Review: Al Sunny - Summer End (Légère Recordings)

Extend your summer all year with modern soul-pop chanelling the spirit of yatch rock on a funk boat circa 70s and early 80s, that's Al Sunny's new album 'Summer End' - keep ya shades on people!

Légère Recordings' latest is from Al Sunny, the singer-songwriter now based in Nîmes who blends soul, pop, and groove into "a luminous and refined musical universe": if you ever wondered what a gentle George Benson would sound like without the jazz with Hall & Oates at the beach, this must be close with tracks like 'Take Your Time', 'So Lonely' and the title track.  

His debut album, 'Time to Decide' came out in 2017 which was followed by 'Planets' a couple of years later. This second album, recorded at Question de Son studio in Paris using analog equipment and captured live with the backing band of Guts (he of Heavenly Sweatness) which helped him gain recognition beyond France, especially in Japan, where both albums were met with great success.

While soul and pop remain at the heart of Al Sunny’s writing, 'Summer End' incorporates fresh influences from artists like Sault, Khruangbin, Daniel Caesar, Anderson .Paak and Tom Misch. The album stands out for its more nocturnal tones and atmospheric textures, offering an invitation to introspection and relaxation, while representing a subtle, natural evolution of the artist.

Because this sounds familiar and unusual all at the same time, it might take a couple of listens but be sure, you won't be alone digging this one.

BUY LINK: Al Sunny -Summer End - Légère Recordings

 

Artist: Luna Soul
Title: First Move
Release date: 15th Octobr, 2025
Label: Légère Recordings
Cat. No: LEGO385

Format: Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Luna Soul - First Move (Légère Recordings)

'First Move' is produced by an Australian (Joel Sarakula) and is the debut album of German-Spanish duo Lisa Michèle Lietz and Jordi Arnau Rubio (aka Luna Soul) with 10 tracks of soulful disco-pop inspired by the sounds and atmospheres of the late 70s and early 80s.

Légère Recordings will be 20 years old next year and they've introduced us to a variety of funky soul masters like Boca 45, The New Mastersounds, Eddie Roberts, Gizelle Smith/The Mighty Mocambos and many more including Young Gun Silver Fox/Shawn Lee (watch out for Shawn's contribution to Flying Mojito Bros' new album 'Just Passing Through' - review coming soon) and many more including a heavy Australian focus (Ed. and for a label based in Hamburg!)

This is like a European beach club Sophie Ellis-Bextor that's a bit more pop on a funky yacht with 'Hold On', 'No Way Home' and the previous single, '1979' standing out. 

'Obivious' is a obvious choice for the poolside dancefloor and something of a grower and one for smooching in the garden sun is 'Just For Us Tonight'. 

The is definitely an album that's worth repeated listens and get in quick before Record Store Day.

 

Artist: Luna Soul
Title: First Move
Release date: 10th April, 2025
Label: Légère Recordings
Cat. No: TBC
Format: Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp