Review: Peter Matson & JKriv - Facile EP (Favorite Recordings)

Favorite Recordings are upping the disco game on every release it seems as multi-instrumentalist Peter Matson and seasoned DJ/producer/record label owner JKriv get together with the Ibibio Sound Machine to get hard on the new 'Facile' EP with, no less than a Yuksek remix! 

It's not that long ago that Razor-N-Tape exile Diogo Strausz released his new album 'Dance Para Se Salvar' (see review HERE) on the Paris based label Favorite Recordings but to find that Peter Matson has checked out of his Bastard Jazz 'Hotel PM' (see review HERE) along with Razor-N-Tape's "doorman", JKriv (last seen with 'Intuition' EP - see review HERE) is a bit of a surprise to say the least, it's not like they're underappreciated?

But wait until you hear the track 'Underappreciated' (this is the one that features Ibibio Sound Machine (as featured on Joi n' Juno - see review HERE) as it's like a re-discofied Grace Jones in her 'Pull Up To My Bumper' prime   Perhaps it because it evolved in JKriv's Brooklyn studio as a combination of live instruments and that je ne sais pas!

The Yusek remix keep it sounds like it comes from the birth of 'Ring My Bell' disco  - don't even think  'Underappreciated'.

The EP is rounded off with the track 'Facile' (featuring Olivya) and 'Over Suffa' (featuring Samy Love) each of which would make equally impressive lead tracks.  Samy Love (from Cameroon) sings in French on a Afro-boogie-funk groove with a bit of rockin' guitar thrown in like the cool that is Frank Biyong (he of 'Radio Masoda' - see review HERE).

'Facile' is also sung in French and is close enough a racey Chic to get loads of European club and radio plays.

Recommend you order quick as this is totally the opposite of 'Facile' and 'Underappreciated'!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (Vinyl): Peter Matson & JKriv - Underappreciated ft. Ibibio Sound Machine

Artist: Peter Matson & JKriv 

Title:  Facile EP 

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : Favorite Recordings

Catalog Number :FVR204

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Diogo Strausz - Dance Para Se Salvar (Favorite Recordings)

Favorite Recordings? You bet they are as we get ready for a year of Brazilian frenzy with Diogo Strausz and his new album 'Dance Para Se Salvar': World Cup and all that you know! 

You may recognise the name Diogo Strausz

from his associaton with Razor-N-Tape, particularly the with the track 'Gravity' featuring Brandon Markell Holmes (he of 'Fuller' and much more - see review HERE) and the 'Caramba' EP (see review HERE) but this new 8-track album sees a move to the Paris based label Favorite Recordings.    

But this Brazilian multi-instrumentalist exile in has made a name for himself having produced Gal Costa and Marília Mendonça plus having other productions remixed by the likes Yuksek (he of Partyfine - see review of their latest album HERE) and Ron Trent (he of 'Lift Off' - see review HERE)

The combination of Diogo Strausz and Favorite is ideal for a Disco-Funk album with the additon of 70/80s "that celebrates both the vibrant dance culture and the rich musical heritage of Brazil".

And just to prove it, with analog spirit, the album was crafted using vintage studio gear, fans of Gilles Peterson will immediately be drawn to the "explosive track",  'Ele é Artista' that features Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart (Voilaaa, Mr. President, João Selva, Uptown Funk Empire).  And whilst there might be a hint of 'For Your Love' a la Brasil about it, this is not a one track album  and there's elements of Azymuth, Deodato and a Lincoln Olivetti 'Hot Parade' where disco-jazz-funk meets MPB.

It's a shame the two shortest tracks, 'Carnaval de Gringo' and 'Viver, Lutar, Reerguer' are not longer as there's potential for full on bongo madness so it's great that 'Frevo Mulher' gets the full on synth HST space ship treatment; jazzdancers new favourite (no pun etc). But you ain't done yet as the disco ball spins so you 'Dance To Save Your Soul' (sung by the ladies in English this on this one) and the bonus track, 'Popotão Grandão' (EWF meets disco-chic).

Diogo Strausz has a made a name for himself as a master blender of old Brazilian soul with contemporaries influences like Bala Desejo (see review HERE), Rubel (see review HERE) in a new 'revival' that Favorite Recordings have been leading on the dance floor for many a year now, 'Dance Para Se Salvar' being a perfect match.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (Vinyl): https://favoriterecordings.bandcamp.com/album/dance-para-se-salvar

Artist: Diogo Strausz

Title: Dance Para Se Salvar

Release date: 16th January, 2026

Label : Favorite Recordings

Catalog Number :TBC

Format: Vinyl LP Digital / Bandcamp