Review: Anchorsong - Ceremonial (Tru Thoughts)

Whoever had the bright idea at Tru-Thoughts to release a 10th Anniversary version of 'Ceremonial' by Anchorsong deservers to have an event to celebrate - but where is it?

You have to go back to the Salamanda remix of Anchorsong's 'Windmills' (see review HERE) for his last release but back in 2016, the album called 'Ceremonial'.

At that time, I'm not sure everyone was in tune with or ready for a Masaaki Yoshida's Daedelus meets Carlos Niño at a Shinto wedding; or even his earlier ('The Storytelling', 2007) where his ambient, downtempo instrumental tracks were accompaned with a live string quartet.  

Whilst it was big on the BBC 6 Music playlists, even massive Japanophile like DJ Gilles Peterson said,"He's [Anchorsong] been in his own lane for some time".

Well, this is as good a time as any to re-appraise the Tokyo-born / London based Yoshida as these 10 tracks are more to do with Afrobeat and Highlife circa 70s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo than electronic hip-hop instrumentals that it got mis-aligned.

Of course, any pusedo-concept album like this must start with 'Eve' and 'Mother' whilst the other tracks, 'Oriental Suite', 'Kajo', 'Monsoon', 'Butterflies', 'Rendezvous', 'Last Feast' and the synth-acid climax 'Ceremony' all add to the party.

For an album built around his MPC and keyboards some of the best bits are the mix of ganelan and twangy surf guitars.

A true original and good to have it back - ten years afte!

BUY LINK: Ceremonial | Anchorsong

Artist: Anchorsong 
Title: Ceremonial 
Release date: 22nd January, 2016
Label : Tru-Thoughts
Catalog Number : TRU317
Format : Digital / Bandcamp

PS. Alway as good idea to remind us that Tru Thoughts ended 2022 with their best release of the year [Ed. that's because you're Edit was on it - see A Different Style EP by Biggabush] 

Review: WAAN - We Want WAAN (Sonar Kollektiv)

'We Want WAAN' is the  return of WAAN that we want, a new album out on Sonar Kollektiv that's different in so many ways!

You'll recall WAAN returned at the end of last year with 'Talking Trees' / 'Lodge Texas' (see review HERE) over two years since the album 'Echo Echo' (see review HERE) and we said then, "so good, they named it twice" (Ed. always worth repeating).

So this Dutch 'Monkey 'n' Tortoise' duo clearly work at different speeds (Ed. hence the album cover?) but what is clear is the "We Want WAAN";  being Bart Wirtz (sax) and Emiel van Rijthoven (keys) tucked away house in the middle of the peaceful Dutch island of Texel working on the dozen tracks that make up this sophomore album.

And I happy to report it's full of "out-there as Portishead/Massive Attack/Weekend a 'La Varieté' melt into a Sonar Kollektiv party" from the title track, the gentle/twisted 'Trees', with contributions from Marta Arpini (vocals), René van Munster (cello), Matteo Mazzù (bass) and Mark Schilders (drums), to the bonkers 'Mirrors' which "explores a new sonic territory with harmonizer-processed sax and frenetic bass & drum workouts, its live energy boosted by the sound of a real audience vibing along — recorded at Leiden’s legendary jazz bar De Twee Spieghels, where Ben Webster once played his final concert".

I love the two extremes of 'Talking Trees' and 'Mirrors' which seem to have more in common on repeated listens that you first think.   You don't have to know where Ben Webster stands in tenor sax history (Ed. he played with every jazz great from the 50s to 70s) to know theven he would acknowledge the progression to jazz-house post-punk avant-garde of 'Why You Didn't Get Me' that boarders on James Chance's no-wave or the distorted funk-jazz-house of 'Lodge Texas'.

And it'd be hard to say 'Cecilyum' is the middle ground as it starts as a slow church organ durge before "rising from the crypt" with Bart's sax - could you imagine Simian Mobile Disco and Jan Garbarek going to a Sunday service - me neither.  But if you know this is co-produced with WAAN and Oscar de Jong (of Kraak & Smaak) trust me to dispell any preconcieved notioned of K&S, as 'We Want WAAN' is nothing like them (in a good way - not that they are bad).

So what is BAD (the good one) is the contribution of Philly based rapper/singer Ivy Sole of original and clean versions of the track 'Baby Blue' with poetic hip hop jazz focusing on Sole's non-binary activism.

Whilst all this is going on there's a number of short interludes, the quirky 'Moto No Oto' and the title track which kind of set out their stall as hard to nail down / typical Sonar Kollektiv 'Berlin' to Gilles Peterson; wonder if they could do it live at We Out Here Festival?  Either way, these guys are ahead of the game in 2026 and we'd recommend the vinyl.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/WeWantWAAN

Artist: WAAN

Title: We Want WAAN

Release date: 23rd January, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK549LP

Format: Vinyl LP / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Finest Wear - Good Vibrations EP (Minor Sounds)

UK based Italian Cenzo Scoglio finds his Minor Sounds label is starting 2016 with a 4-tracker that he's written and producer as his Finest Wear moniker as we his the waves with 'Good Vibrations'.

Finest Wear ain't nothing but prolific; from 'The Obsidian EP' on Closer To Truth (see review HERE), a series of great deep house tracks including 'The Night Tales EP (see review HERE) and 'Distant Memories EP (see review HERE) along with numerous remixes on all your favourite deep labels like Nordic Trax, Large Music, Plastic City, Delve Deeper, Colour & Pitch. 

Cleverly mixing "journeys for the early raves to the midnight bopper through to the morning shakers" with 'If Only You Knew', 'Rejoice', 'Equinox' and the most deep house main room title track.

Perhaps his move from London to the Oxfordshire countryside has mellowed him out a bit ('Rejoice' has some spritiual dub going on) which is part Detroit, part beach and dreamy house but wait for the 'Equinox' to hit wthe heavy hip-hop beats that's going to rock any party.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  https://minorsoundsmusic.bandcamp.com  

Artist: Finest Wear 

Title: Good Vibrations EP 

Release date: 27th February, 2026

Label : Minor Sounds

Catalog Number : MS004

Format: Download / Beatport / Traxsource / Juno / Bandcamp

Review: Butter Funk Family - Facts (Beets & Produce)

When the family automobile is covered in butter you know there's a going to be a FUNK - and that's a FACT! 

You'll remember hot buttered soul in the 70s, so be prepared to be blown away with the Butter Funk Family and their new EP, 'Facts' as a modern day cross between George Clinton-esque funk royalty/Mark Ronson and a big band Cookin' on 3 Burners with guest vocalists!

In fact the heavy organ groove of 'Kootsy Mootsy' is one of the stand out tracks on the EP which is cool 'cos 'Love Power' could have been done by War or Tower of Power; free your mind and feel the funk.

Hard to image what these guys would be like, I'm guessing a massive soul & funk review but their on a European Tour next month so here's a rare chance to catch them live.  Not sure tracks like, 'Touch This' and  'Pussy Pit' would make them wholesome family entertainment as it verges on Miss Millie Jackson meets Black Eyed Peas/Fergie.

We are told that "the tour features special guest Alana Hil, marking her first European appearances with the project. A rising voice in contemporary soul, Alana brings a deeply personal and globally influenced sound, adding a powerful narrative layer to the tour. She also appears on various tracks on 'Facts', further connecting the EP to the live experience".

So, if you like funk/soul with a tight horn section (as in 'Six Shooter' and 'Somethin' Crazy') you'll be wanting Butter Funk Family, will have you on toast for breakfast. 

Butter Funk Family · Somethin Crazy

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:

Friday 6 February 2026 – Alcazar – Rome, ITALY

Saturday 7 February 2026 – Sghetto – Bologna, ITALY
Sunday 8 February 2026 – Biko – Milan, ITALY
Monday 9 February 2026 – Rust – Copenhagen, DENMARK
Tuesday 10 February 2026 – Nica Jazz Club – Hamburg, GERMANY
Friday 13 February 2026 – Treibhaus – Innsbruck, AUSTRIA
Saturday 14 February 2026 – Raindogs – Savona, ITALY
Tuesday 17 February 2026 – Hootananny – London, UK
Thursday 19 February 2026 – New Morning – Paris, FRANCE
Friday 20 February 2026 – Treibsand – Lübeck, GERMANY
Saturday 21 February 2026 – Pferdestall – Bremerhaven, GERMANY
Monday 23 February 2026 – Schlachthof – Bremen, GERMANY
Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Live Evil – München, GERMANY
Wednesday 25 February 2026 – Zig Zag Club – Berlin, GERMANY
Thursday 26 February 2026 – Bühne Blechwerk – Stralsund, GERMANY
Friday 27 February 2026 – Life House – Stemwede, GERMANY
Saturday 28 February 2026 – Altes Spital – Viechtach, GERMANY
Sunday 1 March 2026 – Nidaba – Milan, ITALY

Artist:  Butter Funk Family 

Title: Facts

Release date: 24th January, 2026

Label: Beets & Produce

Catalog Number: RAM003

Format:  Digital

Review: Soul Clap - Drowning In Your Love (ft. Shaun J. Wright) (Freerange Records)

Time to celebrate on 2 fronts, Freerange are 30 this year and Soul Clap have their first release on the label that's so boyant, 'Drowning In Your Love with Shaun J. Wright is setting the high water mark for bangers this year!

We know Soul Clap from many releases and remixes, most recently on the spllit EP with MoFunk (see review HERE), and this track gives us even more Funk with Shaun J. Wright (Hercules & Love Affair etc) on vocals; and together with a dub version that can plunders High Speed Trains on the black tidal sands plus a bit of trademark Lonnie Liston Smith and 80s synth drop classic (plus a whistle and ping-pong table) and you've got unbeatable party madness: forever!

And if that wasn't enough, Charles Levine and Eli Goldstein (aka Soul Clap) have work on their EFUNK alternative with 'EFUNK Anthem' as a stripped mix (more rounded as a track) and a funk mix (so heavy!)

This is the House, Funk and more (Ed. EFUNK?) and it'll drive you're feet (and head to a degree) you'll be instantly mad about.  Your first 'Must Have' of the year!

 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (Vinyl): Drowning In Your Love EP | Soul Clap 

Artist: Soul Clap

Title: Drowning In Your Love 

Release date: 23rd January, 2026

Label: Freerange Records

Cat. No: FRD313S

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Wearing Shoes - In The Mist EP (Morris Audio)

New year! Time to wear some new dancing shoes with Morris Audio's 'In The Mist' EP.

With the ride that is the Chicago Loop on 'This Is Citi Beat' EP (see review HERE) (via Citi Beat) and gone Böhm with 'Country' (see review HERE), Wearing Shoes (aka Alfonso Boltone) who has appeared on Closer To Truth, Hustler Trax, Apparel and recently Yore Records (the most recent home of ReKab who passed last year, RIP) starts this year with a 3-tracker EP.

Whilst the inspiration might be in the mists, it's definitely quite a bit dreamy/elsewhere, like the piano focused 'Love Is Real' before the jazz organ and soulful vocals make it a winner.  An you might guess where 'Under The Strobes' is going from the title and with its vocal hook and loop, it just gets bigger like an accelerating train.

If 'Love Is Real' is the addictive one, the title track is the one that's more likely to hit the dancefloor/radio waves first in what will be another big year for Alfronso and Morris Audio.

BUY LINK: https://morrisaudio.bandcamp.com/

Artist: Wearing Shoes

Title: In The Mist EP
Release date: 16th January, 2026
Label :Morris Audio 
Catalog Number: MA135
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Alexander IV - Touch of Gold / All I Have to Say (Sonar Kollektiv)

Alexander IV returns!  No, not that one, the pseudonym of eclectic Dutch producer, multi-instrumentalist, and beat-maker Joris Feiertag. 

Those with long memories will recall Mr. Scruff 'discovering' Moondog's song 'Lament I, 'Bird's Lament' and re-branded it as 'Get A Move On' [1999].  Feiertag's 'All I Have To Say' gives in another dusting down as "a smoky, late-night instrumental that fuses dusty jazz textures with Dilla-inspired swing. Sitting somewhere between Roy Hargrove and J Dilla in a seedy Soho basement, it’s a raw, reflective track that continues the album’s jazz and hip-hop conversation". 

Those for a taste of this sort of thing; old Scruff, Kruder & Dorfmeister, SAULT and perhaps to a lesser degree, upstarts leike Emile & The Education - Lamad (see review HERE) or indeed as Joris' other alter-ego Feiertag (Ed. isn't that just himself? - See reviw HERE) you can see why the new album is called 'Alchemist' (out early 2026).

The album includes the soulful debut single, 'This Won’t Do' featuring Cézanne and the track 'Touch of Gold' that sets the tone for the album.  With it's "cinematic jazz sample, a head-fake of an intro, and a signature beat flip that balances elegance with grit" Joris says, “I absolutely loved making this track and it came together quickly and naturally”,

So expect lots more alchemy with the album as this is going to be so "Hoxton to Berlin to We Jazz" as more Mr.Scruff, more Gilles Peterson, more Will Sumsuch and even more Gerry Hectic!

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

Artist: Alexander IV

Title: Touch of Gold / All I Have to Say 

Release date: 15th January, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK452/3 D

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Number - Pollinate (Ramrock Red Records)

When Jo Wallace (head honcho at Ramrock, F*CLR and many other enterprises) broke news of a 'Listening Party' for the Numbers' ten track album, 'Pollinate' she confidently said, "You can thank me later", how right was she then?

Curiously enough, Mrs Ramrock was spot on as ever having found a hybrid 'ACR, Talking Heads, P-Funk' that fits the bill from the opener, 'Amber' to the end, 'Rebel Corner' with a smidgen of dub.

Numbers are the duo of Ali Friend (double bass) and (drums) that were two thirds of Red Snapper who were doing this sort of thing (downtempo, dubby trip hop, breaks, acid jazz and more) 30 years ago on WARP and being remixed by Weatherall's Sabres Of Paradise and hanging out (professionally) with Beth Orton!

So whilst they have loads of history, 'Pollinate' is more than just seeds of a flowering progress .  'Discoid' has that, you'd never guess, disco groove and old skool vocoder that seems to be trendy once more whilst 'Let's Stamp On It' is 2026/ACR/Chic (they're a couple of charmers).

It's not all bass and boogie as we do enter a new wave-Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark/Tears For Fears(-ish) via 'Smoke In The Skies' teritory.  And the tracks are all quite punchy pop tune length but 'Stone Chat' stands out at over 5 mins and instrumental with lots of squelchy electronics which they say is, "Lead by guitars this is a nod to classic jazz-funk workouts".

A they don't mind an experiment with the beautiful 'Window Of Opportunity' (bowed bass and moog-Taurus) that falls between Delia Derbyshire and George Martin; it's brilliant!  

And for fans of London based art rockers 'Modern Nature', guitarist Tara Cunningham guests here on a plucky jam 'Bath Vaults'.  If you ever wondered what Arthur Russell (thank you Mr Kedros) might be doing with the Durutti Column (thank you Mikey McMikestar) in dub, check 'Grin And Wave' again with extra guitar from Ms Cunningham.

Fans of 'Le Boucle Noveau' EP from last year (see review HERE) will get this straight away and 'Amber' sounds special on every repeat listen. And there's even an A Certain Ratio remix of 'Amber' available - a sort of ACR double up.

PS. Don't forget to thank Ms.Wallace next time you see her.

Buy Link / Pre-Order: RRRLP017 - Number - Pollinate | Number | Ramrock

Artist: Number

Title: Pollinate
Release date: 15th January, 2026
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRRLP17
Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Shaé Universe - Journey To The Sun (Independent)

Fresh from performances on NPR's legendary Tiny Desk and Colors (not to mention a MOBO nomination in the UK), rising R&B / Soul star Shaé Univers e offers up a new single 'Journey To The Sun' featuring a sublime verse from Mississippi R&B artist Ariel J. 

At this time of year, we often see talk about issues of mental health, both in terms of the negitative and the positive in overcoming it - or just being there for your fellow human.  It just happens some folks are equiped to make a positive "soulful, honest track" like Shae Universe who is on a 'Journey To The Sun'.

"Shae’s jazzy approach to this deeply reflective song allows the space for every word to be entirely felt, whilst the intricate instrumentation perfectly compliments her captivating voice. Ariel J. feels like the perfect addition to the track with her witty, authentic punchlines that further emphasise the overarching messages of the song - maintaining hope and giving yourself grace whilst doing so".  

When asked about her sentiments on the song Shae says: “I’m usually quite vulnerable in my songs but somehow this feels like one of my most vulnerable songs yet. Sometimes I look around at the world just continuing on whilst I feel all these intense feelings and wonder if it’s only me that feels them. Deep down I know it’s not and I believe this song perfectly captures the alienating yet shared human experience of what can feel like suffering in silence. Special thanks to Ariel J. too for embellishing this track in the most special, uplifting way. My wish is that this song encourages people to approach 2026 and beyond with a hopeful heart, trusting that everything is always okay eventually.”

2026 might start at the Comedy Store, but i don't think that's where it will end!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: (The Comedy Store, London. Saturday 7 March 2026): http://see.tickets/journeyshae

Artist: Shaé Universe

Title: Journey To The Sun

Release date: 16th January, 2026

Label: -

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: Digital

Review: Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions - Mahalle (Nublu Records)

Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions' 'Mahalle' is the latest release on New York’s legendary Nublu Records and get it now so you don't miss the boat/ferry!

Ever since the single, 'Galata' / 'Karaköy' (see review HERE) came out and the 'Yeditepe' / 'Asmalı' follow-up (see review HERE), the YATM office has been excited for Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions album; especially after the label released the avant-garde JMMR's 'Resistance Is Fertile' (see review HERE).

So what's the new with the Swedish born-Turkish heritage-NYC living saxophonist-club owner Ilhan on 'Mahalle'?; the "sonic exploration of Istanbul's diverse neighborhoods where tradition meets innovation and the ancient pulse of the city merges with contemporary rhythms".

Well, check this 'neighbourhood' where the jazz-rock-fusion of Acoustic Ladyland is merged with Thundercat funk on 'Asmali' which is advanced jazz funk on anyone's menu.  And talking cross-genre influences, is that some sophisticated punk a la Joy Division on 'Yeditepe' with some insane percussion: there's a lot going on here: try the 70s cinematic jazz-funker 'Haliç' or the car chase 'Tünel'.

If you're like Ilhan, who has jammed with The Red Hot Chili Peppers in São Paulo or played with Bugge Wesseltoft in the Tokoyo Blue Note club (Ed. note, this year marks the 25th anniversay of Wesseltoft's album 'New Conception Of Jazz: Moving' so watch out for more on this) along with being emerced in the traditons of Turkish/Mediterean music via Sweden, will get how this sax player stands out with a homage Istanbul and post-Weather Report all at the same time.

The core team was formed in 2009 (and at that time featured Erik Truffaz on trumpet who popped up HERE a couple of years ago) and features bassist/co-producer Alp Ersönmez who is a joint-leader much of the time - especially on 'Karaköy' with echoes of Andy Bey/Pharoah Sanders/Jazz Chronicles), drummer Turgut Alp Bekoglu and percussionist Izzet Kizil.

So there's definitely spiritual incarnations with Ersahin's sax you're equally likely to be confronted by rock band influences (like on 'Odakule') which might irk some but were on the coat tails of jazz-rock here (Ed. Jazz Sabbath anyone?) whilst the Batov elements would prefer more manic pulsing 'Athos' skat lullaby of the closing track 'Tersane'.

Going to be a favourite album throughout the year as it's going to be tough to say that there's a better one - makes you wanna join a band.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (): https://ffm.to/mahalle

Artist: Ilhan Ersahin's Istanbul Sessions

Title:  Mahalle      
Release date: 16th January, 2026
Label : Nublu Records
Catalog Number: NUB-TBC
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp