Review: Darren Morris - Union II (Ramrock Noir)

Did somebody say, "Ramrock Noir Again"?  Did somebody say, "Darren Morris"? Did somebody say, "Darren Morris (he of keyboards, mastering engineer, producer, North Street West, Black Science Orchestra, Steve Mason Band and loads more) releases an LP on the new label Ramrock Noir has a follow up to Union I called Union II"? 

'Union I' is something leftfield even for the ambient leftfield cinematic fans as imagine again Darren Morris at the Henry Willis Organ at the Union Chapel in Islington improvising in grand gothic tones.  And then he's added studio embellishments later that take the sound further into early Tangerine Dream, Edgar Froese, Klaus Schulze et al (see review HERE).

In the studo his got Solina string machines that recorded the cellos, violas and violins separately along with "Arpeggiated performances on the Nord Lead II add a bit of sci-fi movement, plus pings and pops from a random rhythm generator synth made lovingly inside the Nord Modular Mk1 - both keyboards I’ve owned since 1998 by Swedish company, Clavia” and throw in a tape echo and some vibes!

This sounds rather Wendy Carlos/Keith Emerson/Rick Wakeman to most of us but on the 3 lead tracks, 'The Big Debussy', 'Stick Children' and 'Unwinding Vision' it's what we've been calling for.  

A trip on the Jean-Michel Jarre spaceship via your nearest Cathedral organ and you're ready for a best OST nomination.

If you've ever listened to Moz Walsh's All.FM show on a Sunday Morning that has strong classical / spiritual links, 'Union I' would form a 'Best Of' selection and if you stay tuned to the station, you'll know that the Ray Conniff fan club (Jason Cook et moi) are big on the version, 'An Improvisation On "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" - watch out for the No'west Xmas remix!.

Artist: Darren Morris

Title:  Union II

Release date: 30th June, 2025
Label: Ramrock Noir Records
Cat. No: RRNLP002
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: DFRA Experience Jazz Band - The Human Discard EP (Inc. DUBBYMAN Remix) (MATE)

What! DEFRA! Some Parlimentary jazz band from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs?  No, it's DFRA Experience Jazz Band aka Diego Ruiz from Argentina on the MATE lable from Spain and you can't discard 'The Human Discard'.

Well - this is a surprise as it' full-on jazz band of trumpet, sax, acoustic bass, jazz piano and vibes from the sixties in a Deep House groove. But wait, that gets a DUBBYMAN Latin remix as 'breakin' jazz' which make it even more perfect 8 minutes. 

'Inside The Club' and 'Spinning In My Head' (sounding quite Herbie) complete the 4-track EP but get your orders in now as this is going to sell out quick.

BUY LINK: DFRA EXPERIENCE JAZZ BAND - The Human Discard EP (feat Dubbyman remix) Vinyl at Juno Records.

Artist: DFRA Experience Jazz Band

Title: The Human Discard (Inc. DUBBYMAN Remix) 

Release date: 30th June, 2025

Label : MATE

Catalog Number : MATE019

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: B:Dum B:Dum Sound - The Lost Tapes (Ramrock Records)

Once booed off stage at one of their very rare gigs when supporting an early version of The Verve, Jo Wallace has been delving in the lost corners of Lancashire attics to find 'The Lost Tapes' of B:Dum B:Dum Sound; now fully cleaned up (the tapes), 30 years on, they are ready for a new dancefloor.

It wasn't that long ago that Jo Wallace (head honcho at Ramrock) unearthed the semi-lost album, 'Planet Fantastique' by The Ercons (see review HERE). A couple of months later, the human TBM (aka 'The Mole') has dug even deeper! This time, not only finding 'The Lost Tapes' but also a barely found band/group/person, B:Dum B:Dum Sound.

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So unless you were in 'The In Crowd' of Manchester's early 90s art school echo chambers of the 3 northern lads who had a 4 track EP released with the help of Bolton Arts Council, you won't be aware on the post-industrial dub beats of B:Dum B:Dum Sound (the name taken from one of the many popular tunes by Manchester's punk leaders, The Buzzcocks).

So to find a DAT tape in the attic with 4 tracks on it, 'There Is No Question Pt. 1', 'Only A Ghost', 'Mercy' and the only previously (extremely limited) released track, 'Do/Don't' is a bit of a coup:  'Do/Don't' being very much in the style of Lee 'Scratch' Perry (perhaps the one producer with more found 'lost tapes' than anyone else in history) .  

You can imagine that 'electronic' music of samples, loops, dub, house isn't going to easily find an audience in Manchester at a time of contemporaries like then up and coming, indie/guitar bands like The Verve (the B:Dum B:Dum Sound supported band booing incident is not uncommon as in Suicide supporting The Clash on UK Tour or Simian Mobile Disco (The Klaxons) to name just two. But now in more enlightened times, with echo's of Jah Wobble/Adrian Sherwood's On-U Sound etc and Augustus Pablo being in the building (not literally of course) with 'Only A Ghost' this is going to find a wider audience, particularly as 'Mercy' is proper mesmeric as it's been trapped in the catacombs of dub for far too long (Ed. actually, it's been 'trapped' in the loft).  

We're unlikely to ever have a 'There Is No Question Pt. 2' (which is shame) but as these tapes have been remastered by Darren Morris (he of 'Union I' - see review HERE - and shortly 'Union II') this is definitely one for fans of early adoptors like Sean Johnston (did someone say, "Cisco Cisco"?) and The Flightpath Estate DJ collective plus the Rhythm Doctor (he of 'Digital Juju', see review HERE, who had he's own 'lost tapes' story release last year with Skeet's 'Park Road' EP that was big with Gilles Peterson: so much so, the Rhythm Doctor is appearing at WOH Festival this year) and Madtone (see 'Livicate EP' with Jasmine Tutu, see review HERE).

Definitely one to get now as it's far too good to be in the attic.

Artist:  B:Dum B:Dum Sound

Title: The Lost Tapes

Release date: 27th June, 2025

Label: Ramrock Records

Cat. No: RR013

Format:  Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Sio x Tesfa Williams - SIGMA (STY TRU BTS)

Sió and Tesfa Williams (formerly T. Williams) trace a journey from pain to power on new album 'SIGMA', issued on STY TRU BTS, the sister label to legendary South African imprint, Stray True Sounds.

Following her 2022 debut LP, 'Torn Tapestries', South African singer-songwriter Sió returns with SIGMA, a new album releasing 27th June. Created in collaboration with London-based producer Tesfa Williams (formerly T. Williams), the project offers a clear exploration of personal growth, emotional resilience, and self-determination.

Written and recorded over four days at Strong Room Studios in Shoreditch, London, SIGMA presents a focused and intentional work. Williams' production balances engaged beats with flowing restraint, supporting Sió's direct and reflective lyricism. The album contains eleven tracks centred on independence, boundary-setting, and healing themes. Singles "Fortnite," "Continents," and "Outside" preview the emotional range of the project, addressing autonomy, confrontation, and renewal. Together, Sió and Williams have crafted a grounded and emotionally deep record.

Sió puts it like this: "Tesfa's beats spoke to every feeling I needed to get out. His quick mind and open heart gave me the space to write something that healed me. I'm done asking for permission. I refuse to settle or compromise. I own my flaws and victories - that's the real rebellion; self-love.” SIGMA is a clear statement of intent from an artist evolving with purpose and marks the next step in Sió's collaboration with STY TRU BTS.

Artist: Sió and Tesfa Williams

Title: SIGMA

Release date: 27th June, 2023

Label : STY TRU BTS

Catalog Number : TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Peter and Kerry - You, Me and The Moon (Sonar Kollektiv)

Peter & Kerry's first album since 'La Trimouille' in 2012 is coming out on Sonar Kollektiv this week!

When i heard the 'All I Got Of My Dreams' as a single, (see review HERE), I thought this had some of indie pop/rock/The Sound Lab' about it; and it does, but there's also something folkie going on and a brilliant combination of two talented musicians.

Kerry Leatham is from Essex and Peter Lyons is from Southampton and the opening track 'I Can Only Swim In Memories' is a proper sea shore duet; I wonder if he can remember the old swimming pool in Southampton before they built the Quays? 

'Heartbeat' is their Fleetwood Mac classics period with some fine guitar and vocal work whilst 'All I've Got Are My Dreams' mixes some 80s pop and Balearic synths but the best tracks are when they sound like them, 'In The Morning', 'By The Sea One Day', 'It's Best This Way' as a summery pop-folk indie duo that's listened to lots of 60s influences; particulary the title track.

We're told, "Their sound blends high-end digital production with vintage reel-to-reel machines, 1960s BBC ribbon microphones, phone voice memos, and toy cassette recorders—a nod to Peter’s early fascination with DIY recording techniques".

"You, Me and The Moon'" was some graffiti that Peter spotted on his way to his East London Studio and these 12 tracks are that mix of urban (as in city) vs. countryside (as in folk) with current pop with some goth/indie and jazz sentiments - a bit like a modern Tunng as a duo on Jazz FM/BBC 6 Music.  

I'm guessing Sonar Kollektiv, with extensive range of contacts will be thinking of remix versions (which I could imagine an 'Anything But The Girl' angel) but like one of their track titles, 'I Hope That We Never Fit In' and I hope they don't too, that's in 'a good way' of course.

BUY LINK: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/YouMeandtheMoon

Title: Peter & Kerry

Title: You, Me And The Moon

Release date: 27th June, 2025

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK515 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Anushka - My Mother's Mother (BBE Music)

African inspired love song for grand mother's everywhere taken from the forthcoming album 'Ancestry' (did you see what they did there?) along with a remix from South African/Mozambiquan wunderkind, Thakzin.

This is somewhat different to their earlier single, 'Really (Nothig Is Cool)' with the Max Wheeler dub (see review HERE) and we know Thakzin from various appearance on Foliage (see review HERE) and as a DJ, he has been laured by this likes of BBC 6 Music DJs like Jamz Supernova and Benji B and played out by Osunlade, Atjazz, Louie Vega, Laurent Garnier and many more.

Now, put that together with Gambian Kora player Jally Kebba Susso and you've got a might Grand MF remix from a Thakzin Perspective and a Perespective Dub.

BBE are on a roll at the moment with a re-press of Madlib's 'WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip' album (see review HERE) and Anushka's forthcoming album, it's hard to keep up; but don't mis out on this remix!

Artist: Anushka 

Title: My Mother's Mother (with Thakzin remix)

Release date: 13th June, 2025

Label :  BBE Music

Catalog Number: BBE776SDG3

Format: Digital / Bandcamp   

Review: Nomi Ruiz & Eli Escobar - Love Louder (Razor-N-Tape Records)

When you've already made a name for yourself as a vocalist with Hercules & Love Affair, Jessica 6 and countless collaborations, Nomi Ruiz teams up to 'Love Louder' together on Razor-N-Tape Records with a full album.  

Yes that's right!  Jessica 6, the Brooklyn-based Nu-disco/pop trio that were on Peacefrog who had that crossover connections with ANOHNI and hipsters Hercules & Love Affair.  All very NY trendy so add to that background DJ/Producer Eli Escobar's credentials, whowonder why these Nuyoricans haven't released a debut album until now after thier first collaboration in 2011.

One reason may well be that whether it's his own productions, edits or remixes, Escobar is prolific and he's perfect at getting that Disco/Latin/percussion/dancefloor combination perfect.  So it's cool that he's happy to play to the support to Nomi's singing talents on these eight tracks; that said, it works in a delicate synth-pop way like the title track and 'The Spell' that draw on that Love Affair tension/angst.  

'Heathens' and 'Full Fantasy' are upbeat enough for dancefloor plays but the album is indeed full of tension as in Nomi's own words, "We live in a world and a city where this sense of imminent loss surrounds us” and never a truer word said in the two weeks leading up to the release but they have both had mutual friends pass recently and 'Go Be Gone' catches the theme perfectly and at the same time, it's a love letter to the ever changing landscape of NYC itself (Ed. insert your local urban centre as it's a global issue).

Whilst we would all like to dance our summers away, this album is a reminder of other things; possibly the two themes come together with 'Blindside' (can we have an extended more dubby version?), 'Glitter & Gold' and the city sex theme of 'Juice'.

They've moved quite a long way from the DFA template (Ed. haven't we all?)   We've said it before, we're always impressed with a Razor-N-Tape project and 'Love Louder' is no exception.

 
BUY LINK: Nomi Ruiz & Eli Escobar - Love Louder

Artist: Nomi Ruiz & Eli Escobar 

Title: Love Louder 
Release date: 27th July, 2025
Label : Razor-N-Tape.
Catalog Number : RNTR082
Format :  LP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Reinel Bakole - Humble Me (Independent)

No pie eating going on here as Reinel Bakole returns with a new track, 'Humble Me'!

After featuring on Muito Kaballa's album, 'The River' on Batov Records with 'Let Go' and 'All This While' - by coincidence, the next release on the label after Sababa 5 & Canay Doğan's double AA single 'Biga​̂​ne'/'Namdar', see review HERE - what do you do?

Well, Reinel Bakole went on a trip to Brazil and comes back after a year with new track, 'Humble Me' after working on a new album with producer Helocim back in Brussels.

MPB meets Popcorn soul meets beats a la R&B golden era Ms. Badu with a touch of jazz harp. 

What with Pink Butter (see review HERE) giving us some Swedish twist to keep it cool as we don't an pie or Kate, keep it humble.

Artist: Reinel Bakole
Title:  Humble Me

Release date: 25th June, 2025

Label : Independent

Catalog Number :tbc
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Demarkus Lewis - Love Still Lives EP (Vibe Me To The Moon)

When DJ/Producer Demarkus Lewis isn't running his own Grin Music label, there's plenty of other labels that he's been on in the past 25 years that want him back so it's a big deal to welcome his return to Vibe Me To The Moon for DJ Nightsteppaz. 

After Nightsteppaz's 'Want Me' (along with a Franck Roger remix - see review HERE) plus Mr. Franck Roger's own 'Can U Believe' EP (see review HERE) on Vibe Me To The Moon, DJ Nightsteppaz has reached out to another prolific producer for 'Love Still Lives EP', Demarkus Lewis.

Lewis, described as a "Seasoned House favourite", has got his Vibe Me To The Moon follow up to 'Listen & Understand' (from 2022) that is full of love as it's title indicates with tracks 'Touch My Love', 'Cold Heart' and 'Love Still Lives'.

The cold (heart) vocal efx are warmed up by the synth pad, particularly on 'Love Still Lives' and the uptempo bounce of 'Touch My Love'.    

All three tracks are perfect for any club but if you need a winner for the weekend, 'Touch My Love' is it.

Released the week after the summer solstice, this is a hot one for the dancefloor - you'll love it. 

BUY LINK: Vibe Me To The Moon Tracks & Releases on Traxsource

Artist: Demarkus Lewis 

Title:  Love Still Lives EP 

Release date: 27th June, 2025

Label : Vibe Me To The Moon Records

Catalog Number : Vibe Me To The Moon 024

Format:  Digital  

Reviw: Joy Spheres Rees - Solina (BBE Music)

With some of the best in the Naarm / Melbourne community, Allysha Joy, Hidden Spheres (AKA Tom Harris) and Finn Rees have got together for futher explorations in soulful/Balearic bounce-hop for 'Trust The Feeling' by Joy Sphere Rees - did you see what they did there?

Yet another BBE find as who wouldn't want the trident of Joy (as in 30/70 - see review HERE) along with Close Counters (see review HERE) and with Finn Rees (see review HERE) plus the meat in the sandwich so to speak, Tom 'Hidden Spheres' Harris.

This album couldn't have been timed better with the soltice as 'Solina' is a hot ray of sunshine in more than worrying times.  With Joy's vocals and some beachside beats  like 'Caves Sands' (sultry flute) , 'Trust The Feeling' and 'Caught In The Wind' all seems to have a grounding in nature and a love of the elements.

Perhaps 'Surrender Love' best reflects the ablum as the leading "Balearic House to Street Soul, Alternative RnB and Jazz" with a touch of elementry instrumental hip-hop ('Always Leaving').

The previous singles, 'Trust The Feeling' and 'Promise Me Love' give you the two extremes of the set, the sexy 'Sade' end and the up[per] beat DJ end.

It's a shame the jazz end of 'Delta Spirit' isn't longer but this is definitely an album that'll grow in stature and if you don't get the LP now you'll be kicking yourself later.

BUY LINK: SOLINA | Joy Spheres Rees

Artist: Joy Spheres Rees 

Title: Solina

Release date: 23rd May, 2025

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number: BBE805

Format:  Vinyl LP - Gatefold (Limited) / Digital / Bandcamp