Review: Shiran & Bakal - Electro Baghdad - اليكترو بغداد (Batov Records)

Shiran & Bakal's blend of traditional Iraqi songs with analog synths, heavy basslines, and electronic grooves is the magic combination that you didn't know existed, buy your ticket to 'Electro Baghdad'.

Hot on the heels of Ouzo Bazooka's 'Kapaim' a "Middle Eastern surf rock psychedelia, Turkish-funk space-rock" (see review HERE), lets slip down the coast to Baghdad and in a bit (Ed. not exactly 'Google Maps' directions?) and plug-in for some 'Electro Baghdad'!

A project that fits the bill for fans of Acid Arab and Omar Souleyman (the 'part-time wedding singer, the Syrian 'William Onyeabor') and it's trad folk songs that fit a Lawrence Of Arabia soundtrack in the dance tent at Glasto wiht big synths and Shiran's vocals on top.

Singing in Yemenite Arabic, the ablum starts off with a slower love some, 'Sghayiroun' (Little One) but it t doesn't take long to get fully modern production party mode with tradition 'Ah Ya Layla Yumma' (Oh my night mother) becomes the tune 'Electro Hafla' (Arabic party) and 'Eshrab Kasak Wethanna' (Drink Your Glass and Be Happy).

In fact, you could say this is like being invited to the soundtrack of a wedding celebration that you didn't know existed - Songlines, World, WOMAD fans are going to love this; particularly like the space synths, Flute Gang elements and the echo/Pirate Radio/Calling to prayer, disco touches: perhaps their should be full dub album version?

PS. You'll have to be very quick to get your hands on the vinyl.

`    

Artist: Shiran & Bakal 

Title: Electro Baghdad - اليكترو بغداد

Release date: 20th June, 2025

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR

Format: Limited LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: The Jade - Love Harder (Lovemonk Records)

If you can remember the group Change, 'Change!' by The Jade is in that disco/jazz ball park and is perfect for you.

We've already been Introduced to The Jade by the singles ‘Change!’ and the follow up, the glorious Latin/jazz/samba/fusion ‘Si no me quieres esperar’ with vocals by Cuban singer Ale Gutiérrez (of Habana Abierta and El Combo Batanga) but we should have guessed the album, 'Love Harder', would be even harder from a project led by Casbah 73's Oli Stewart outta Madrid.

 

It's got a huge heritage of Brit-jazz-funk bands Incognito, Light Of The World and more which is clear from the opening tracks 'Le' t The Light In' and 'Change!'.  And if you remember Sun Palace's 'Raw Movements'/'Rude Movements', you're going to love 'On That Strange' and all the other tracks (11) on the album. 

And then on 'Space Lines' they out do the big hats of Jamiroquai and 'What It Takes' will fill up the disco/funk charts.

The band is superb with Chavi Ontoria (keyboards), David Salvador (bass), Josué García and Dani Herrera (horns), Deborah Ayo and Nia Martin (vocals) and, from Montevideo! Nico Ibarburu on guitar along with Josh Hoyer, Angela Gooding, Ale Gutiérrez, jazz trumpet player Malcolm Strachan; 'At The Queensboro' being particularly jazzy-funky - did somebody say, "Donald Byrd!"

Lovemonk know what's needed in the summer and this fits the "Afro-Latin jazz-dance and Iberian funk" bill perfectly.

BUY LINK: https://onerpm.link/101104305573

Artist: The Jade 
Title: Love Harder
Release date: 20th June, 2025
Label: Lovemonk Records 
Cat. No: LMNK86
Format:   Digital / Bandcamp

Review: V/A - The Disco Express Sampler 1 (The Disco Express)

We bought our ticket for The Disco Express 'Summer Heatwave' Best Of 2025 compilation earlier this year, so now we're onto some away-day trips into house 'n' disco.

Following on from he 'Best Of 2024' 12" (see review HERE), to the beach bound 'Summer Heatwave' (see review HERE), those with the hands on the buttons, see our recent interview with Tom Lilly (aka Bustin Loose) and Tatiana (see interview HERE); see below time table for the TDE drop offs at the following stations: 

Gabriel Deb - Turn Around (ft. Michelle Weeks (release date 06.06.25)

Meridian - Turn Out! (release date 20.06.25)

The Wild Violets - Maybe (release date 04.07.25)

Dirty Supercar - Get Down Boogie (release date 18.07.25)
Ayce & Spirit of House - Top Of The World (release date 01.08.25)

It'll soon be 100th release on the label with a focus on new/instrument lead combos in disco like The Wild Violets (who sold out Jazz Cafe back in January this year) whose 'Maybe' is very mainstream crossover pop-disco whilst retaining it's dancefloor cool; nice synths.  It's in sharp contrast to beltin' Italo/soul of Deb/Weeks' 'Turn Around' that you may have heard already as it's been out for a couple of weeks (Ed. no pun etc, or should that be 'puns'?). Anthem!  

And whilst we're turning, Meridian are urgently pumpin' 'Turn Out!'  Summer equinox and meridian lines and all that, it's going to be big.  As big as a 'Get Down Boogie' 're-imagination' of Dirty Supercar or Ayce & Spirit Of House who are on 'Top Of The World' - "I just wanna hold you" alright!

So expect lots more in terms of styles and genres and for more on one of 'London's leading disco labels', check out the Bandcamp website.

BUY LINK: The Disco Express – Juno

Artist: Various Artists

Title:   The Disco Express Sampler 1 
Release date: June, July, August, 2025
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : N/A
Format:  Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Eric Hilton - Midnight Ragas (Montserrat House)

Eric Hilton explores the pattern of notes having characteristic intervals, rhythms and embellishments as a base of improvisations that he's called, 'Midnight Ragas', but he's never too far from that Thievery Corporation / Eighteen Street Lounge Music!

 

Ever since we heard Hlton's single with singers Natalia Clavier and Puma Ptah, ('Je ne t’aime plus (feat. Natalia Clavier)' / 'Leave It All' (feat. Puma Ptah - see review HERE) we've been excited about the new album (which follows 'Sound Vagabond' and 'Corazón Kintsugi', again with Natalia - see review HERE).

We know Eric loves the downtempo trip-hop jazz side and 'Life (In The Deep End)' is the slo-mo Balearic disco space synth mission statement for the album and and the 'tribute' track, 'Madame Asha' (see Asha Puthli review HERE) along with, indo-jazz flute gang / "70s crime flick meets ambient drum & bass", 'Behind My Eyes' (featuring The Infinite Daisy Chains).

'Burkina Faso' takes on an Afrobeat vibe, 'Galactic Shine' has a touch of a BiggaBush and if anyone mentions Michael "my name is" Caine and "Ipcress File/John Barry twinkle", 'Sol Interior' you know you're on a winner.

Even with three different vocalists and lyrics sung in French, Spanish and English, the instrumental title track, 'Midnight Ragas' sets a groove that the rest of the 12 track album follows and it's so cool, it's a 'Beautiful Moment'. 

Not only will this be on your 'Wants List', there's a new album coming out by 'Visions Of Light' (that's like the warm-up to this so stay tuned) and Urbs & Cutex album 'On Our Way' (see review HERE).

Artist: Eric Hilton with Natalia Clavier & Puma Ptah

Title: Midnight Ragas 

Release date: 20th June, 2025

Label : Montserrat House

Catalog Number : MH029

Format:  VINYL / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Zé Ibarra - AFIM (Mr Bongo)

Not entirely sure about he cover image but what with Julia Mestre and Dom Glori, Mr Bomode as Zé Ibarra adds a third prong to their summer attack with the album 'AFIM'. 

If Don Glori is on the edge of Brazilian soul-jazz (see review HERE) and Julia Madstre's 'Maravilhosamente Bem' is at the "dreamy pop" end (see review HERE), where does that put Zé Ibarra's 'AFIM'?

Well, it a perfectly compact eight tracks that cover MPB history as in the likes of Caetano Veloso, Tim Miai and Arthur Verocai plus the modern nu-wave of Bala Desejo (see review HERE); in fact, Dora Morelebaum co-wrote 'Essa Confusão' (also check out Dora's album 'Pique' - see review HERE).

As well as being a member of Bala Desejo and having a previous solo album releaed a couple of years ago, 'Marquês, 256.' in Brasil and Japan, he's also toured with Milton Nascimento!

I'm not sure is unique cover version of another Brazilian singer/songwriter, Sophia Chablau's 'Segredo' is going to 'crossover' but the rest of the album is multi-directional and will turn lots of heads.

Artist: Zé Ibarra

Title: AFIM

Release date: 13th June, 2025

Label : Mr Bongo

Catalog Number : MRB324

Format:  LP / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds - Give Me Your Love (Love Song) feat. Jolly Joseph (45/dub Mix) (Gee Recordings)

Get your orders in now for the roots reggae soul crossover dub on 45; Curtis Mayfield’s "timeless sound" is refreshed in reggae and dub.  

Soul Sugar (aka Guillaume Méténier) has a reputation in and a love of reggae music, he was entrusted to remix Horace Andy's 'Skylarking' so along with the likes of Europe's finest like Gaudi, Grant Phabao, Prince Fatty et al, this producer extraordinaire has teamed up with Dub Shepherds and their mate/singer Jolly Joseph.

You know we'd have prefered a 12" Discomix but the will surely come as you know the single will sell out soon!

As they say, "From Paris to Tokyo via Kingston Jamaica, we bring you the smoothest soul reggae vibe in town", give me your love and let's live together..

Artist:  Soul Sugar meets Dub Shepherds

Title: Give Me Your Love (Love Song) feat. Jolly Joseph (45 & Dub Mix)
Release date: 13th June, 2025
Label: Gee Recordings
Catalog Number:  GEE1004

Format: 7" / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Souhail Artwork - AFROGORO EP (Ostowana)

AFROGORO EP is more than just music-it's a cross-cultural experience that bridges the past and the present, deeply rooted in North African tradition while resonating with global dancefloors. A must-listen for fans of organic house, Afro fusion, and world-inspired electronic music.  

After the teaming up of DJ & Producer Omary with singer Amal Ben (see review HERE) here's another blend of Afro House influences with elements of the raw Malian blues of Tinariwen as Souhail Artwork get Maalem Ismail Rahil on the track 'Toukoulia' and then with Laila El Akkaf and Maalem Mohamed Montari on the track 'Marhba'

I suspect both track will appear on the label's next 'best of' compilation, check out Ostowana Of Afro House Vol. 1 (see review HERE) as they are both must-listen for anyone who appreciates the fusion of traditional sound and modern vibes -  especially 'Marhba'.

Artist: Souhail Artwork

Title: AFROGORO EP

Release date: 13th June, 2025

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST114

Format: Digital

Review: Yoni Mayraz & Tenderlonious - Ghostown! (PPK Records)

Not a jazzy cover version of The Specials classic destopian 'Ghost Town' (12th June, 1981), but a brand new 'Ghostown!'

Yoni Mayraz (piano) and Tenderlonious (flute) have produced a post-Bruk jazz bouncer. 'Ghostown!' that remarkably fits in nicely with Flying Moth's remix of 'Intentions' by Max Sinàl & KingCrowney Feat. Liv East (coming out next week - see review HERE).

Middle Eastern hip-hop jazz is now common place but when London based Yoni's album, 'Dybbuk Tse!' came out a couple of years ago it was a pretty new thing.

In comparison, Tenderlonious has been doing his own 'Flute Gang' thing for years as a solo artists, collaborator or label boss of 22a.

On the basis of this single, 'Ghostown!', on which the duo are joined by the bubblin' bass of Tom Driessler (Yussef Dayes, Adele and remember Cenk Esen's 'Endlessly - see review HERE) and drummer Zoe Pascal, this won't be that last we'll here of this combination.

BUY LINK: Yoni Mayraz (feat. Tenderlonious): Ghostown!

Artist:  Yoni Mayraz & Tenderlonious 
Title: Ghostown!
Release date: 13th June, 2025
Label : PPK Records
Catalog Number: TBC
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Mr Doris & D-Funk feat. Cantaloop - You (Grits N Gravy)

You better be prepared for 'You' for the summer sound featuring Cantaloop with DiCE_NZ and daZZla remixes.

These guys are no strangers to killer collaborations. Mr Doris & D-Funk have been dropping fire on labels like Jalapeno Records, BombStrikes, Friday’s Funky 45s, Centrl Music & Reptile Dysfunction. Their diverse musical palette has garnered support from legendary figures like Fatboy Slim, Nightmares On Wax, Nickodemus, Craig Charles & Don Letts. A testament to their innovative and boundary-pushing approach.

In fact, this seems heavily into the Smooth & Turrell/Dr Rubberfunk teritory and the daZZla remix jazz-funks up the hip-hop soul with a killer trumpet feature on the longest track on the EP.

You can see/imagine Craig Charles getting excited about this, possibly even dancing ontop of his 'Trunk Of Funk'?  But wait, for latter in the evening, DiCE_NZ's 'Smokin' Mix' brings back the spirit of Roni Size to the BBQ Jungle.

YATM love a remix and here's proof why.

Artist:  Mr Doris & D-Funk feat. Cantaloop 
Title: You
Release date: 13th June, 2025
Label : Grits N Gravy
Catalog Number: GNG025
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Urbs & Cutex - On Our Way (Beat Art Department)

Wherever you are this release is perfect for 'Wherever You Are' -  what'd mean they taken their time? Urbs & Cutex are on their way with this 15-track album, 'On Our Way'.

This 22 year long wait for the reformation of Urbs & Cutex was introduced to us with the single, 'Wherever You Are' featuring T.R.A.C., 'Bird Of Paradise' and ' Memories' (see review HERE) has elements of where Urbs left his album 'Im Geheimland' (see review HERE) but the Cutex association has put instrumental hip-hop in a bit of a Viennese Whirls (Ed. OK. we'll let you off repeating this).

'Wherever You Are' is still perfect for the summer park strolls with echoes of Bob James and rap wy New York MC, T.R.A.C. (who has worked with Visioneers).  In fact, the mostly instrumental album has a lot of 'Marc Mac presents Visionneers' jazzy-beats quality about it.

In addition to the dreamy 'Bird Of Paradise' and 'Indian Summer' (Ed. what no sitar!), 'Make It Real' and the title track is full of the summer haze of jazz horn and it's very chill-hop West Coast throughout; perhaps 'Recognize' could be a West Coast with Cuts and 'bone (love it), a bossa 'Watch Out' and 'Lovegod'.

Urbs & Cutex (aka David Schuller and Paul Nawrata) have expanded their downtempo 'Peace (Talks!) & Love' hip-hop theme with tracks like 'Bubbles', 'Not An Angel In The Sky' featuring beatiful flute (at 6 minutes long - in fact, it's great to see such an album with many tracks over 3 minutes long in the 4/5 minutes range) and Compost's sub-label, Beat Art Department, is an ideal podium to host this album and the timing for a 'new' Austrian "Kruder & Dorfmeister" couldn't be better timed.

BUY LINK: https://BAD.lnk.to/UrbsCutex-OnOurWay

Artist:  Urbs & Cutex 
Title: On Our Way
Release date: 13th June, 2025
Label : Beat Art Department
Catalog Number  BAD016 
Format: Digital / Bandcamp