Review: Make It Disco - What You Gonna Say EP (The Disco Express)

'What You Gonna Say' when Make It Disco says what it exactly is on the tin-can these guys Make It Disco?  Yes they can!

Don't forget TDE have just released Ayce & Spirit Of House featuring Lawrence Rowe & Phebe Edwards 'Stronger EP' (see review HERE) but this 5-track EP is stronger in a different way.as East London's Make It Disco makes his debut on the label with "modern disco-funk that's as timeless as it is fresh.. [that draws] inspiration from the golden era of late-70s disco, soul and boogie, the producer and bassist delivers a set of irresistibly catchy originals, packed with infectious melodies, rich live instrumentation and his signature slap bass grooves".

We're talking Chic, Rose Royce, Chaka, Ellerman et all with the tracks showcasing the vocals of Yvonne Park (SAULT, Emeli Sandé) on the title track with rolling rhythms and big strings, 'No Matter' featuring Ebony G is more soul-discog and 'Be My (Only One)' sees Silla take centre stage on a feel-good groove built for repeat listens and packed dancefloors alike.

Of course, The Disco Express founder Bustin' Loose can't resist a remix of 'No Matter' and the set ends on more vintage disco musicianship with modern production finesse as Monsieur Van Pratt Delivers a "Groove-Heavy Remix of” 'Be My (Only One)'.

Make It Disco (MID?) is clearly "one of the scene's most exciting new names" and TDE is the station, goods yards and all disco transportation this guy needs..

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: https://thediscoexpress.bandcamp.com/album/what-you-gonna-say-ep

e & Felmann,Funky Love EPThe Disco Express,

Artist: Make It Disco 

Title: What You Gonna Say EP 
Release date: 24th July, 2026
Label : The Disco Express
Catalog Number : XPRESS116
Format:  Digital / Streaming / Bandcamp

Review: Henna Onna - Maboroshi EP (feat Kuniyuki, Satoshi Fumi Remixes) (Deeppa Records)

You don't get to say, "Armenian jazz-house and broken beat fusionist" that often but Henna Onna is one, if not the leading one when it comes to some jazzy deep house.

And the six track EP 'Maboroshi' goes even futher east with remixes by Kuniyuki ('Shibuya Oiran' as a deep dub version) and Satoshi Fumi ('Enoshima').  Both remixes are great, Satoshi is the most upbeat and synthed out acid-warp bullet train: definitely for dancefloor action, whilst the 'deep dub' emphsizes the Japanophiles elements (Ed. one for Nick Luscombe - see HERE).

Talking of Luscombe, he's one that'd appreciate the "modal synth lines that pull from Eastern tonal reference" of the original mix of 'Shibuya Oiran' (and the spoken word) whilst on the digital release version you get Kuniyuki's original remix (the dub is on the 12" and the digital release) which emphasises the strings and synths.  The other digital bonus is the beatless 'Shibuya Oiran'.  I love it when far and future sighted labels like Deeppa do this as there's a version for everyone.

The title track is another from the ambient temple jade garden with the waterfalls and bird song that'll calm anyone down as opposed to the upbeat original deep space bongo house version 'Enoshima'. 

Not a lot of 'Armenian broken beat' going on here but that's more than OK with the 8 tracks that are!

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/henna-6onna-maboroshi-ep-feat-kuniyuki-satoshi-fumi-vinyl/1151625-01/

Artist: Henna Onna

Title:  Maboroshi EP (feat Kuniyuki, Satoshi Fumi Remixes)

Release date: 20th July, 2026

Label : Deeppa Records

Catalog Number : DEEPPA19

Format: Vinyl 12" / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Hill Collective - Fire In Orbit (Batov Records)

This is a 'Fire In Orbit' that's as if its been sent by Sun Ra himself and has landed on Batov Records - don't get burned, order now!

 

Batov Records' last three released albums; Bolbec's' 'Foutu Félin' (see review HERE), Kronstad 23's 'Dødehavet' (see review HERE), and Ori Kaplan & Lihu Melamed's 'Reverie' (see review HERE) were at the leftfield jazzy, cinematic, libarary, glogal, folky psych end, Brighton's Hill Collective are at the Sun Ra end and they're hot!

For a debut album, its even more impressive that these jazz-adjacents on the south coast have migrated locally in 3 years of gigs and festival appearances (Love Supreme and The Great Escape).

We're told that the tracks were recorded over three unhurried days at Sea Breeze Studios by the band themselves, the album moves through chorus–solo–chorus forms, call-and-response and collective improvisation — led by alto saxophonist Pete Piskov and a flexible, often double-digit ensemble whose influences (Eric Dolphy's angular lyricism, Art Ensemble of Chicago's collective consciousness, touches of Latin rhythm and Arabic modality) are absorbed rather than quoted.

Don't be scared off by the cover or the mild-mannered single, 'A House Is A Home Like Honey', the other 3 lengthy tracks, the title track, 'Keep Breathing' and 'A Song for A Blossom Baby' are all spiritually deep. .

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Fire In Orbit | Hill Collective

Artist: Hill Collective 

Title: Fire In Orbit

Release date: 17th July, 2026

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR137

Format:  LP vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Pete Piskov - Alto Saxophone, Percussion

Joe Edwards - Drumkit, Congas, Percussion
Joe Snelling - Double Bass
Luke Congdon - Piano (1, 3, 4), Keys (2)
Chris Luu - Keys (1, 3, 4), Piano (2), Vocals
Vincent Malloch - Electric Guitar
Will Roberts - Trombone
Ivy Loska - Cornet
Jay Orpana - Flute, Vocals
Max Generowicz - Violin (3, 4)
Sudhi S Pooniyil - Tabla (4)

All compositions by Pete Piskov
Recorded by Joe Edwards and Will Roberts at Sea Breeze Studios
Mixed by Pete Piskov
Mastered by Will Roberts

Review: - Animal Invisível - Animal Invisível (Nublu Records)

Debut albums that are self-titiled are often the best and  Nublu Records and Animal Invisível are keeping this addage alive with this new album, 'Animal Invisível'!

Multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer Guri Assis Brasil announces the release of his debut solo album as Animal Invisível, an instrumental project fusing 70s Brazilian grooves, jazz, and psychedelic rock.

Recorded remotely between 2020 and 2023 with an exceptional lineup of musicians—including Pupillo, founding drummer of Nação Zumbi, and acclaimed trombonist Antonio Neves—the album captures both the isolation and creative connection of its time. Tracks range from the dancefloor energy of "Estriquinada" (a Brazilian boogie inspired by Marcos Valle and Lincoln Olivetti) to the harmonically complex "Dendê" featuring string quartet arrangements.

The album showcases Guri's versatility, blending influences from 1970s Brazilian instrumental music that married samba and American funk to jazz, alternative rock, and modern French electronic acts like Air. His guitar serves as the convergence point for layers of sound featuring Hammond organ, horn sections, psychedelic synths, and even vocoder experiments.

A Live Session directed by Rafael Rocha (Noize Record) will accompany the album release, featuring musicians from the recording in action.

About Guri Assis Brasil: Guri began his career in 2001 in Porto Alegre as a member of the band Pública, earning two MTV VMB Award nominations (2007, 2009). Since 2010, he's been based in São Paulo, working as a studio and live musician with some of Brazil's most respected artists while developing his craft as an arranger, producer, and composer.

Nublu Records presents a limited edition gatefold LP pressed on Cherry base eco-mix vinyl and housed in full color gatefold jacket with archival dust sleeve and full color LP labels. Only 300 are being made for the world and will not be repressed.

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

Artist: Animal Invisível

Title: Animal Invisível   
Release date: 17th July, 2026
Label : Nublu Records
Catalog Number: NUB072
Format:  Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Rossano Snel - The Fire In The Forest (Strings and Hopes Berlin)

Too much World Cup?  Set yourself up with Rossano Snel and 'The Fire In The Forest' that'll definitely keep you warm this summer!

Regular readers will recall Rossano Snel (she of 'And I Miss You'/'Kena' - see review HERE and the album 'Sketches Of Tallinn') and you'll be excited by this forthcoming 'The Fire In The Forest' EP).

There might be only 2-tracks, 'Sunrise' and 'Try It With A Little Tenderness' (Ed. this one doesn't sound much like the one you know), after his appearance on Session Victim's 'The Disconnect' EP (see review HERE), us leftfield jazzdance types are warming even more to the Berlin-based Brazilian pianist Rossano Snel

After making her name in contemporary classical, ambient and experimental field (think The Wire magazine) she's now gone 'soul-jazz' influenced with this piano/Hammond organ/drums as it's sounds Shirley Scott meets The Bad Plus and Chris Dave; and who doesn't like the sounds of that!

After appearing on Black Loops' 'Always Moving' album last year (Freerange Records), releasing a piano version of Nirvana's 'Lithium' (see below) on his album 'Carbon' as well as having a release on renown classical label Deutsche Grammophon (the label that also brought you the Carl Craig / Moritz von Oswald 'ReComposed' project, 2009), Mr. Snel can turn his hand to any genre

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rossanosnel/the-fire-in-the-forest

Artists: Rossano Snel 

Release: The Fire In The Forest

Release Date: 16th July, 2026

Label: Strings and Hopes Berlin

Cat. No. TBC

Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Yarni - Anemoia - The Remixes EP (Stanhope Records)

Yani's 'Anemoia' get the remix that nobody was expecting but now we've got another seven tracks focused on the dancefloor - get ready to make your move(s)! 

You'll recall that we say to the original release last year, "If you put together the spirit of Galliano, Urban Species, Brand New Heavies, Roots Manuva, Ty, early Cinematic Orchestra and similar together, Yani's 'Anemoia' isn't too far from that: yes, it's that good!" So, is a remix going to top that?   If you're a multi-instrumentalist like Yarni there's a fair chance the you and your mates would give it a good go; especially if you aim to make them more dancefloor friendly.  

And the Yarni Jazz Dance Mix of 'Spell Over Me' is a winner to start with with that killer trumpet solo (James Atashroo) and Latin influences make it a must for this World Cup season.

And why wouldn't you go all D'n'B balearic dub with a remix from Sheffield based buck. on 'The Romantic Ghost' (the one featuring Plumm).  There's another remix the same track by Still (Argentina), that's picks up on the balearic dub potential with some Latin-house.

There's also two remixes of 'Sunrise Sunset' (featuring Scarlett Fae); one by Benedict (also Sheffield) for a full-on 8 minutes and Sharkkat (London) in the uptempo temple rave bath.

You'll remember our favorite track when the album came out last year was 'Neon God' and tell me I'm wrong (see review HERE) so what could  the much admired (by BBC 6 Music's Tom Ravenscroft, Nemone, Steve Lamacq), Echo Julliet so on the remix?  Well, she's snuck in a signal, electric light dub and percussion heavy post-jazzdance.  Brilliant!

There's no surprise that Benjamin Harris (aka Yarni) has returns to end the EP with another remix by him of 'Spell Over Me' moving from Jazz Dance to UK Garage which nicely manoevres around the vocal and that triumphant trumpet.

You'll have to wait to early October for the full EP but sign up now on the pre-order so you don't miss anything.

Release Schedule:
12/06 : Yarni Jazz Dance Mix - "Spell Over Me" (out now)
14/07 : Benedict remix - "Sunrise Sunset" + Full EP Bandcamp Exclusive
07/08 : Echo Juliet remix - "Neon Gods"
02/09 : Sill remix - "The Romantic Ghost"
02/10 : Full EP - All Platforms

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER:  https://linktr.ee/YarniAnemoiaRemixes

Artist: Yarni

Title: Anemoia - The Remixes EP

Release date:14th July, 2026 (Bandcamp exclusive)/Other Streams full EP: 2nd October, 2026
Label : Stanhope Records 

Catalog Number : TBC
Format:  Digital / Bandcamp

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