Review: Serious A - Diagonal Wave (Global Caress)

Star Creatures' Global Caress hits the surf with a deep synth board that rides a 'Diagonal Wave' with a Serious A!  

Following Fugitive Artifact's latest 7" (see review HERE) and Arsene's 12",  'It's A Feeling' (see review HERE), the Chi-Town turns to France to get the waveform where "electronic music and video games collide".

But the result is no explosion and Serious A's "sacred mission [is] to weave together the threads of sound, pixels, and soul into a singular, transcendent formula. For more than 20 years now, the French producer and DJ, has been collecting records (and video games) and developing her own sound to be a bridge between the ancient and the unknown. Her sonic blueprint, a living testament to her journey, echoes the influence of her dearest inspirations from Tokyo, Detroit, and her own city, Paris".

What with the instrumental 'Sogno Blu' and 'Spinto Veloce' it's another example of multi-genre sample create digging that's echoed in the soon to be released Star Creature & Twilite Tone presents 'The Twilite Tone Bundle' (a 3 x 7" release) that takes some mega tracks stripped back to the underground: could these tracks possbiley thread "influences all the way across the sea, from the spaced-out vibes of Eumir Deodato to Tomb Raider 3 water sound effects"?

You might say, it's like a Daedelus meets Ellie Wilson's 'Listen To The River Ching' (see review HERE) with a touch of NYC Peech Boys; this is what happens when you cut the sonic cloth on the diagonal wave

OpenLab:  Star Creature Vibes Radio - Tim Zawada HERE 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Diagonal Wave / Sogno Blu | Serious A

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Artist: Serious A 

Title: Diagonal Wave 

Release date: 26th June, 2026

Label : Global Caress / Star Creature

Catalog Number : SC7090 / GLOCAR008

Format: 7" Vinyl  / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Various Artists - Mr Bongo Record Club Vol. 8 (Mr Bongo)

Mr Bongo are back with another edition of their Record Club that's just as much of an eye (and ear) opener as Vols. 1-7 and just as essential! 

I can't believe it's been nearly two years since Vol. 7 of this series landed (see reviw HERE) but how can you cram 18 fantastic tracks onto 4-sides of vinyl - or more onto a CD/digital release.

As you've gathered the aim of the 'Record Club' is to expand your listening pleasure to the outer reaches of Mr Bongo's vast expertise to find soul, boogie, disco-reggae, jazz-funk Latin/Brazilian that's going to keep dancefloors happy that are fresh: think you know Tapper Zukie?  Here's 'Visons Of Love for a "cosmic fusion of disco and reggae" that'll funk up your chart of favourite groovers. 

Of course, diggers will head straight for anything that's marked up as a 'Kenny Dope Editfr', especially if its a less known 'Wish I Could Talk To You Baby' as a smooth soul 70s sample favourites, The Sylvers (Note: this is an exclusive Kenny Dope edit).

That said, I'd recommend going from start to finish as these compilations by the in-house Bongo experts don't throw their "favourite tracks, hard-fought finds, andunsung gems from the global stage" together willy-nilly.  In fact, there's seems to be a Latin/World half and the eclectic rest (of the World).

Thhis includes the blistering dantcefloor-focused cut from Ubunto - a DJ and producer with over 10 years in Brazil’s electronic music scene. Putting an electronic tropical twist on a Brazilian classic, Ubunto reinterprets Dorival Caymmi’s sublime folky MPB song ‘O Vento’ from 1959, into a modern-day dancer. 

And other highlights (Ed. but it's all great) include the little known soul group The Trinkas, 'Remember Me', Tommy McGee's 'Now That I Have You' that might owe something to 70s disco-soul, the slow-mo Wilfred Luckie ('My Thing') and where did the 7 and a half minutes of Mac Mathunjwa's 'Give Us More Love' come from?

And not content with that, there's some digital bonus tracks you don't want to miss out on, particularly the lovers/reggae mix of Take Three's 'Can't Get Enough Of Your Love' and DJ Nature (remember him from Golf Channel?) with an edit of 'Straight Forward (Non-Stop)' by P.J.City as a new synth-disco-funker big tune.

Of course, there's at least one from the leftfield that becomes an earworm like the magnificent Urias' 'Vontade De Voar' - very cinematic!'

By coincidence, I came across Mr. Bongo Record Club Vol 1 and it's an interesting comparison as to how this series has grown from including, for example, well known/sort after tracks like 'KM110' and Big Youth's 'Mammy Hot, Daddy Cool') to 'Freak' by "No.1" Tapper Zukie (him again!) 

I strongly suspect Vol. 8 will sound as good as Vol. 1 (2016) in 10 years time - and longer!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  https://bfan.link/mr-bongo-record-club-vol-8

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Mr Bongo Record Club Vol.8

Release date: 26th June, 2026 

Label : Mr Bongo 

Catalog Number : MRB335

Format : 2 x LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ella Thompson - Promise To Keep / Change Of Heart (Mr Bongo)

We normally have to wait for a Record Store Day to get a 45 as good as this Mr Bongo release as Ella Thompson has a promise to keep and avoid a change of heart that's got SOUL! 

You'll recall we met Ella with her 'Ripple On The Wing' album (see review HERE) that came out on Hopestreet Recordings, the Naarm/Melbourne based label. 

Being based in the area, she collaborates with members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo plus trumpeter/composer Liam McGorry (Temporary Blessings) joins her as co-writer/producer with Henry Jenkins (JNBO) recording the track (Ed. talk about a 'College Of Knowledge'!)

Fans of Timmion, Daptone Soul/R&B will love this as it's as much classic as contemporary, especially 'Change Of Heart' (like Amy Winehouse?  On the A-side, 'Promise To Keep' is more 60s pop-soul that could fit a Modern Northern room; or sould that be Southern?  Or Belgian Popcorn.

There's an album coming out but this is definitely more appeal that DJ 45 soul buyers - recommended.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://ellathompson.bandcamp.com/album/promise-to-keep-change-of-heart

Artist: Ella Thompson

Title: Promise to Keep / Change of Heart 

Release Date : 26th June, 2026

Label : Mr Bongo Records

Catalog Number : MRB7237

Format: 7" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Vince Watson - Eminesence (Cee ElAssaad, Atjazz & Osunlade Remixes)

Vince Watson returns with a famous 3 on the remix: Cee ElAssaad, Atjazz & Osunlade all get in on the action and all get it spot on!

As we know from the re-issue / remake /  rework / remodel of Vince Watson's classic track 'Eminesence' (see review HERE), 2026 has already been packed with new varients of classic tracks already, most notable Razor-N-Tape's re-invention of Alistair Colling vs. Tortured Soul ft. Sabina ,'When You Find Your Love... Hold On' (see review HERE - with new DJ Spinna and Musclecars Remixes) and Fish Go Deep's 'Love's Cloth' (see review HERE),

So lets keep 'em coming!  This time its remix versions of 'Eminesence' by 3 of the most regular artists found on YATM.

And as the original track was on Osunlade's label, before being picked up by Defected, you can guarantee Osunlade will be on the guest list for taking on for a Yoruba Soul groove sound along with some Italo-balearic saxy house with some mesmeric percussion to give it that jazzy throb.

Along with an Atjazz remix that skips along with piano twinkles with dub overtones and Ce ELAssaad does his spiritual house sound that'd sit next to Claussell, Trent, Vega for it's focus on Latin and piano solo focus. 

Not surprisingly, the vinyl version of the Rework It looks like it's already sold out on some of the major online retailers so get your orders in for the remixes of Watson's "delicious piano squencies, light chords and majestic vibesgt  that effortlessly scale towering heights" NOW!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  Vince WATSON - Eminesence: The Mixes Vinyl at Juno Records.

Artist: Vince Watson
Title:  Eminesence [Cee ElAdssaad, Atjazz & Osunlade Remixes]
Release date: 23rd June, 2026
Label : Everysoul Audio
Cat. No. ESOL 027

Format: Vinyl / Digital 

Review: Ayanna Witter-Johnson - Pioneers (Bridge The Gap)

We've been keen follower's of Ayanna Witter-Johnson since her 2011 album 'Truthfully' came out so very happy to hear that this new single 'Pioneers' is a taster for her brand a new album coming soon!

It wasn't just me who was a fans back in the day, (it's the truth, although the album review and gig review with pianist Robert Mitchell seems to have been lost to the digital ghost of the Internet), Gilles Peterson, DJ Spoony and Jools Holland are all fans; along with her touring and recording collaborations with the likes on Nitin Sawhney, Anoushka Shanka, Peter Gabriel and more; even Andrea Bocelli!

It was actually touring with Bocelli that the MOBO-nominated singer-songwriter, cellist, composer had the the idea for 'Pioneers' which is more than appropriate as the track developed as the 2nd movement of a commission with the LSO Percussion Ensemble, 'Ocean Floor Suite' (Ed: A cool 'companion' to 'Ocean Suite'?- see review HERE).

Often compared to the likes of Esperanza Spalding an Meshell Ndegeocello, Ayanna's new album 'New Roots' will be released along with some European tour dates so recommend you stay tuned for more from this UK superstar.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: New Roots | Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Artist: Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Title: Pioneers

Release date: 24th June, 2026

Label: Bridge The Gap

Catalog Number: TBC 

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: BATB Meets Loopcinico - The London - Maranhão Connection (Beauty & The Beat)

The first ever double release on the London based Beauty & The Beat label - founded by  Cyril Cornet (Belle Bete), Jeremy Gilbert & Cedric Lassonde - is distinctly deep as it hails from "reggae capital of Brasil", São Luis in the state of Maranhão but this ain't reggae or Latin: be prepared for 'The London - Maranhão Connection'! 

The label that evolved out of a London dance party with the aim of releasing previously unreleased music with then a remix project over 10 years ago may have been "underground" but they've really excelled themselves with this new release for a taste of electronic, folk, World, Deep House, Balearic, Latin, Funk, Soul, BPM, Samba shuffle.

Like other regions of Brasil, there's a huge cultural mix and these guys seem to have captured many bits to make a conhesive whole for a dancefloor party from a CD album originally released in 2013 by Loopcinico.  Four original tracks, 2 remixes by Leonidas (who is mates with Kay Suzuki) and a Vidock remix.

It's safe to say,  Luiz Claudio, Beto Ehong & Lobo Siribeira (aka Loopcinico) make/made music that "sounds like nothing else!" and lots of other things at the same time making the "result is a unique blend of electronic sounds, beats and poetry".  Lets say it's Honest Jon's and/or Mr. Bongo that's gone the extra mile. 

It's said, "Loopcinico establish a pulsating balance between live percussion and electronic sound programming, with words and vocals inspired by the beat of eight different musical rhythms of Maranhão".   The opener, 'Curimobata' is a mesmorising start 

Leonidas' ‘Curimbóbatá Axé Mix’ and ‘Maquiô Vidock Mix’ have already been tested on the Beauty & the Beat dancefloor over the last few months as well as by the likes of Hunee (Ed. Oh! yes) so don't miss out on the record and the incredible artwork too!

 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: The London-Maranhão Connection (BATB 009) | BATB meets Loopcinico | Beauty and the Beat

 

Title: The London - Maranhão Connection (Leonidas & Vidock Remixes)

Label : Beauty & The Beat

Release date: 29th June 2026

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: 2 x 12" vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: STREETON - Where We Started ft. David Kayode / The Waters ft. Lucy Sparks & MIFE (Sonar Kollektiv)

With roots in early jazzy broken beat, STREETON bring you a new movement is sectors with David Kayode, Lucy Sparks and MIFE - get ya dancin' shoes ready!

Hot on the heels of his inclusion on 'Maintain Altitude' compilation (see review HERE) and even hotter, Detroit Rising - Lush Grooves (see review HERE), British producer and DJ STREETON unveils the opening chapters of 'Iridescence' — a debut album project shaped by broken beat culture, jazz harmony, Afro-Latin rhythms, soulful house, and the collaborative energy of London’s contemporary music scene.

Originally hailing from the rural surroundings of Hertfordshire before relocating to London almost a decade ago, STREETON has steadily emerged as a distinctive voice within the UK bruk and future-jazz underground. His productions combine warm musicality, bouncy basslines, rich chords, and percussion-led grooves with the kind of club-focused energy that makes his sound equally suited to dancefloors, headphones, and late-night listening sessions. Coming to prominence through releases on respected labels including Dance Regular, Darker Than Wax, To The Rock, and Boogie Café — alongside appearances at We Out Here Festival and broadcasts for Rinse FM and Voices Radio — STREETON has become part of a new generation carrying broken beat traditions into new territory while remaining deeply connected to their roots. That balance between dancefloor energy and detailed songwriting ultimately led to the creation of 'Iridescence', due March 2027 on Sonar Kollektiv.

As STREETON explains: “I’ve always been interested in the idea of storytelling, whether that’s in productions or DJ sets, and after releasing a string of EPs and singles, I was really keen to create a longer-format project where I could really have the space to explore a theme or a concept.” Born from the vibrancy and interconnected communities of London’s music culture, Iridescence explores identity, belonging, movement, and creative growth through a wide-ranging but deeply cohesive sonic palette.

The first single, 'The Waters' featuring Lucy Sparks and Berlin-based saxophonist and producer MIFE, introduces the warmer and more reflective side of STREETON’s sound. Opening with glowing keys and fluid percussion, the track unfolds through fractured but groove-led drum programming, soulful vocal interplay, swirling saxophone textures, and rich harmonic layers. Speaking about the collaboration with Bristol-based vocalist Lucy Sparks, STREETON says: “We connected through common friends and a shared love of broken beat. I was already a fan of their music and her super soulful, raw vocal style. After sending her a few demos she sent back the first take for The Waters and I was truly blown away.” Alongside Lucy’s vocal contribution, MIFE — the alias of Berlin-based saxophonist, producer, and composer Efim Braylovskiy — adds another dimension to the track with his jazz-informed improvisational approach and electronic sensibilities.

Where “The Waters” leans into warmth and atmosphere, the second single 'Where We Started' pushes more directly toward the dancefloor. Featuring London-born saxophonist, composer, bandleader and Tomorrow’s Warriors alumnus David Kayode, the track builds around relentless percussion, hypnotic spoken-word motifs, rolling basslines, and bright synth textures. As the tape machine clicks into action, Kayode’s bold and expressive saxophone lines weave through the rhythmic intensity, gradually transforming the track into a meditation on cycles, roots, and return. STREETON explains: “I was already a big fan of David and a friend of mine, the broken beat producer Cengiz, put me in touch after he recorded on his track MOTF. I sent him the demo for Where We Started and it’s safe to say he absolutely nailed it — particularly the Afrobeats line that instantly made the hook of the track.” As warped synths and slowed tape textures eventually collapse back into silence, the track mirrors the wider themes explored throughout 'Iridescence': the search for identity and place within an increasingly saturated and fast-moving world. Growing up surrounded by jazz, funk, soul, jungle, and house music before discovering London’s deeply interconnected creative communities, STREETON views the album as a reflection of both personal growth and collective experience.

“I think the album represents the journey of getting to that point, the vibrancy and colour of pursuing your art and the growing sense of identity that comes with finding your place and people within that.” Together, “The Waters” and “Where We Started” present two complementary sides of STREETON’s artistic identity — one soulful and fluid, the other driving and club-focused — while establishing Iridescence as one of the most exciting forthcoming projects emerging from the UK’s soulful electronic underground.

  

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  https://bio.to/STREETON

Artist: .STREETON

Title: Where We Started ft. David Kayode / The Waters ft. Lucy Sparks & MIFE

Release date: 23rd June, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK575S2

Format:  Streaming / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Detroit Rising - Lush Grooves Vol. 1-3 (DownJazz Records)

Detroit Rising brings us a 3-phase "Cosmic Jazz-Funk Adventure" that's got many 'Lush Grooves' lined up - old and new!

Following on from label's recent album by Mark Adams & The Ubiquity Band (see review HERE) (Mark being Roy Ayers' band's Musical Director for 25 years), here's the expanded version of 'Lush Grooves'; having already reported on Vol. 1 (see review HERE) with remixes by Jimpster, Kaidi Tatham, Kai Alcé, DJ Spinna and Matica (represented here with a Funk Dub and a Love Dub!)

Such a collection of world-class musicians owes much to legacy of Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith and other founding fathers of soul-jazz, jazz-funk dance that Adams has spent decades preserving, promoting and enhancing. His 'This Is Neo Soul' project, was a three‑year undertaking featuring artists who have performed with Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Gloria Gaynor, Chic, Gil Scott-Heron and more. It blended re‑worked classics with new compositions, from the strident 'Sweet Tears' to the meditative 'Day Dreaming' and the cosmic uplift of 'Expansions'. 

DownJazz Records weren't going to miss the chance to further develop the project by picking some of the best in deep, soulful house, broken/bruk and more and in addition to those already mentioned, there's EVM128 (jazz-funk-house 'Open Letter'), Makez ('Dre's World' and the jumpin' and pumpin' 'Open Letter'), Bruk Rogers ('Talking Walls'), Don Surf ('Don't Look Back' is a monster) plus 'Man Of The Moment', Streeton (as recently seen on Soul Quest - see HERE - and Sonar Kollektiv - see HERE) and if you wanna "get ready", you need his Shakedown Edit of 'Dre's World': "Should be longer" you say, don't worry, there's the instrumental too!)

It's cool that some 'duplicate' tracks are included as a head-to-head remix-off, but there's no padding in the 20 tracks here as it's a compilation (vocals, instrumentals/dubs) without being a compilation; and just to re-emphasise, Vol. 1 is now a firm favourite with it's 'star' remixers!

I must say that I was a little concerned that having a three volume release would be a dilusion but it's actually a stronger fusion of 'Lush Grooves' as a package of 3; a weighty celebration of past and future of R&B, downtempo, nu-jazz, electronica in a fusion that will last as long as there's a dancefloor and millions of folks that have heard Roy, Lonnie and Mark over the years. 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://bfan.link/lush-grooves-vol-3

Artist: Detroit Rising 

Title: Lush Grooves Vol. #1/2/3

Release date: 26th June, 2026

Label : Downjazz Records

Catalog Number : DJRLUSH001/2/3

Format : Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Suddenly WOW! - Space Soul Mother (No’West Remix) EP (Ramrock Red Record)

It's been a couple of years since know your funk soul brother will want to know where your 'Space Soul Mother' but it's been worth the wait for the No'West remix of the Suddenly WOW! 'out there' track!

Thankfully, we're still not all going to the moon but it seems some folks are still obsessed with 'space' and 'conquering' but back on the earthly relms of the No'West studios, here you'll find "Darren Morris’s exquisite instrumentation provides the perfect underlay for Otti Albietz’s carpet of celestial vocal layering whilst Ashley Beedle’s drum programming firmly roots the vibe in early 80s funk. Jo Wallace navigates the track through asteroid belts and beyond landing the track in a lunar landscape of pulsating disco beats" - as they say, "What’s not to love?"

You recall the WOW!'s (aka Otti Albietz and Darren Morris) released the album 'Plastic Life' (see review HERE) having entered their own dystopian space cowboy journey to where Sun Ra feared to tread and the re-tread version super synth funk fuelled with jet streams (that work particularly well on the instrumental all with some Peech Boy NYC era references).

To quote Ms. Wallace, "Suddenly WOW! will transport you to the outer corners of the musical Universe"  and whilst it'd be great to find a 12" Disco-Mix version for the DJ booth, get supporting this one - out soon!  Well, (Suddenly) WOW!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  RRR097 - Suddenly WOW! - Space Soul Mother (No'West Remix EP) | Suddenly WOW! | Ramrock

Artist: Suddenly WOW!
Title: Space Soul Mother (No’West Remix) EP 

Release date: 26th June, 2026
Label: Ramrock Red Records
Cat. No: RRR097
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: MISS C-LINE - Delicate (muve recordings)

Swiss alternative neo-soul artist MISS C-LINE returns with a delicate message on the new single, 'Delicate' with 'partner', Gabiga for some nu-neo-soul-R&B!

After previous singles 'Mellow Heart' (see review HERE) and 'Trust' (see review HERE) and as MISS C-LINE x Gabiga (Gabiga on production that is), the Swiss duo reflect "growth, healing, and trusting your own timing. Blending alternative R&B and Neo-Soul, the track captures the feeling of stepping into a new chapter after years of doubt, perseverance, and self-discovery".

Instead of chasing perfection, “Delicate” is about protecting your heart while continuing to move forward with purpose. MISS C-LINE turns vulnerability into strength, reminding listeners that real growth comes from patience, faith, and not giving up on yourself.

The track comes alive through the collaboration with producer Gabiga, whose warm and atmospheric sound adds depth and emotion to the record. “Delicate” is a reminder that staying true to your vision can lead you exactly where you are meant to be.

Swiss alternative neo-soul artist MISS C-LINE, also known as Carolina, is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer and rapper based in Basel, Switzerland. Winner of the Swiss Music Awards in 2026, MISS C-LINE has been selected as Apple Music‘s NEXT UP artist in 2026. She has been attending the SRF Bounce Cypher for multiple years, and since her latest Album Releases “Mellow Hearts” 2025 and “MISS C-LINE & The Rabidz” 2023, her music made it onto remarkable radios like BBC6 (UK), SRF (CH), JazzFM (UK), FIP (France), KRCW (USA), Sirius XM (USA), MiSoul Radio (UK) and gained recognition all over the globe. She has been performing extensively within Switzerland since 2016, playing over 400 shows, opening for artists like Julius Rodriguez, ONYX and Reverie and since 2024 has had the opportunity to perform internationally (UK, Cameroon, Spain, Slovenia, Greece, México). MISS C-LINE has collaborated with international artists like Casey Benjamin, as well as Swiss artists KT Gorique and Nik Bärtsch, with whom she performed a showcase live at SRF .

Gabiga is a producer and multi-instrumentalist with Brazilian and Italian roots, working in neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz-influenced music. Drawing on guitar, bass, and keys, his sound blends modern innovation with timeless influence (Anderson .Paak, Tom Misch, FKJ, Kaytranada, Pharrell). To date he has reached over 12 million streams across his own releases and productions for others. He has worked internationally with Shuko (Grammy-nominated, multi- platinum producer for Kanye West and Anderson .Paak), My Anh (first Vietnamese artist at Coachella, 88rising), Flenn (1.5M Spotify followers, top-5 MENA Spotify Wrapped), Cardellino (716K+ monthly listeners), Kwesi Arthur (BET nominee), Cráneo (Spanish lo-fi rap pioneer), and Nao Yoshioka (first Japanese artist on Billboard’s UAC chart).

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://ffm.musikvertrieb.ch/delicate

Artist: MISS C-LINE 

Title: Delicate

Release date: 26th June, 2026

Label : muve recordings

Catalog Number: MV27478

Format: Digital