Review: Léa Mondo - Vices (Wah Wah 45s)

From a label that's celebrating it's 25th year, that "rediscovered" Dele Sosimi and has brought us many a "must have" release, a new voice originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, that's now resident in North London via the home of Northen Soul, Wigan! What sort of musical vices has she discovered.

As the label admits, it's a glorious "smorgasbord of experimental styles fusing aspects of soul, high life, bossa-nova, jazz and reggae" with a big side of Sade (happy 65th this week BTW) and Red Hot Chilli Peppers (when they were good).

The band consists of Jasmine Burton (bass), Alex Karakurt (drums), Tawanda Manika (guitar), Olivia Cuttill (trumpet), Max Rodriguez (rhythm guitar) along with the singer/songwriter/arranger/guitarist.

She'll be playing incredibly innovate Grow in Hackney Wick (near the Copper Box Arena) on 2nd February along with legend Vanessa Freeman (last seen with Reel People, see review HERE), label head honcho Dom Servini (last seen, by me that is, at WeOutHere Festival orchestrating the main stage) and more Wah Wah 45s favourites.

This new single follows 'Heights Of Love' (see review HERE) so we're getting excited at the prospect of a debut album for what is definitely a long way from Wigan, pier or otherwise: did I ever tell you of my pilgrimage to Wigan Pier or the snowed off game at Springfield Park? Another time eh!

Artist: Léa Mondo 

Release: Vices

Release Date: 19th January, 2023

Label: Wah Wah 45s

Catalog Number: Digital / BANDCAMP

Review: Robert Babicz - Mahoya / Liquid Gold (Stripped Down Records)

Stripped Down Records get Robert Babicz back with a double banger for New Year!

We loved the re-emergence of Madrid De Los Austrias on Stripped Down Records last year (see review HERE) along with all their other releases and 2024 looks like another deep delve as long time favourite, Robert Babicz, turns up with his perchant for acid, techno, big beat, jungle, minimal and many stops in-between.

Now based in Malta, after spending most of the past 30 years absorbing electronic music in Germany and around the globe of house music. No wonder that Stripped Down Records wanted to start the year with 'Mahoya' and 'Liquid Gold'.

'Mahoya' leads the way for 8 minutes with a mix of space beams and multi-lingual haunting confident femaie vocals .whilst 'Liquid Gold' pumps it up a little for the clubs (although both tracks have their place in all environments) with what's been described as "muted acid" [Mr. Babicz was/is aka Rob Acid].

I'm confident that there's a longer 'Liquid Gold' in there as it's a proper dancefloor weaver - ideal for any island rave and the label and artist are an obvious coloboration for more great releases like this.

Artist: Robert Babicz

Title: Mahoya / Liquid Gold 

Release date: 19th January, 2024 

Label : Stripped Down Records 

Catalog Number : STRD030 Digital 

Review: Nico Efstratiou feat. Athimux - Ndibize (incl. Aytiwan, Mahandana Remixes) (Deep In Your Soul)

Afro House to go with South Africa's Nico Efstratiou's latest single 'Ndibize' featuring the vocal talents of Athimux.

The original version is a perfect soulful balance of the pair's talents to get the new year started.

The release also has two mega remixes from Aytiwan  (who you will recall was called on to do the remix for David Hopperman's 'Mire' (including a Diamond Dealer Remix)(see review HERE) who elongates the track and adds a mystical tension.

The Mahandana remix is currently our favourite as it's deep in percussive ambience (Ed. is that because it's over 7 minutes long?)

Must find out if Belgium international Youri Tielemans (and currently a Lion) is a fan of Afro-house, would love to DJ at his Xmas/New Year Party next year.

Artist: Nico Efstratiou feat. Athimux

Title: Ndibize (incl. Aytiwan, Mahandana Remixes)

Release date: 12th January, 2024

Label : Deep In Your Soul

Catalog Number : DIYS016 Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Anni Kiviniemi Trio - Eir (We Jazz Records)

A new name to us, Anni Kiviniemi Trio's new album 'Eir' is 'new' in terms of jazz trio albums that needs to be heard. 

Anni clearly has a 'jazz' in its widest sense view of a trio album that is aided here with the talents of  bassist Eero Tikkanen and drummer Hans Hulbaekmo from Gard Nilssen's Supersonic Orchestra and Moskus (you'll recall the GNSO's 'Family' album from last year, see review HERE).

The UK based composer/pianist has certainly cramed much into these eight original tracks with neo-classical to avant garde, light and dark, quirky and smooth, Scandi-North African folk but the common theme is outstanding class; particularly my favourite track, 'Atoms'.

Already booked for the We Jazz Festival later this year, keep your eyes open for this soon to be famous name on the jazz circuit.

Artist: Anni Kiviniemi Trio 
Title: Eir
Release date: 12th January, 2024
Label : We Jazz Records
Catalog Number : WJLP58 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Kanedo, Sumsuch, Lucky Sun - Deep Patterns (Be Adult Music)

Everybody knows 3 is a magic number but when your patent comes in, that's a Lucky 7 in betting terms so put your money on this one to be the first big 'un of the New Year.

So this is not just you're average EP of 3 tracks as we have:-

1. Sumsuch and Kanedo featuring RubenS on with 'Seaside Memories'

2. Kanedo on his own with 'With You'

3. Lucky Sun and Kanedo with 'T's Groove'

You may spot a similarity with the cover to that of the compilation of last year, 'Deep House Lovers' on the same label (see review HERE) and these new tracks feel deep [no pun etc] in that cross the Balearics afro-beach goove.

If you need to catch up, Lucky Sun's 'Balance' was also out last year (see review HERE) that featured Alison David and the Kanedo & Sumsuch remix of 'Sunset' so who knows how good that'd all be if they ever got in the same studio all at the same time?

Be Adult Music · Kanedo, Sumsuch, Lucky Sun - Deep Patterns (BAM345) [Out 04th Jan 2024]

Artist: Kanedo, Sumsuch, Lucky Sun 

Title: Deep Patterns

Release date: 4th January 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Cat. No: BAM345

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: ReKaB (Plus Remixers) - Diverse Pathways (Fourier Transform)

To say that ReKaB is a bit of a local legend in these parts is a bit of an under statement as his latest release on Fourier Transform is going to find many different pathways on his journey.

Indeed, this new release is also out in double CD format (Ed. the future retro?) and it's a proper exploration of techno inspired ambient acid house outta space music. 

Fans of his previous EP, 'Radom Signal' (see review HERE) will know what to expect and 'Total Control' (including 'Huckaby's Soul (Tribute)', that's a monster track and fitting tribute to Detroit's Mike Huckaby RIP) [P.S. RIP Amp Fiddler, another Detroit legend].

Back to 'Diverse Pathways', the 12 tracks by ReKab form the basis of this album and the titles are evocative of the music 'The Flow Keeps Getting Better' (post-Trans Europe Express acid), 'Drfiting Forward' and 'Talking Machines' are particularly excellent.

But not only that, he's managed to get the attention of a host of remixers on ten tracks which form CD2.  It's pretty diverse (no pun etc) as there's both darker and lighter moments like Kim Cosmik's take on 'Talking Machines' and William Courtice's 'Leaving For Mars' mix of the same track. And if you need a comparison, another transformation is [MXM]'s remix of the original track, 'Always Finding Time'.

So you'd expect the launch party to be in Berlin or a 'trendy' London postcode? So would I except, it's now time to declare an interest here, many moons ago I DJ'd with James (aka ReKaB) in Dorset and know that the party will be in the musically active town of Bridport (see details below) with 'Jazz Compacter' himself [MXM] which sounds like a great place to get the winter warmers out and prepare for a hectic New Year.

This album is a beautiful absorbion of modern electronic dance music and hopefully propel James into the spaceways.  

Artist: ReKaB (plus Remixers)

Title:  Diverse Pathway

Release date: 1st December, 2023

Label : Fourier Transform

Catalog Number : FTCD003

Format: 2xCD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Various Artists - Batov Artists 3 (Batov Records)

So another stunning release from Batov Records and better than that, it's a nine track compilation of some of their biggest stars... but there's some even better news!

We've love a the sounds from Batov this year; from Eje Eje's 'Five Seasons' (see review HERE) who are represent on this album with 'Black Sea Majic (Autumn)' to some lounge samba for ya Jonny Trunk types with Moriah Plaza's 'Samba Moosh' (see review HERE).

The great news is that the Sandman Project (the Emanative / Jessica Lauren project) is here in the form of  Hamsa Remixes EP (see review HERE) and more proof that there's more to just 'middle eastern' grooves, Muito Kaballa's 'Luna' is 60s jazz proggy and middle eastern. 

Of course, the hous band/flag wavers of the label, Sababa 5 are represented with the new track, 'Aeolus' from the album Aspan' (see review HERE) but the album is all gems like this.

Oh! And the "even better news", this compilation by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi is on Bandcamp as a digital release as a "Thank you" for a mere £1.00 if you get in quick; indeed "Thank you" Batov Records and all the artists and fans alike.

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Batov Artists 3

Release date: 15th December, 2023

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR090

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Raz Olsher - Rubato (Fossil Sounds)

So this festive season, there's much musical thought of choirs and classical settings but don't imagine that Raz Olsher's classical background means 'Rubato' is going to be all "sugar and spice and all things nice".

In fact, it's so much better than that as the opening track,'Prelude With Attitude', is all about the attitude.  And as it's a 'concept' album, the theme continues with 'Aquarium' [if there's one Youtube music video to watch this year, this is it - see below] as Dilla meets Harry Potter on the way to the dripping underworld.

'Daydream' is even more avant-garde but we never get quite as far as 2008's 'ReComposed' by Carl Craig and Moritz Von Oswald who delved into Deutche Grammophon's archives of Ravel and Mussorgsky.  But that could be avenue to suggest as I suspect Marina Lieberman-Haywood (piano) is a far bigger name in her concert field than I am aware of. 

'In Between' does sound like a start of an "emergence" from this underworld big choral theme's that could be Radiohead or Pink Floyd cover version (well, it is a concept album) when 'Field Day' goes deeply synth dub and the album ends on a strange d'n'b-maninoff pool match ('Minnesota Fats' is the strangest track I've heard all year, even beating 'Warm Fireplace' on WUTMK)

Click To Play (up/down arrows to skip tracks)

I suspect Raz didn't want to go Raz Olsher Trio as that would have made it sound too jazzy as his improvisations revolve around Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Chopin et al but if you like you're classical music al la Vince Guaraldi vs. Dick Hyman vs. Black Sabbath this time of year, this is the album for you: and you'll be delighted.

Artist: Raz Olsher

Title: Rubato

Release date: 15th December, 2023

Label: Fossil Sounds

Cat. No: RUB111CD

Format: Digital / Spotify / Soundcloud / Deezer / Youtube

Review: Will Brock & Sumsuch - LoA (Land of America) (with Dave Leck Remix) (Colour & Pitch)

I've got to say, the chorus of "LoA, LoA, LoA" does sound a bit 'Elvis in Hiwaii' but wait! This 'Land Of America' fights back with some edge that's right for these testing times.

Taking some Philly love from their 'Humanity' release from the passed couple of years, (see CAP071 & Remixed CAP077) with some angst from fellow Philly resident, Kameelah Waheed (who joined the duo on 'Don't Know Where I'm Going', see review HERE) it comes in original, clean, dub and Dave Leck Remix.

In fact, the remix doubles the bouncey synths with Will Brock's fantastic vocals and lyrics the shines a light on the land of the free's "subtle gaslighting America seems to inflict on its most vulnerable citizens" (track was written mid-2022), that's now happening in various elections all over the planet. 

Next year expect a track 'Free Born Man' (could that be an "answer" track?) with a Vincenzo Remix; he of Be Adult Music (check their latest compilation for Xmas, ' Winter Tale', HERE) and the dub version sounds less 50th State and more Balearic with a strong beach percussion vibe and soft-rock twang (Dave is Australian).

I hope to have an "exclusive" with the lyrics to update you with as I feel this is going to be an important release for these two and deserves to be fully appreciated.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - November 2023

Artist: Will Brock & Sumsuch 

Title: LoA (Land of America) (with Dave Leck Remix)

Release date: 15th December, 2023

Label: Colour & Pitch

Cat. No: CAP089

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Cielo (US) - Gravity (Loveclub & Domingo Remix) (Be Adult Music)

This time of year, you might feel as lonely as a glass bauble hanging from a Xmas tree in a pine forest; not with Cielo's gravitational pull to the dancefloor. 

It's safe to say that Be Adult's grown up approach to festive boogie is mesmerizing at times and there's two versions of 'Gravity' gowing on here.  The original has a big feel of foreboding underneath the synth wispers and twinkly guitar and piano.

The Domingo & Loveclub remix gets a short vocals interlude and is more club orientated which is a great option to have.

And, as an added treat, if you recall the opening track to the label's birthday compilation back in March, '7 Anniversary' (see review HERE), under pressure from island steel drum spiritual types, there's a super groovey 'Nectarine (Extended Retouch)' included (DJs; watch out for the jumpy ending). 

And whilst on the subject of compilations, if you're after the warm glow these 12 tracks give you at this chilly time of year, there's some real winter cheer with 'Winter Tale' that comes out a week before.

We've really enjoyed Be Adult Music this year with The 8 Beat Quartet's 'Nu Modern Sounds' (see review HERE), MRSFLV's 'Beautiful Others' (see review HERE) and the double A of Vincenzo 's 'Extrasolar / The Witching Hour' (see review HERE) so I hope well be hearing much more from them in 2024. 

Artist: Cielo (US) 

Title: Gravity (Loveclub & Domingo + Remix)

Release date: 21st December 2023

Label; Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM341

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Winter Tale

Release date: 14th December 2023

Label; Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM340