Review: Lakeshouse - On Verda Mi (Paper Recordings)

We are told, "Lakeshouse are the new school Norwegian collective who distil a rich heritage of Scandinavian disco and electronica into 12 dazzling cuts" - prepare to be dazzled!  And confused?

The 'Inspector Norse' phenomenon that gave us Todd Terje, Lindrøm and all things Prins Thomas and Full Plupp et al that moved the centre of dance music quite a few degrees north towards Oslo after Bugge Wesseltoft and Jazzland did the same a decade or so before them.  And whilst all this has been going on, Paper Recordings have been keeping their eyes close to the Olso tundra and found Lakeshouse back in 2019 ffor their debut EP.

Lakehouse is a trio collective of Djs and jazz musicians who have space in their house from disco to OST beng leftfield and all they touch, which is the essence of 'On Verda Mi'. And with that knowledge, the album doesn't sound as angular as on first listen: you could say it playfulaly messes with you senses into post-Norse world starting with 'Ubergrensa Harmoni'.

I hope 'Evig Kjærleik' gets loads of radio plays for the non-nordic pronunciation of the title and the slighty warped intro of 'Tales Of The Unexpected' before it goes all vocoder space-funk house thru' "80s Nintendo" vision: see what I mean, sounds an odd combo except as underground Daft Punk rocker.

Chances are you'll be singing along to 'Eg Står opp i Dag' this party season as it's the most Daft-Punked whilst 'La Playa' is at the Lakeshouse Italo-White isle crazy folk fiddle in the jazz bop da, da, da dah. "Disco"!  I thought that would be ideal for a longer edit/remix if you want to go down that road, don't forget our Lakeshoue 'introducion' with the single, 'Renate's Dans' (with Hot Toddy & Gouldian Finch Remixes - see review HERE) where the original is that mix of Synth does Classics vs. 70s TV theme as Stars On 45: don't be scared it's fully in tune with the rest of the album.

The most immediate track is the pumpin' 'Nitti' (Ed. no gritti then?) and if you have "Weeds Up To Me Knees". you'll go for the slow samba beats of 'Secret Plants' which is even a bit leftfield for these guys with a little bit of harp-hip-hop, but who knows what they're growing in their back garden.

If you want a football analogy, this is like a mid-week European-away trip where the club has just relaid a 4G pitch without telling anyone in the middle of the night and then go on to win the game and the cup.  Not the best I've come up with but, as they say, "Watch this space because Lakeshouse are coming!"

N.B. For more Norwegian extremes, we're interviewed Third Attempt on YATM (see interview HERE) to the other extreme, for some real obscure Norwegain, keep an eye on the Norske Albumkassikere label that crowd funds re-issues, although no idea wthy there was a renewed interest last year to revive Vömmöl Spellmannslag's 'Vømmøl Kommune' apart from all them 'o's?

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  Om Verda Mi by Lakeshouse

Artist: Lakehouse 

Title: On Verda Mi

Release date: 29th October, 2025

Label : Paper Recordings
Catalog Number : TBC
Format:   Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - TDE100 (The Disco Express)

"All change, all change", The Disco Express has arrived! TDE100 is "packed with fresh originals and hand-picked gems, the compilation blends funk, soul, nu-disco, house, and electronica. Crafted to move seamlessly from peak-time dance floors to laid-back Sunday listening, it's both timeless and forward-thinking".

From the 'Top Of The World' (Ayce & Spirit of House featuring Stephanie Sounds) opening track this 15 track compilation that celebrates the 100th release on the label and their massive party at ADE (23rd October on a train of course!) does not let anyone down the wrong track.

Whether it's Milfredo and Derrick Carter's soulful Chicago house re-rub remix of 'Didn't I' or The Wild Violtets 'Sweet Redemption' we've got a joy and disco-house to the botton of your souls.

As silly as it is to name a favourite, 'My Name Is Love' (Golden Gate & Inaya Day) is high up there along with 'I Believe It' that we know the Bayside & Felmann EP,  'Funky Love' (see review HERE) and YATM interviewee Third Attempt (see HERE) who goes 'A Little Deeper'.

And whilst we love a train, buses are cool too.  Some years ago, I didn't need to get the bus to get to a Fatback gig as I could walk to it and they were amazing: Are you Ready? All aboard for Bustin' Looose's Disco Express Remix of 'Do The Bus Stop' and he's breaking the speed limit on the X2 service!

This really fits the modern disco of The Disco Express ethos as it's amazingly 70s and 2025 all at the same time with we know Bustin' Loose (aka Tom Lilly) is a leader (and train driver); don't forget our interview with Tom of last year, see HERE,.

BUY LINK / Vinyl Pre-Order: TDE100: 100th Release Special | The Disco Express

e & Felmann,Funky Love EPThe Disco Express,

Artist: Various Artists 

Title: TDE100

Release date: 24th October, 2025
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS100
Format:  Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Mike Nasty - Sketches In Deep (Nasty Tracks)

'Oh!, UH!, Oh! OHHHHH'.... let's sing the praises of Mike Nasty's new album, 'Sketches In The Deep' that's out today.

If you've not fallen in love with the soul/gospel/jazzy house single 'Sing Your Praise' that came out a couple of weeks ago, you'll not want to miss out this deep album that is just as good as the great artwork of the cover with tracks like 'Jungle', 'Copper Tones' (great trumpet on this one) and the nasty (in a good way) 'Nocturne'.

Out on his own Nastry tracks label, Mike Nasty's 'Sketches in Deep’ is "a musical experience that beams with joy and delivers endless listening pleasure…" that uses his DJ ears to blend house and jazz for dancefloor action.

Whilst ‘Sing Your Praise’ (and the instrumental dub) will get you on your feet to praise your lord (whoever that is) and put joy in your heart (with some great angst synths to go with the choir) it's not a one/two track album. 

The already mentioned ‘Jungle’ shifts focus with a house energy "with a vibrant rhythmic undercurrent providing the basis for groovy piano and keys playing up top" whilst 'Copper Tones’  slips into BRUK areas with the trumpet solo and then a proper funked up ‘Nocturne’ that Herbie would enjoy.

The previous single, 'Jazz Flower' opens the album but it doesn't really set the tone for the monster that is, 'Sing Your Praise' - remember me bangin' on about the Jobert Singers' for Megatronic's 'There's Truth In Gospel' (see review HERE): revival anyone?

BUY LINK: Mike Nasty - Sketches in Deep on Traxsource

Artist:  Mike Nasty

Title: Sketches In Deep 

Release date: 24th October, 2025

Label : Nasty Tracks Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

https://djmikenasty.com/  https://www.instagram.com/djmikenasty

Review: Radic The Myth - Fantasia EP (Vibe Me To The Moon Records)

Radic The Myth has been called up from 'Back To You' to Vibe Me To The Moon Records as 'Fantasia' as he continues his love of promoting South African based deep house.

Radic The Myth's EP 'Back To You' on Freerange has caught the ear of DJ Nightseppaz (he of 'Want Me' - see review HERE) and I bet he couldn't wait to get him, Njabulo Ndhlovu, signed up.

The lead track, 'Fantasia' has a percussion that could have been produced in an South African township with local electric guitar jazz motos that float on Balearic Island breezes (Ed. talk about "crossing continents") along with dusty maiden vocals. 

Don't this 'She Super Glued My Lips' is a NYC/PC title but it's got a steam train coming out of a tunnel into the light vibe to it (the sort of opposite of Berwick's 'Powerlift' - review coming HERE soon) and for that reason, it's fantastic as a semi-instrumental as the synths sound like voices themselves. 

Best descibed as a mix of what's typically 'Stay True Sounds' and 'Freerange', both labels he's released tracks on; the myth that is a legend is definitely radical.  Backing this one to be on the next Colour & Pitch Monthly mixtape. 

BUY LINK: https://www.traxsource.com/title/2626510/fantasia-ep 

Artist:  Radic The Myth

Title: Fantasia EP

Release date: 24th October, 2025

Label : Vibe Me To The Moon Records

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Jkriv - Adaption EP (Rocksteady Disco)

The last time we saw Rocksteady Disco was at the 10th Birthday Party almost a year ago to the day so it's a welcome return to Detroit's finest by New York's finest, Jkriv and doesn't he adapt well: 'Adaption' EP is 5-track answer to all the goings on in the world.

We know that in the world of the motor city, your big trucks are Rocksteady Disco's main man Peter Croce along with Eddie Logix (he of 'Flight Risk EP' - see review HERE), Blair French and Heidy P.

It just so happen's Razor 'n' Tapes Jkriv, as recently seen with Megatronics on 'Intuition' (see review HERE) slips in and on 'Adaption' slips in some Dilla-esque flavas in 'Green Street Lament' and 'Vibetown' before we move onto typical RSD teritory with boogie disco dancefloor 'Total Pleasure' (Ed. one for Hectic's 'Packet of 3' mix?) with the big hand-claps and synths warm-ups. 

All must haves in themselves but wait for the combined double header of 'Adaption' and 'Adaption Dub' which moves the EP into realms of a double buy out: throbbing like a train with heavy pecussion with cascading strings and keys, it's a huge track (x2).

Don't forget Megatronic's EP 'The Truth In Gospel' came out the same day (see review HERE) and I've still got Soll Power All-Stars 'Nyah​-​Rock' (see review HERE) in my DJ bag but I think you'll agree with the press release, "gorgeous picture sleeve and cut loud to vinyl, 'ADAPTATION' is a must have."

BUY LINK: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/jkriv-adaptation-ep-vinyl/1108281-01/

Artist: Jkriv

Title: Adaption EP

Release date: 17th October, 2025

Label : Rocksteady Disco

Catalog Number : RSD030

Format : 12" LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) - KROK (Mr Bongo)

This time last year we had our first taste of СОЮЗ (SOYUZ) and we said then, "you need this" and the same goes for the album!

 

SOYUZ's 'Spring Has Sprung' featuring Asha Puthli and Sven Wunder went onto appear on Mr Bongo's Record Club Vol 7 (see reveiw HERE) and it's still a mystery how/why Asha Puthli (Asian space disco queen) and Sweden's disco king Sven Wunder appeared on the same track.  Especially as, the Belarusian exiled band СОЮЗ lead by  Alex Chumak are on their fourth album, 'KROK' meaning 'step'.

My linguistic skills do not extend to Belaarusian but it's not long into this album that you get a sense of Brazilian influence, like 'Lingua Do Mundo' (featuring Tim Bernardes).  This is because after an album in Poland, Alex is now settled in São Paulo, thus, 'KROK' has a unique sound and feel of Eastern prog-folk mixed with Rubel, also on Mr. Bongo (see review HERE).

The album was recorded direct to tape featuring Brazilian musicians Sessa, Biel Basile, and Marcelo Cabral (apart from the guest vocal feature by Tim Bernardes recorded at a later date).

The titles like 'Калі ты запытаеш / Kali ty zapytaješ' and 'Ніці / Nici' give no indication to the level of gentle loveliness of the songs and then 'Voo Livre' mixes up the the homeland folk-jazz with groovey Latin prog in a OST way.

I'm already in love with this album as it packs a punch with a velvet gloove to a world audience - did I say, "you need this"?

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER. KROK | СОЮЗ / SOYUZ

Artist: СОЮЗ (SOYUZ)

Title: KROK 

Release date: 24th October, 2025

Label : Mr Bongo 

Catalog Number : TBC

Format :  Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Footshooter - Folding feat. Allysha Joy (Marla Kether Remix) (Tru-Thoughts)

Time to start 'Folding' again with Footshooters big track of the summer now on the remix by Marla Kether.

Following on so soon after Australia's leading funk and soul export, Lance Ferguson and his single with  Rita Satch (see review HERE), the cover of Billie Eilish's 'My Future' (out last week, see review HERE), is Tru-Thoughts acting as some musical embassy middle-man and here's Allysha Joy (last seen on Joy Spheres Rees - see HERE).

Not the best analogy in the world as Ms. Joy is based in the UK and DJ Footshooter (aka Barney Whittaker) is based in 'fashionable' South London.  The track 'Folding' appeared on his debut album for Tru-Thoughts, 'The Oasis' (Ed. 'Oasis' in 2025! What was he thinking?) and for this single, the rather edgey track has been smoothed out and jazzed up by Marla Kether's remix.

When I say 'jazzed', the bass is upfront, the synths are equal to the vocals and it's got some Latin percussion now and, is it just me, can I hear echoes of '2 People' (see review HERE)?

.

Love the orginal, remix and remix instrumental - don't miss this!

Artist: Footshooter

Title: Folding feat. Allysha Joy (Marla Kether Remix)

Release date: 21th October, 2025

Label : Tru-Thoughts 

Catalog Number : TRUDD685

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Bubble Wrap Trap - Enter The Bab (Anova Music)

Bubble Wrap Trap, here's an album that's ready of burst and pop as they 'Enter The Bab'. Alright bab-jazz!

Shakti Soundsystem had their own genre-blender of an out on Anova Music last year (see review HERE) and this year the label release the third Bubble Wrap Trap album, 'Enter The Bab'.

Has anyone set out to produce a 14 track album drawing influences from Coltrane to Devo, Molbey to Deerhoof?  I don't it but like Shakti Soundsystem, there's no boundaries here.

The Quintet consist of Tomer Zuzovsky (bass), Uria Hadad (guitar), Eyal Arav (keyboards), Noam Shapira (saxophone) and Guy Ben Ami on drums and they can travel from 'Bab's Vacatation' on a flutey beach Balearic cool to some edgey-jazz funk kraut rock to the Acoustic Ladyland of 'The Flight'; grunge jazz? Surely not!

It's a shame the Delia Derbyshire-esque synth interlude of 'The Elevator' is so short whilst they also dip-their toes into some pumpin' funky 'At The Gym'.

As with 'Epilogue', you're never too sure what's coming next with these guys but happy to 'Enter The Bab' to find out.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Enter the Bab | bubble_wrap_trap

Artist:  Bubble Wrap Trap 

Title:  Enter The Bab 

Release date: 17th October, 2025 

Label : Anova Music

Catalog Number :  TBC

Format:  Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Various Artists - Good Vibrations Vol. 3 (Good Vibrations Music)

We're used to seeing Sean McCabe's name as an artist and remixer so it's about time we caught up with him as head honcho of Good Vibrations label, now on  compilation Vol. 3!

This time last year, Sean McCabe released 'Only You' featuring (see review HERE) and I said then th Various Artists at, "McCabe has released nearly as many tracks/remixes as Foliage has and he's going to be in demand as much as ever with this one".   

Well, I didn't need a crystal ball for that prediction but the third vinyl cut in this compilation series is sharp with four great tracks and first up has got to be his own collaboratio with Ellis Aaron on 'Got It Bad'.  Sounding like a Gilles Peterson 'golden era' of R&B crossover, it rolls with organ stabs and deep bassline and Aaron's soulful vocals as it evolves deeper into a dub mix.

Talking of Peterson, not Les Nubians but Last Nubian's 'Dance Together', with Goldbar featuring Josh Leon) ups the groove into the deep house BRUK mix as it rides into the string synth space warp.

McCabe is primarily know for his deep/soulful house and he does have a love of a choir, like The Matsiko World Orphan Choir!.  This 12" kicks off with an thier track 'Rise' with a Black Sonix & McCabe extended remix raising the profile of this Liberian based educational/charity project for vulnerable children: certainly worthy of support.

This set peaks (again) with East London's David Bailey's Undergroud Project featuring Austin Jennifer Teresa Harvey (aka MissFly) with a McCadbe vocal mix of 'Baby Don't Make Me Wait' that leads with lush piano and MissFly's soulful vocals that have seen her on stage with the likes of Thelma Houston, Andrew Tosh and The Notorious BIG in the past.

The vinyl versions of Vol. 1 and Vol 2. have long 'SOLD OUT' so don't miss out on Vol. 3.

BUY LINK: www.juno.co.uk

Artist: Various Artists

Title:  Good Vibrations Vol. 3 

Release date: 24th October, 2024

Label: Good Vibrations Music

Cat. No: GVMV007

Format: 12" Vinyl / Bandcamp / Digital

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