chef / Karate Boogaloo cinematic styles ('Let's Get One More' and the pacey operner, 'Profesional Athletics'.

I like the ideal that "the music resists climax, instead favouring sustained atmosphere and feel" as a modern ambience with groove.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Downtempo 1 | Tony Soprano Band

Artist: Tony Soprano Band

Title: Downtempo 1

Release date: 22nd May, 2026

Label : Dune Castle

Catalog Number :  DCAS008

Format: Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Zachary Berns (Zbeez) / Vesa Beats - prism/resonance (zalenci)

New York based composer / producer / drummer Zachary Berns declares the new 2-track EP is "jazz house from the NYC cats, pushing it foward" and who are we to disagree?  'prism' and 'resonance' is where jazz n' house meet!

You'll recall that we were more than impressed with the last release by Zachary Berns,  'canvas' / 'rendezvous' (see review HERE) after the release, on Apparel Music, 'Oh Yes' (see review HERE).  And I'm happy to report that he's done it again with these two new tracks with Vesa Beats and the jazzy excellence once again joined of Jesse Klirsfeld (trumpet) and Luke McCrosson (bass) plus 'the extra mile' of Will Hotaling on flute.

At the time on receiving this, the weather is hot and feels like a 'Jazz On A Summers Day' kind of day; check the 1959 film, set at the Newport Jazz Festival the year before.  As before, we're on a Roy Hargrove / Miles '100' groove that resonates through 'resonance' the in the uptempo front room at Dingwalls event (coming to you soon) with the added bonus of Hotaling on flute. 

If that's the house end of jazz-house, the flute gives 'prism' another angle to shine and it's bounces off 'Joe Morello' cymballs into a beautiful groove to fill a Backroom of Dingwalls. 

If you've got a detailed ear, there's elements of dub in the mix that gets a bit lost in the heavy  beat of 'resonance' but that must be due to living/working next to a train line (Ed. if you check his insta, he does line a train scene background to his videos).

I used to live next to a train line that had nuclear waste transport late at night (like millions of others living in London in the 80s) and this is a heavy as then bogie's that used to thud passed and shake the house - Zachery Berns is doing the same with big jazz-house tunes: don't miss out!

Why ain't these guys on Blue Note?

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: prism/resonance | zachary berns, vesa beats | zachary berns

STREAM OPTIONS: Prism / Resonance by Zachary Berns, Vesa Beats

Artist: Zachary Berns (Zbeeez) / Vesa Beats -

Title: prism/resonance

Release date: 21st May, 2026

Label : zalenci

Catalog Number :TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: .multibeat - Flyyy feat. Casiio / Please Hold Me feat. Säm Wilder (Sonar Kollektiv)

Dutch collective .multibeat release two singles from their forthcoming album 'OOO' last this year, but these tracks are even more 'forward thinking' than that!

Hailing from the vibrant city of Utrecht, the trio draw on a rich musical heritage and diverse influences to create their unique amalgamation of hip hop and jazz, keeping the beat firmly at the centre of everything they do.

Influenced by artists such as Robert Glasper and J Dilla, as well as the current wave of UK jazz, the core trio of Boudewijn Pleij (keys), Thijs van Zutphen (bass) and Aron Smit (drums) continue to draw inspiration from working with a wide range of like-minded artists across their sonic spectrum. Collaboration has always been central to .multibeat’s identity, and both singles highlight different facets of that approach.

Please Hold Me features Dutch singer, songwriter and producer Säm Wilder, whose polished, R&B-tinged vocal brings a sense of intimacy and emotional openness to the track. With its melting chords, pitched-up vocal samples and neck-snapping drums, the song captures the feeling of slowly letting your guard down with someone. Moving between uncertainty and trust, it reflects that in- between space where connection is still taking shape, yet feels worth leaning into.

By contrast, 'Flyyy' sees the trio join forces with Dutch lo-fi hip-hop producer Casiio, resulting in a more instrumental, groove-led piece born from an organic, jam-led studio session. With cascading keys giving way to soft pads and laid-back beats, the track draws the listener into a warm, immersive space before subtly shifting into a more fractured yet equally relaxed rhythm, complemented by wordless vocal samples and wonky synth textures.

Together, 'Please Hold Me' and 'Flyyy' offer a compelling introduction to OOO — an album that reflects .multibeat’s strong independent spirit while staying true to their live sound and deeply collaborative ethos. Balancing song-driven intimacy with exploratory beat work, the two singles showcase the breadth of the trio’s musical language and set the tone for what’s to come.

  

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: OOO | .multibeat

Artist: .multibeat

Title: Flyyy feat. Casiio / Please Hold Me feat. Säm Wilder

Release date: 21st May, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK565S2

Format:  Streaming / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Eduard0 - Roll Wit It (Apparel Music)

Fresh from Buenos Aires, Eduard0 is spreading "small, self-contained" universal sounds on his new 4-track EP on Apparel Music - don't mention the virus!

After Lukus' 'Disco Speech' EP (see review HERE) we've been on the look out for the next episode in Apparel Music so we're more than ready to 'Roll Wit It'.

Love the artwork with this as it really reflects the vibes.  The title track comes on like some sorts of hectic tribute to The Doors' gothic organ period which is topped by a effortless free flowing sax solo.

But not only that, 'Even If I Fall' takes over the lead with a galloping tango shift that's got Boca Juniors on ska whilst 'Rideaway' goes the other side of town with some spinning of (River) plates.

Possibly, best of wall is the combination that is 'Inner Surrender' that peaks with all the meditative influences in rapid movement.  Not sure if you can call this 'World', 'Jazz' or 'House' but it's definitely great dancefloor side steppin' where "Eduard0 is not simply blending balearic ease, downtempo patience, and breakbeat elasticity into a personal style, but treating them as languages that can overlap, interrupt each other, or momentarily dissolve". 

Can't argue with that!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://apparel-music.lnk.to/APDEXTRA065

Artist: Eduard0

Title:  Roll Wit It EP

Release date: 22nd May, 2026

Label : Apparel Music

Catalog Number : APDEXTRA065

Format: Digital/Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Number - Discoid ‘Tranquil Elephantizer’ Remix EP (Ramrock Red Records)

Getting ever closer to RRR100, Ramrock Red have re-pollinated Number's with a big 'Discoid' of a remix that'll need an elephant tranquilizer to stop the dancefloor.

If you're following the curious evolution of Number from 'Le Boucle Nouveau' (see review HERE) and 'Pollinate' album (see review HERE), this 'A Certain Radio, Talking Heads, P-Funk' hybrid project you're in time for the third single after 'Discoid' earlier this month (see review HERE).  

 

As a pack of three, '‘Tranquil Elephantizer’ remix, radio edit and dub takes you into Hectic etension terriorty with a strong emphasis on the steam train heritage lines of Trans Europe Express synth squelch for the best part of 20minutes in total.

Don't know Tranquil Elephantizer?  "A producer and live-electronic/DJ project whose sound navigates the intersection of organic rhythm, immersive texture and dance floor precision. Drawing from deep house, jazz, dub, downtempo, and psychedelic electro, the work is built around hypnotic grooves, layered percussion and refined sound-design. With an expanding catalogue and collaborations on respected labels, like Wicked, Future Boogie, Shaboom, and Language, Mysticisms, Tranquil Elephantizer continue to refine a sound that is both introspective and focused on movement, combining mood, craft and technical depth. As they prepare to take the motherload of new and legacy material to the underground in 2026 and beyond, their remix collaboration with Number will ignite global soundwaves" Agreed!

And as we know 'Discoid' has that disco groove and old skool vocoder that seems to be trendy once more but don't turn off as it's knob setting is low so it doesn't disctract as would an AI would - suspect these guys love their analog equipment.

We're told Ali and Rich (aka Number) grew up with "the dirty disco bass lines, noisy drum machines, wonky percussion, leering live drums, jagged guitar melodies and uplifting soulful songs of the 80's" with their original incarnation as Red Snapper that flowered in the 90s sharing stages/studios with The Prodigy, Björk and Massive Attack, ACR, The Sugarhill Gang , Edwyn Collins, The Sabres of Paradise, David Holmes and more.

BBC Radio 6's Lauren Laverne is a big fan of Number and get ready to move your remixed 'Discoid' butt. 

LINK / PRE-ORDER: RRR096 Number 'Discoid' Tranquil Elephantizer Remixes | Ramrock RRR095 Number - Discoid | Number | Ramrock

Artist: Number

Title: Discoid ‘Tranquil Elephantizer’ Remix EP 
Release date: 18th May, 2026
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR096
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Anna Ling - BTTFL (Lucky Sun Remix)(Lucky Sun Recordings)

Lucky Sun Recordings are ready for the beach again with some Chilled-Balearic beachwear with Anna Ling.

Fans of Lucky Sun have been looking forward to the return of the label after 'Falling Fool' featuring Jaidene Veda (see review
HERE) the remixes (see review HERE) plus the success Anna Ling's 'Butterfly (Lucky Sun Remix)' (see review HERE) last year.

So here's the return of Ms. Ling with another new track from her album 'BTTFL', again remixed by Lucky Sun.

BTTFL, which stands for 'Beauty To The Fading Light' is another wonderful song from Anna Ling, featuring almost other worldly, harmonized vocals, spine chilling strings, oboe and percussion. In Lucky Sun's Remix, he plays with the rhythms, switching back and forth between the original 12/8 drums and a slower 4/4 trip hop feel, using his own recorded drums. Making the most of the vocals, looping the harmonies and adding warm chords, he creates a spaced out back drop for the strings to shine through.

Lucky Sun (aka Tom Lown) is best known for his super deep productions which have been released on labels such as Lost My Dog, UM Records and Delve Deeper Records and his own Lucky Sun Recordings. Following his debut album ‘Olive Street’ under his Lucky Sun moniker, which was highly received by DJ Mag and a host of worldwide DJ’s, he returned in 2022 with ‘Balance' - his 2nd studio album, featuring collaborations with vocalists Alison David (Red Snapper/Bugz In The Attic) and Frank H Carter III (YSE/Ivy Lab/Llorca). Some great support for this album came from DJ’s Hot Toddy, Rainer Trueby, Ashley Beedle, Marcia Carr, CJ Makintosh, Satoshi Fumi, Peter Kruder, Colin Dale and reviews in The Yorkshire Times and 48 Hills (San Fran).

Last year saw Tom release the well received single “Falling Fool” featuring vocalist Jaidene Veda which had plays in Cafe Del Mar (Ibiza) and on BBC Radio 1 as part of the Wind Down Zone - and he has just retired from Ibiza after playing Cala Bassa Beach Club for the Personal Belongings label showcase.

Tom also runs Lucky Sun Recordings, which he releases his own music on, as well as other artists including: Alison David, Sumsuch, Tim Haze, Ashley Casselle & Tom Gillieron, Kurt Baggaley, OURRA, Domestic Science, Pop Out & Play, James Benedict, O.O.R.S., Alvaro Hylander, Howard Sessions, Nico Mendez, Johannes, Deniz Reno, Dam’cy, Al Bradley, Costela… All on a Deep House / Balearic / Chill / Eclectic vibe.

Anna Ling’s creative journey is deeply rooted in her passion for uniting people through song. Her love for music has guided her through a vibrant career, encompassing community choirs, and performances at various venues, festivals, and campfires. Through her work, Anna fosters connection and creativity, bringing people together to experience the transformative power of music. She’s in the process of recording her debut album which has been featured on BBC Radio 6 Music.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://linktr.ee/tomlownakaluckysun

Artist: Anna Ling 

Title: BTTFL (Lucky Sun Remix)

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : Lucky Sun Recordings

Catalog Number : LSR042

Format: Digital  

Review: Crackazat - SUN (Freerange Records)

If you see Crackazat (aka Ben Worrall) on the remix, you know it's a good un but it might be a surprise to hear 'SUN' is his forth album, but it's his most enlightened todate - indeed, the one he always wanted to make.

 

Hot summer sunshine is the order of this album 'menu' that's got 13 tracks that takes his formal jazz training and his 10 years living in Sweden to the next 'Mad Mats' level as the blender of house, hip-hop,soul, jazz n' funk on the dancefloor. 

If the idea of 'SUN' was to draw "on the idea of the sun as life’s foundation - our shared source of warmth, light, and energy. Crackazat channels that universal force into music designed to uplift, connect, and radiate timeless positivity" it's certainly grounded in legends like Thundercat, Roy Hargrove, Roy Ayers, lovetempo and lost more as Worrall says, "the jazz funk album Crackazat always wanted to make" [nice to seem him use 'Crackazat' as a third person].

As you don't get more of a seal of approval in this regard as Gilles Peterson 'spoken word' (on the opening track 'Promised Right', talking about the Brit-funk explosion) and then going into a particularly Level 42 track 'Grey'.  We know how much Peterson loves Level 42 (Ed. does he? - see HERE).

The lyrics are particularly good and even this far in you'll be thinking, is this really Crackazat? Well, one of the reasons its an upgrade on his excellent remix projects, whether it's previous works on Stay True Records, Freerange (with Jimpster) and Local Talk (where he was embedded in Sweden), this album is his first fully collaborative release including vocal performances from Eva Lazarus (best known for her Mungo's Hi-Fi collabs), Lyric Jones, Cap1tala and Olivier St. Louis plus many musicians spanning the Stockholm/New York axis including Tamez Dolev (live drums/percussion), Andreas Gidlund and Karl Olandersson (horns).

In fact, 'Crouching Tiger' (the one featuring Lyric Jones, last seen on Close Counters' 'Lovers Dance Academy - see review HERE) and 'Set My Sun' (with Bristol based Lazarus) will imediately recognise 'Worldwide' Peterson golden era elements and Bristol ties; whilst at the same time, it could be Jazzanova Berlin, Star Creature Chicago, Razor'n'Tape New York or any number of cool soul-jazz-funk locals; hopefully near a beach/poolside - particualarly 'Pick Me Up' where the horns come over classy Baggar & Co.

'Shine' is another sunny stand-out track (and one to keep the Rocksteady Disco Flute Gang happy in Detroit) happy and there has to be a funky 70s keyboard track set in the rainforest (a la Lonnie Liston Smith/Stevie Wonder/George Duke) meets sax player (say, Grover Washington, Jr.) on 'Who's Boss' - well at Freerange Records it's Jamie Odell, son of Shakatak's drummer Roger (do you get it now as this is not the most obvious Freerange Records sound).

Getting into some Sunday night lovin' is Olivier St. Louis in the best R&B style ('Nothing But Love') and the album ends on a couple of chilled tracks, 'Night Child' and the instrumental, 'Waiting' that's particular cool as a jazz-indo-dub-version.

In fact, this album covers quite a lot of bases and there's not a duff track so I'm happy to report it's the album we wanted Crackazat to make and I promise you, you'll be hearing this everywhere this ; summer 'cos the 'SUN' is out, it's shinning and it's the way that we go - ask Gilles or Jimpster; could have been the Shakatak jazz-funk album Odell's Dad wish he'd made?

BUY LINK/PRE-ORDER: SUN | Crackazat

Artist: Crackazat

Title: SUN

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : Freerange Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: 12" vinyl   / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ripperton & Joy Frempong - Sirens (Compost Records)

You might be thinking that you haven't heard from Ripperton for a while and you'd be right.  As Ripperton has been redesigning: Ripperton, mostly as Headless Ghost,  Compost Records have put Joy Frempong with him to get some 'Sirens' to playout. 

You'll recall Ripperton (aka DJ/producer Raphaël Gros from Laussane, Switzerland) is known as a innovator in the electronic music having launched labels like Perspectiv Records, and Tamed musiq, releasing music on leading underground imprints including Innervisions, Border Community or Planet E.   Although, I'd say it was his extended/minimal remix work that made his name, out of the hundred's he's done, particularly Beanfield ('Tides'), Laurent Garnier and Radiohead (it seems like Gerry Hectic's 'Nude' edit has been deleted from Soundcloud!).

Knowing Joy Frempong from OY, having remixed Laundry with 'Modern Jealousy' in 2012, her Afrofuturist dispora Avant-pop poetry/storytelling is perfect for a Ripperton collaboration. Like a a antidote/counter point of Anthony Joseph's recent album, 'The Ark' (see review HERE). 

In fact, 'Sirens' has been "in the making" since that remix and like other sirens (see HERE) you always hear the sirens; in this case  in four versions original, clouds, melodydreamer and instrumental.

Sounding more choral than subterreanan this is tipical minimal with electronic soul and you can tell from the instrumental version how Frempong has elevated the song into "something haunting and profoundly human".

It's a grower with the gentle guitar being swept by waves and the gothic organ calling from Whitby churches.  Not everyone's cup of tea by great to see/hear Ripperton with us once again.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://CompostRecords.lnk.to/RippertonXJoyFrempong-Sirens

Artist: Ripperton & Joy Frempong

Title: Sirens EP

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Compost Records

Cat. No: CPT 671-3

Format: Digital 

Review: Brandon Markell Holmes - TRY Remixes (toucan sounds)

Well, it's safe to say that there's no shortage of folks in the queue to remix any tracks with Brandon Markell Holmes' voice on them, but you've got to try your hardest to get on the list for his track 'TRY' and you've got six of the best on this hot 8 track release!

Brandon moved from Chicago to NYC where he's attracted attension from the likes of Derrick Carter, Dee Diggs, musclecars and more to do a remix of his songs after he appeared on Gorillaz album ,‘Humanz'.

And the gang are back again for a look at the album 'TRY' that came out last year and the track 'Fuller' (see review HERE) got one of our favourite world wide DJs, the constantly busy Aroop Roy.  

And another one of our long-time favourites is Byron The Aquarius and he gets ontop of the pumping 'Go Ahead' like a train (which is always a good thing in our books and don't forget the original 'Go Ahead' - see review HERE) and then you got Bad Colours (he of 'Promise' - see HERE) deals with the post-watershed late night weather forecast.

.

One of the many stand-out tracks on the album was 'Es Pa Ti' featuring label boss, Robert PM and whilst we're talking of fast trains, you get that on Moon Boots' remix and radio edit.

Dee Diggs sounds so good with BMH they are clearly best buds (see 'Toss It') and the Diggs' remix of 'It Goes On' is the longest on here as just over 6 minutes.  This would usually mean it's our favourite, and it's very close, but if you pushed me to it's down to the 808 Beach (yep, see review HERE) with their remix of the title track 'TRY' (extended and normal for some retro synth disco heaven).

TRY all you might, you might not a better collection of dancefloor groovers than this lot in just one album, so don't try; TRY remixes is the answer.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://music.toucansounds.com/tryremixes

Artist: Brandon Markell Holmes

Title: Try Remixes

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Toucan Sounds

Cat. No: YTCW167

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Kiala & Afroblaster - Spiritual Power (Tangential Music)

Tangential Music has a long association with the power of Fela Kuti's musical legacy and here's some excellent 'Spiritual Power' that's TALKING LOUD!

With more than a nod to James Brown and the Gilles Peterson's 'Talkin' Loud' label, the Kiala & Afroblaster have been inspired by 'Talkin' Loud And Sayin' Somethin'", Afro-beat funky like label mates Lagos Thugs (see review HERE),original Fela MD/bandmate Dele Sosimi, the London Afrobeat Collective and the like to produce "a vibrant statement of Afrobeat, funk, hip hop, and soul-driven groove led by legendary guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Kiala Nzavotunga."

Kiala toured with Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 and he brings the same 'big band' sound of the ten-peice Afroblaster collective from Amsterdam and it's powerful like the previous singles 'Spiritual Power' (James Brown gets another name check), 'Motherland' (big rap on this one and perhaps a bit more Acid Jazz?) and the previously mentioned 'Talking Loud'.

You can imagine hearing this walking around the canals and streets of Amsterdam with a natural boost of spiritual power that you can almost aborbs through the other track titles themselves, 'What Is The Meaning', 'Medicine' and we're told, "every song carries Kiala's philosophy.

'Telephone' is my current favourite as it's just funky as but then as importantly, they're all big dancefloor movers.

BUY LINK: bfan.link/Spiritual-power-EP

Artist:  Kiala & Afroblaster

Title: Spirtual Power

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label: Tangential Music

Catalog Number:TBC

Format: Digital

Review: Jerk - as day breaks / as night falls (DeepMatter Records)

Jerk's 'As Night Falls' EP now has an 'answer' EP, obviously, 'As Day Breaks' as Brookyn opens the worlds eyes to "jazz fusion meets Bob James' hip-hop off-spring". 

Composer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Jerk wakes up with eight more tracks influenced by Dilla/Madlib beats as much as Thundercat / Bob James jazz-fusion-funk-OST.

Once again Jerk (aka Joni Kinney) is joined by Martin Wade (drums) and Wyatt Rydlewski (bass), and after 'alarmed', 'as long as I breathe' (don't you just love these early morning titles), 'lean in' kicks off our day and if you pick flowers at the speed of 'picking flowers' the Dutch growers will want you at a pace.

There's some interesting times patterns going on here that's a little unsettling as they say, "This joint album project is the essence of Jerk — neither day nor night, but something more ethereal" that tracks like 'putting it back together' and 'steppin' out' mix the funk and nu-jazz in different moods of light and shade; perhaps even dark.

You can easily imagine this is the type of thing that they dream about like 'still dreaming' and 'wait', the latter labelled by Jerk himself as 'son-tra' (being abrev - 'sonic mantra') as you think James, Rushen, Dilla et al fusion.

I think we can forgive them that one as, like the 'As Night Falls' set (see review HERE), don't be surprised to hear that any of these tracks have slipping onto a soundtrack or advert soon as; particuarly 'lean in' as it's so reminiscent of and unique at the same.  No wonder they've made the playlists of Somewhere Soul and DJs including Huey Morgan on BBC 6 Music, Tony Minvielle and John Osborne on Jazz FM, Papaoul and Tom Ravenscroft on Rinse FM, and more.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: as day breaks | Jerk

Artist: Jerk
Title:   As Day Breaks / As Night Falls EP 

Release date: 15th May, 2026

Label : DeepMatter Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Double EP Vinyl /  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - XPRESS Singles Vol. 2: Nothing But The Music / 20 Buck Funk (The Disco Express)

After the XPRESS Singles Vol. 1, service is resumed with Vol. 2 as your 4 carriage (track) train of "funk, soul, nu-disco, house".

The next train of singles after XPRESS Singles Vol. 1 release (see HERE) sees XPRESS Singles Vol.2 leave the platform and its a certified dance floor weapon with London duo Dirty Supercar with a brand new cut, 'Nothing But The Music' in original and Angelo Ferreri remix versions.

We know Dirty Supercar from 'Get Down Boogie'/'Body Slam' (see review HERE) and this track is supported by the soulful vocals of Elliot Chapman with some super 70s strings.   

Ferreri version is a bit of a slow burner but it builds to peak time levels: this guy knows what he'd doing.

But hold on, what's this '20 Buck Funk' on a return ticket from the Château d'Amour residency? 

Bustin' Loose's love letter to James Brown

 (see review HERE).  This time it's the DE SOFFER remix and it's got to be a "stand out" we demand the funk, "the 20 Buck Funk".

And you know that 'Hot' by La Felix was melting (see review HERE) well, it's back and DE SOTTER extended for more dancefloor action.  Both DE SOTETER remixes feature West Coast's Relaye on the rap that moves the crowd to the front for the heatwave.

A seriously strong vinyl package from front to back. Pressed in a limited run of 300, and already sounding exceptional on wax, this is one for the collectors and the selectors alike.

BUY LINK / Pre-Order: XPRESS Singles Vol.2: Nothing But The Music / 20 Buck Funk by Dirty Supercar, Angelo Ferreri, De Soffer, Bustin' Loose, Relaye, La Felix | Soundbubble

e & Felmann,Funky Love EPThe Disco Express,7

Artist: Various Artists (Dirty Supercar, Angelo Ferreri, Bustin’ Loose, Relaye, La Felix)

Title: XPRESS Singles Vol. 2

Release date: 15th May, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS109
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp