Review: Raphael Meleteas - Someone Else (Veego Records)

Athens-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Raphael Meleteas presents "Someone Else", the title track and first single from his forthcoming debut album of the same name!

Not sure about the cover photo/art but written, arranged, performed, recorded and mixed entirely by Meleteas, the recording reflects an organic approach to songwriting, where warm analogue textures, cinematic arrangements and carefully layered instrumentation take precedence over studio polish. Every instrument heard on the track is performed by Meleteas himself.

Drawing from the rich tradition of orchestral pop, cinematic music and library recordings of the late 1960s and 1970s, Someone Else balances intimate songwriting with understated orchestration, creating a sound that feels timeless while remaining unmistakably personal.
Recorded in Athens, Greece, the single introduces the atmosphere that defines the forthcoming album: melodic, reflective and rich in subtle detail, unfolding naturally through live performance rather than digital construction.

'Someone Else' offers the first glimpse of Raphael Meleteas' debut album, also titled 'Someone Else', which will be released by Veego Records in September 2026.. 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://orcd.co/someone_else_single

Artist: Raphael Meleteas

Title:  Someone Else 

Release date: 17th July, 2026

Label : Veego Records

Catalog Number VR064

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp  

Review: Nebraska presents Dubl Drat - The Alter Alter Ego EP (Delusions Of Grandeur)

If I said, "In typical Delusions Of Grandeur style", regular readers will know that the only style they have is dancefloor winners with the twist, no two releases are the same - and they're at it again as this time, we're at the alter of house! 

After Gledd's 'My House Is Your Church' (see review HERE - released on the ), Delusions Of Granduer are at it again with Nebraska, he of Session Victim's 'Sidequests - Chapter Two' (see review HERE).

Ali Gibbs (aka Nevbraska) is back on DOG in his new alter ego as Dubl Drat and, of course, what a way to open up you're new 'The Alter Ego' EP than a track called 'The Alter Alter Ego'.

Very jazz, very funk and ready to low-sling its way across the dancefloor.  Much like the mutant/sample fed disco of The Teckel Track' with the heavy synth which is just fun.

The remainder of the EP gets very Dubl Drat as 'Olive (Dubl Drat Dub), Alter Alter Ego (Dubl Drat Remix)' and 'Olive (Nebraska Remix') where does Gibbs start/end and Nebraska/Dubl Drat begin; perhaps only Ali knows.  That said, there's a lot of hip-hop sample influence along with Balearic beach gong/gamelan percussion plus the jazzy keys that give the tracks an elements of cohesiveness.

Either version of 'The Alter Alter Ego' is going to be your dancefloor friend this summer so get your orders in now.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: The Alter Alter Ego EP | Nebraska Presents: Dubl Drat | Dubl Drat

Artists: Nebraska presents Dubl Drat

Release:  The Alter Ego EP

Release Date: 17th July, 2026

Label: Delusions Of Grandeur

Cat. No. DOC112

Format: Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: VA- Freedom, Innovation, Resonance, Vol 3 (Ensouled)

Latin-jazz house on the beach makes a bit of a monster of a 12", get on it fast!

We often see Cee ElAssaad's name on quality dance tracks like his remix of Vince Watson's 'Eminesence' (see review HERE) or even on 'Freedoam, Innovation, Resonance', Vol 1 (see review HERE) from late last year, and he's on Vol. 3 too!

You'll also recall that he teamed up with Beatkozina on 'Beauty Is Magic' (see review HERE) but this time it's 'Tribe' with Masaki Morii that's typically percussive and "underscored by dub effects and spoken word".   'Tribe' gets a Hugo LX remix for a "deeper club reinterpretation that keeps you locked".  I'm reminded of the 'Candido' with this one so it's bound to be big along with the swirling synths - "We are TRIBE".

And if you want more deep house, the A-side showcases Italian producer Kikko Esse sets the tone with 'Nightfall Chroma', a spiritual cut guided by warm chords and the sort of slow burn groove that is like sinking into a lush bath.  But wait 'till it's reworked by Alton Miller who turns both taps on full blast to give you a Detroit-style hose down. 

It's great to see Alton Miller is still on the remix as he's been an ever present on the scene for decades so act quick and pre-order this one.

BUY LINK: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/kikko-esse-cee-freedom-innovation-resonance-vol-3-vinyl/1143004-01/

Artist: KIKKO ESSE / Cee ElAssaad & Masaki Morii

Title: Beauty is Magic

Release date: 13th July, 2026

Label : Ensouled

Catalog Number : ENSLDV003

Format: 12" Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp  https://ensouled.bandcamp.com/

Review: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi - Whispers Of Rain (Live)(Tru-Thoughts Recordings)

It was only a couple of years ago that Alina Bzhezhinska told us, "Thanks! You got us, totally."  Well, with this new live combo with Tony Kofi and Tulshi, I think we can return he favour and say the same - spiritual soul-jazz totally!

The combination of Alina & Tulshi's 'Whispers Of Rain' (see review HERE) and with Tony Kofi, 'Anima' (see review HERE), this is 7 track album coming out the day before their live 'presentation' at the Vortex Jazz Club tomorrow (7th March) must make it the hottest ticket in (London) town!

And this "re-imagined live" album of the previous studio album, co-written with Ibiza-based producer Tulshi is more intense sense of emotion that comes from the depth of the seven tracks as "captured in an intimate live setting, this record is shaped by the unique chemistry between two master improvisers".

I wouldn't like to highlight any track being better than another (OK. then, twist my arm, the title track, 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights') as Alina and Tony seem to be such a perfect match as their mastery of the harp and sax reflect so beautifully titles like 'Whispers Of Rain', 'Across The Sea' and 'Warm Days, Cold Nights'.

So, whether you can see them live on the forthcoming tour or not, this is a must have album; and have a safe 'Journey Home'!

Live Dates

11/07/2026 HHC Quintet at Buxton Jazz Festival
25-27/09/2026 HipHarpCollective at Scarborough Jazz Festival
26/11/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi at Seven Arts, Leeds
27/11/2026 Ukrainian Community Centre, Wolverhampton
28/11/2026 HipHarpCollective at Peggie’s Skylight, Nottingham
10/12/2026 Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi at Leicester Jazz

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Whispers of Rain (Live) | Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi | AlinaHipHarp

Artist: Alina Bzhezhinska, Tony Kofi & Tulshi 

Title: Whispers of Rain (Live)

Release date: 6th March, 2026

Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings

Catalog Number : TRU482D 

Format: Digital Bandcamp  

Review: Ella Thompson - Dandelion (Mr Bongo)

More SOUL that's echoes Northern but it's from the deep south; yep Australia's Ella Thompson is at it again! 

After Ella's 'Ripple On The Wing' album (see review HERE) a while back and the surprise Mr Bongo 7" 'Promise to Keep / Change of Heart (see review HERE), here's another tease release from the Naarm/Melbourne-based vocalist, musician, and songwriter from the forthcoming album 'Triumph & Sadness' with a brand new single ‘Dandelion’. 

High in energy and attitude, it’s an irresistibly hooky psych funk nugget, doused in Ella’s silky, heartfelt vocals. Featuring a selection of artists from the city’s much-championed DIY independent scene, including members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, there’s a beat-heavy, psychedelic feel to the track, infused with Ella’s sweet soul tones.

Co-written and co-produced by Liam McGorry from Temporary Blessings (College Of Knowledge), ‘Dandelion’ is a magnetic head nodder, driven by the slick drumming of Hudson Whitlock and Tom Pettit’s infectious bass grooves. Timpani fills and a punchy, instantly sampleable horn line add that cinematic Chef-styled touch to proceedings.

The song speaks of a search for truth in a relationship that has lost its way. Inspired by the contradiction between a dandelions bitter taste and beautiful flower, Ella asks do we fear what caring too much will do? “How much detachment is needed to ride the highs and lows without numbing the nerve? We want truth yet reach for illusion” she mentions.

Ella owns this track; there is power in the vocal delivery when needed, and restraint as required. It’s a song that is instantly memorable in its emotive anthemic power, further showcasing why Ella is rightly regarded as one of the leading lights in contemporary soul.

Cutting the track direct-to-tape is just one of the touches of class that firm local favourite Henry Jenkins brings to the recording and engineering of ‘Dandelion’. Henry also joins Ella and Liam as co-producer and Daptone / The Womack Sisters collaborator Wayne Gordon is drafted in to provide a brilliant mixdown. Together they authentically capture the live energy of some of the finest talent that Naarm/Melbourne has to offer, with Ella delivering a delectable and poignant taste of what’s to come on Triumph & Sadness.

Released in collaboration with College Of Knowledge, Australia.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://bfan.link/dandelion-13

Artist: Ella Thompson

Title: Dandelion 

Release Date : 7th July, 2026

Label : Mr Bongo Records

Catalog Number : MRB354BTI08

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Christian Prommer - Rhythmique Nocturne (Compost Records)

Christian Prommer recently posted, "a true from day‑one supporter of my music since the Fauna Flash, Trüby Trio and Drumlesson days. Handed him the very first vinyl test pressing of my upcoming double album 'Rhythmic Nocturne' (worldwide release: July 10th) - so was he talking about YATM?

Regular readers will know that the short answer is "No" as he was giving DJ Gilles Peterson a copy of said new album in Berlin (at the time of the Berlin Jazz Festival) but he could have been: particularly by the time of Drumlesson (saw him at Big Chill for a live set with with cover versions of Techno classics) and even the Christian Prommer remix of 'Winter Wonderland' by Shirley Horn - see review HERE).

So we've been looking forward to the album since the single, 'Trying Times' (featuring Justine Hoerwarth) came out.  That was a re-imagination of Roberta Flack's 1969 classic protest song and the rest of the album, 11 tracks in total, is full of his imaginative downtempo acoustic-electronic jazz and dance grooves.

Prime example of this is the vocal on 'I'm Falling (Falling Deep)' by Carl Justin that's blended into a loopy drum and piano jazz track with dubby undercurrents that crash onto the shoreline.

Apparently, Mr. Prommer looks for "texture" within his sound design portal and live musician background and it's very atmospheric at times; 'Dark Matter' (space ship on turbo bongos), 'Night Society' (big strings coming to a climax) and 'Spiral' (Industrial shed in the plant room).

Other tracks feature Kelvin Sholar ('Boss') where the America pianist gets in a synth phaser samba battle and Leona Berlin ('Struck') for the R&B/Soul beats.

In fact, the last track is called 'I Lost Myself In The Music' gives everyone a chance to cool down which is no bad thing as at the time of release, Europe is under a massive heat bubble, but make no mistake, this 'Rhythmique Nocturne' is a hot property and it's a good idea to get your hands on it as a double LP!.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://compostrecords.lnk.to/ChristianPrommer-RhythmiqueNocturne

Artist: Christian Prommer 

Title: Rhythmique Nocturne

Release date: 10th July, 2026

Label: Compost Records

Catalog Number : CPT 670

Format: 2xLP Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Ayce & Spirit Of House ft Lawrence Rowe & Phebe Edwards - Stronger (The Disco Express)

Mid-season half-prich gym membership, influencer videos, steroids? All options but if you really want to be 'Stronger', it's The Disco Express label you need to turn to with their latest release by Ayce & Spirit Of House featuring Lawrence Rowe & Phebe Edwards!

Just getting to terms with Various Artists (Hotmood, Empher, Tommy Glasses, Scruscru, Mr. Moudz, Boogietraxx) remixes Vol. 6 (see review HERE) here's some really powerfull TDE 4 timer in the form of original, extended and Ayce dub; plus a James Juke's remix!

Rooted in soul, producer, DJ and musician Ayce Oyerinde gets the strongest gospel-infused house you're likely to hear this side of Xmas; live vocals kick off big time and what with the "infectious grooves" this is massive.

Even the dub version can't get away from the vocal choir; Stephanie Sounds, Phebe Edwards, Louise LaBelle, Lawrence Rowe and Ebru Ellis- it's so good along with a cheeky horn feature.

And hold on, there's an extended James Juke remix you say? Jame Juke of very recent 'A Little Lost' (see review HERE) and his NY late night "extra punch" is a bit quirky but a great twist.

Once more, The Disco Express proves they are at the cutting edge of match Disco-House from 1970s to the present day under the watchful ear of Bustin' Loose (aka Tom Lilly) as leader; don't forget our interview with Tom of last year, see HERE.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Stronger | Ayce & Spirit of House, James Juke | The Disco Express

e & Felmann,Funky Love EPThe Disco Express,

Artist: Ayce & Spirit Of House ft Lawrence Rowe & Phebe Edwards 

Title: Stronger EP
Release date: 10th July, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS114
Format:  Digital / Streaming [https://fanlink.tv/ASOH-STRONGER] / Bandcamp

Review: Andre Espeut & Stefano de Santis - Wanna Know What’s On Your Mind (Ramrock Records)

Well it wasn't on our minds that Andre Espeut & Stefano de Santis would team up for a Lovers Rock summer, check out 'Wanna Know What’s On Your Mind' on Ramrock!

Regular readers may well be surprised to hear that Andre Espeut (last seen HERE teaming up with Inkswel as well Robert Burbridge - see HERE - and King Bee on Ramrock Red Records - see HERE) would get together with Stefano de Santis (a Ramrock regular - see HERE) at North Street West studio in Hastings via London and Rome, to produce 'Wanna Know What’s On Your Mind', original and dub, which are perfect lovers for a Sunday (and the rest of the week). 

Stefano says, "I met Andre in 2022 through some of his work. From the very first listen, I was struck by his tone and versatility, and I remember immediately thinking how great it would be to do something together.  Shortly after the release of my first EP, I received a message from him asking if I wanted to collaborate. “There you go, the law of attraction works perfectly!” I thought. We started working together, and a lot of great, diverse music has been coming out of it.   A common ground for our collaboration has been reggae. Both Andre and I grew up with this genre, and it was beautiful to reconnect with that vibe, since it’s not something we usually play and create, even though we both love it deeply".

 
Coming out just after Chilled Cider festival (which is just down the road from the much missed Wilkswood Reggae Festival and the news of the passing of Dubheart's Bongo Steve; RIP) this is the much needed boost to spiritual roots reggae and dub.

Let's hope by next years' Chilled Cider Festival I'll have a vinyl copy to play!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  RR014 Andre Espeut & Stefano De Santis 'Wanna Know What's On Your Mind' EP | Andre Espeut, Stefano De Santis | Ramrock

Artist: Andre Espeut & Stefano de Santis

Title: Wanna Know What’s On Your Mind 

Release date: 10th July, 2026
Label: Ramrock Records
Cat. No: RR014
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: papaya noon - through the moods (First Word Records)

First Word Records are bringing together a double-bill showcasing two of their UK Soul talents, Georgie Sweet and papaya noon to We Out Here Festival along with the release of the Cardiff duo's debut, 'through the moods' EP.

We known Gerogie Sweet from the album 'I Swear You' (see review HERE) that followed the singles 'The Ones We Loved' / 'Bedsheets' (see review HERE) and 'Smaller' / 'All That We Were' (see review HERE) and it's little wonder that she's appearing with papaya noon as there's a synergy between them (being vocalist Annie Mirza and multi-instrumentalist Greg Marriott) and Ms. Sweet and producer Marc Rapson as they all fit in the Soul/R&B hip-hop golden era Jill Scott/Erykah Badu et al

Not only are they appearing at WOH Festival but also at The Old Queen's Head, London on 16th July (see below) along with a Bandcamp listening party on 14 July to support this 6-track EP.

All their music is written, performed & produced single-handedly by the duo themselves, who’ve managed to create a magically powerful potion from their plant-filled Cardiff studio space, and generated huge anticipation for their future output in-turn.

The duo explained that the EP navigates “neurodivergence, trauma & loss, with tenderness & honesty. Rather than presenting trauma as a spectacle, we’ve attempted to approach it with the softness and complexity that it merits”.

It certainly is soft and somewhat mesmerizing and fascinating to see them live.

BUY LINK: through the moods | papaya noon

Bandcamp - through the moods Listening Party July 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM GMT+1

Artist: papaya noon

Title: through the moods

Release date: 10th July, 2026

Label: First Word Records 

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

20th - 23rd August - We Out Here Festival, Wimborne St Giles

Review: Run Logan Run - An Ear In Place Of A Mouth (Ankh Sanctuary)

Run Logan Run complete th ‘Prey / LV /Ears’ trilogy with 'An Ear In Place Of A Mouth' as we investigate whether Andrew Neil Hayes manages to keep his solo jazz avant-experimental foot out of it!

Recorded at his own Ankh Sanctuary studio, Bristol's music scene is where Run Logan Run as Andrew Neil Hayes (saxophonist/bandleader),longtime collaborators BB.JAMES (vocals), join up with Mumble Tide's Gina Leonard and Mossfellow (aka Samuel Fox as multi-instrumentalist) for this 5-track EP. 

Sticking to their mix of 'straight' sax to weird electronica, 'An Ear In Place Of A Mouth' adds a  (an ironic?) strong 'indie-pop' vocals elements, as Gina on 'To A God (Compassion)' comes over quite Kate Bush (not that that's a bad thing) and BB.JAMES (Kermit, Liam Bailey) on 'You Don't Believe (I Couldn't Be)'.

To mis-quote a old rocker, "Shut up and play the sax" fans wouldn't be disappointed at 'Exsits (Better Not Bitter)' that gets jazz/dub/electronica/rock with the addition of Ryan Thrupp on drums and additional bass by Daniel Plimmer and the spacey, 'Praying Punch'.

Put this all together and there's the closing track a Run Logan Run remix of 'How Long Does This Last' with some great lap steel guitar from Fox.

You'll recall, from the 'LV/HRD (see review HERE) and that they can happily go post-dubstep like the spiritual winner 'Flower Without A Stem' - it's like a jazz dawn that warps into a Bristolian cityscape. 

Check the Bandcamp link below as there's the option of an EP version and if you get in quick, a limited-edition box set: 2 x vinyl, an art book with liner notes by DJ Tina Edwards and photography by Chris Lucas, and a hand-typed letter from Andrew. Exciting stuff!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: An Ear In Place Of A Mouth | Run Logan Run

Artist: Run Logan Run

Title: An Ear In Place Of A Mouth 

Release date: 3rd July, 2026

Label: Ankh Sanctuary

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: 2 x Vinyl Box Set / Digital / Bandcamp