Review: VA - Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura Vol.3 (Mr Bongo)

Luke Una is back with another 'Presents É Soul Cultura' compilation with Volume 3 and your still getting your money's worth outta Mr Bongo with 15 tracks of fun on the dancefloor. 

I can't believe it's been nearly two years since Vol. 2 of this series landed (see reviw HERE) whilst the first Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura came out in 2022!  We know that he's still busy as a DJ with his never ending quest to fill his record bag with special records including the likes of his Mr Bongo Edits (see review HERE).

Even then, perpare yourself for the awesome and ever relevant 'Spread Love' by Harris & Orr; originally released in the mid-70s, the message of peace and love could have been as big as any Gil Scott-Heron/Brian Jackson jazz-funk-disco mega-hit.  Even then, it's been re-issued and included on some serious labels in Europe and Japan over the passed 30 years, but it's time is now!

And talking of serious and Japan, if your Higgins/Peden types (see HERE), Toshiyki Honda rides the fusion of fire on 'Burnin' Waves' after some soulful disco string orchestral synth on 'Trying To Get By'.   And that's one of 3 'physical only' tracks - that's vinyl to you and me - as Terry And Deep South are joined by a 'Super Club Remix' of Janette Renee's 'What's On Your Mind' and 'Dancin' People' by Stars(!)

And perhaps these three tracks (but not exclusively) do indicate an 'É Soul Cultura' mindset of over-looked gems (hence OG silly expensive) that are celebral dancefloor. As taken from the press release, Luke says, "For me, the dancefloor was never about a one-dimensional, thudding, 130 BPM beat only. It's a much more dynamic, broader vision than that. I cut my teeth in an era where a 100 BPM record had as much impact, excitement, and energy as a 134 BPM dancefloor jazz funk or techno record”, Luke mentions. É Soul Cultura Volume 3 is the perfect embodiment of that notion"

Well, apart from Luke's recommendation he's also prepared to share with us some of his big  favourites and one take is going to get lots of attention: like a 8-minute DJ Harvey psych-out remix of a DJ Food track, 'Peace' - it's not ya standard "peace man", more Prince/Carlos Santana and Herbie go on a trip and forget the drummer! 

Luke made his name at Manchester's Electic Chair and has gone on to DJ his eclectic sets around the world and is at least as well known as DJs Harvey, Peterson, Scruff and the much missed Weatherall.

And talking eclectic, this album lives up to this with one of our favourites from last year, Vital Disorders' post-punk 'Zombie' (previously on Wah Wah 45s backed by a version by youngsters' Kotoa - see review HERE: NB. this year Fela Kuti has become the first African artist to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award) and then from 1987 some off kilter electro, 'Flight 505' by Alphonsus Idigo (handy for any Egyptian Lover business on the mix) and some "post-minimalist" jazz-funk fusion from mid-80s, Man Jumping's 'In The Jungle' (originally on Bill Nelson's label!)

And we know that Luke likes to trip into all the continents so he'll be able to find tracks like 

Grupo Serenata's 'Sodade, Tem Pena D'Mim' from Cape Verde (Ed. and if you're planning a trip and there's mention of 'Shigella', it's not a new dance; it's very bad stuff).

If you come to this compilation thinking you know what Una is all about and you've heard it all before, I bet even you will find something on here to amuse and delight you plus, I think it's fair to say that the same is about all 3 volumes of 'Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura' - you don't need any more of a recommendation so buy it on sight / site - or pre-order as say these days. 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://bfan.link/luke-una-presents-e-soul-cultura-vol-3

Artist: Various Artists

Title: Luke Una Presents É Soul Cultura Vol.3

Release date: 20th March, 2026 

Label : Mr Bongo 

Catalog Number : MRB328

Format : 2 x LP (black and yellow in gatefold sleeve and OBI strip) / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Hollie Cook - Rockaway Dub / Dub Me In Your Arms (Mr Bongo)

Hollie Cook's 'Shy Girl' gets out and about in dub with some help from producer and desk master Ben McKone! 

Hollie Cook my be a 'Shy Girl' (see review HERE of her last album) which happens to be her 5th, album producer Ben McKone gets his 'Made For Record Store Day' 2026 analogue mixing desk out for some 'old fashioned' Lovers Rock dubs.

Taking on 'Rockaway' and 'Take Me In Your Arms' to the delays, echoes and reverb roots of King Tubby (as recently recommended by Bass, Mids, Tops' Joe Muggs) which work so well alongside the original versions or one their own; 'Dub Me In Your Arms' is particularly spacey even if it uses more of Cook's vocals.

A full 'Shy Girl in Dub' album is promised so again, "shy girl no more me thinks".

NOTE: The green vinyl version with added A4 sticker sheet is dropping as part of @recordstoreday on April 18th..

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://holliecook.bandcamp.com/album/shy-girl-in-dub

Artist: Hollie Cook

Title: Rockaway Dub / Dub Me In Your Arms

Release Date : 19th March, 2026

Label : Mr Bongo Records

Catalog Number : MRB341

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Lottie P, Colin Riley, Nic Pendlebury, Steve Pretty ft. Helen Czerski & George Monbiot - Ocean Songs (Squeaky Kate Music)

In an increasingly mixed up world where there is so much confusion and entrenched position on any subject you'd care to mention, even post 'Blue Planet'/David Attenborough, there still needs an agit-project-band to raise awarness with the help of eco-educators Helen Czerski and George Monbiot.

This unusual new collaborative album has a cross-genre collection of composer Colin Riley, Lottie P (post-punksters, Goat Girl), Steve Pretty (Inner-City punk-brass, Hackney Colliery Band) and Nic Pendlebury (founder/electric violist, The Smith Quartet) and they have a message of the "village" ethos as we're all connected by water and here are ten songs to celebrate the Ocean.

Commissioned for the First Light Festival in 2025, held in Greenwich at the Royal Museums, as a "docu-pop" project with as an contemporary classical, ambient, jazz, rock experiment to connect with "our ocean" with ten songs exploring "whales, waves, myths and climate, with spoken-word contributions from oceanographer Helen Czerski and broadcaster, George Monbiot".

You want be able to pin it down as it can harmoniously flit from spoken word observations of Czerski* (British physicist, oceanographer, writer, broadcaster and television presenter) and OG "eco -warrior" Monbiot.

For those with long memories, nealy 20 years ago, may recall one of the most unusual collaborations, The Imagined Village as a folk/pop/punk band meets Transglobal Underground (in both name and group!).  Well, this album is much more focused as a sort of Stereolab goes to the Science museum with track titles, 'Ebbt & Flow', 'Plastic', 'Blue Machine', 'Passengers', 'Sirens', 'Sunrise', 'Sing The Whale', 'Every Wave', 'Flotsam & Jetsam' and 'We Are Ocean' are touchstone to the Panthalassa/Pangea theme.

'Sing The Whale' featuring Monbiot, like a Benjamn Zephaniah/Billy Bragg to Imagined Village, with Lottie P and the Whale starring (is the whale Steve P and Nic P a musical kiss?)

Of course, there's a sense of profound underlying sadness to the message (as it's man's fault) but that shouldn't put you off as there is hope in the music, like 'Every Wave' and 'Flotsam & Jetsam'.

Hopefully they'll be more live performances, in 2025 Melanie Pappheim guested in Lowestoft (with local community singers which is a great idea).  It'd would be great to see this performed at festivals too but for now, there's a CD and digital release with a London launch party at Theatreship, Canary Wharf on 24th March.

Don't forget, 'We Are Ocean'!

*Helen Czerski reads excerpts from her award-winning oceanography book ‘Blue Machine: How the Ocean Shapes our World’ (Penguin Books).

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Music | Squeaky Kate Music

Artist:  Lottie P, Colin Riley, Nic Pendlebury, Steve Pretty ft. Helen Czerski & George Monbiot

Title: Ocean Songs

Release date: 24th March, 2026

Label :  Squeaky Kate Music

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Anoesis - Idios Kosmos EP (Cyphon Recordings)

A couple of years ago we had the 'Metacognition' EP that contained the hit 'Voxelle', so it's been a wait for the new Anoesis release on Cyphon Recordings, 'Idios Kosmos' EP.

One thing we know about Cyphon, is that they don't just release any old "abstract electronica and Detroit-inspired futurism" within their electro, techno and deep house remit, and this new EP is no exception as the London based Anoesis gets this 5-tracker ready for any dark rave warehouse party.

And there's no bigger track than 'Big Noodle' that messes with breaks and chopped up 90s rave; intelligent but what about a Ragga Twins remix?

Most folks would be happy with a 'Big Noodle' but 'Feeling Go' could equally be viewed as next level sub-Oizo with "looped-up vocal sample with driving, housey grreoove" in a trippy basement plumbing underworld.

Not only that, the title track nails rave DNA with it's early 90s breakbeat foundations. Having said all that, 'Lovely' is the 'now' softer edge that can be slipped in anywhere whilst 'Reptile Skin' is the kraut-rough edged opposite!

 

There will always be a revivals of classic dance floor eras and 'Idios Kosmos', as an EP, is more than even DJ Billy Bunter can handle.  

"Shut up and dance", I hear you say - and I will. 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Idios Kosmos | Anoesis

 

Artist: Anoesis 
Title: Idios Kosmos EP
Release date: 20th March, 2025
Label: Cyphon Recordings
Catalog Number TBC 
Format: Limited heavyweight vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Modha - At Your Pace (Sonar Kollektiv)

Sonar Kollektiv is a seal of approval in itself but their sophomore album, 'At Your Pace' is a love letter in istelf to giving yourself some time to breath, "step outside the noise, breathe deeper, and reconnect with the unpolished beauty of musical collaboration".

Modha (aka Dhanya Langer and Max Scholl) have not been in a big rush to follow up their debut release 'Getting By' (Prinewax, 2020) but they know plenty of folks who want to work with them.

No doubt it helps being based in Berlin but these two couldn't be more laid back judging by these eight tracks - and if you can't find your inner peace with the outstanding, 'Find Me (Underneathe The Sun) featuring to soothing vocals of okcandice, the rest of the album will be a loss on you.

And whilst the instrumental opener 'Move At Your Own Pace' sets the tone for gentle trumpet  meditations as the track weaves into a semi-breathless jazz shamen dub.  And there's more good news as Allysha Joy features on 'Good News' (such a rare thing these days) 

The 'River' featuring Àbáse (who you'll recall from 'Awakening' - see review HERE) and the fantastic flute of Fanni Zahár in the semi-spiritual jazz is a little more pacey than you might expect; upstream Carlos Niño you might say.  And early Niño-esque, Baton Rouge rapper Wakai adds verses to the beatsy 'Bullet'.

James Chatburn featured on their first album on a track called 'Freckless' and he's still thinking about it here (perhaps) with 'The Bee By The Pool' that's shamelessly cut short as it's like a slo-mo Thundercat/lovetempo. Conic Rose have a track coming out next week ('loving parents' - see review HERE) and they turn up on this album too on 'Breeze'. 

The fact that it's not just the duo themselves and a load of other musicians might make you think this is sounding like an indulgent supergroup but nothing could be further from the truth. And in, 'Find Me (Underneath The Sun)', I predict, it's going to be one of those unexpected Summer Festival hits so get on it now, before it's too late, but no rush.. take your time.. chill out. 'Move At Your Own Pace' you could say

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://modhask.bandcamp.com/album/at-your-pace

Artist: Modha 

Title:  At Your Pace 

Release date: 13th March, 2026

Label : Sonar Kollektiv

Catalog Number : SK535LP

Format: Vinyl / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Tryangle Man - Tooka Martini (Tryangle Man Records)

Tryangle Man returns and he's gone straight to the cocktail bar for the new single, 'Tooka Martini' - we'll drink to that! 

It's been a couple of years since Tryangle Man's 'Discovery Of Pangea' (see review HERE) and the 'Voyages' trip on Atjazz Records (see review HERE) but our favourit 'superhero' [Ed. that's Tryangle Man] has gone his jazz lounge spats on and got his order in at the Cotton Club bar as a 2026 refurbishment.

It's enought to make anyone smile and dance as it's got similarities with Mr. Scruff re-work of Moondog's song 'Lament I, 'Bird's Lament'; re-branded it as 'Get A Move On' [1999] and Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Minnie The Moocher' (without the reggae and more jazz house. 

 

More subtle than Zbeeez and the recent 'Oh Yes!' (see review HERE) but that what happens when you 'Tooka Martini'.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://snd.click/tooka-martini

Artist: Tryangle Man

Title: Tooka Martini

Release date: 12th March, 2026

Label : Tryangle Man Records

Catalog Number : TMR010S3

Format: Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: MF Robots - "lll” Part One (Good People Records)

Great to have MF Robots back with a new album that takes Acid Jazz roots to the the power of 3, not exactly cubed but more duo'd with Jan Kincaid and Dawn Joseph on their best form yet!  

After the single 'Children Of The World' (see review HERE) that followed upon the success of first single ‘Hello Sunshine’ on their own imprint Good People Records (a joint venture with Republic Of Music), we finally get the album, 'III (three) - Part One'.

You'll recall it was the founder of The Brand New Heavies in 2013, drummer Jan Kincaid and vocalist Dawn Joseph discovered their "musical chemistry and began writing songs together right away" and the leaving left the band to concentrate on their own work, starting MF Robots (Music For Robots).

If you're an original fan of BNH, you'll have matured to love this soulful-funk of MFR as the eight track and nu-Acid Jazz (Ed. no you can't say that!)

Don't believe me? Go straight to the gorgious flute gang su"Imer anthem (already), 'Hello Sunshine' and 'It'll a shine on your face" as if it's Tony Monson on Solar Radio (Ed. still going from 1984!).  But it's not just this track that emits the positive energy of the sun as it's like it's own soulful power station, burning it's way 'Through The Pain', 'Glide' to the Latin space beach as a paired down Earth, Wind & Fire and the groove is down on 'The Pressure' as a new moon rises. 

The opener 'Thats The Way' is going to get some instant attention as it's a fast paced 80s sound with Dawn out front diva with the backing singers on some 'doo, bee do ehhs".  And that doesn't stop them switching musical lanes as 'Lay It Back' slo-funks its way to the dancefloor a la Prince; this would be great as a 12" disco dub as it's far to short here.

Talking of length, the album closes with the longest track, 7 minutes, 'Show Us The Way' that mixes the sounds of Lonnie Liston Smith and George Duke as they go Brazilian Rain Forest in a Mother Nature message - fantastic!

Not at all Chinese Kung Fu cyborgs that have recently been released on the world with their flash mob dance revival routines, so these guys prove that it's possible for robots to have 'soul' and these two MF Robots  have found theirs as "a new sonic and song benchmark... reflecting the project coalescing and maturing while fine-tuning their material, both on the road and in the studio": in short, this is a great album.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://lnk.to/bcKVah

Artist: MF Robots

Title:  "lll” Part One

Release Date: 13th March, 2026

Label:Good People Records

Catalog Number: TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Tony Joe White vs. Flying Mojito Bros. - The Swamp Fox (Flying Mojito Bros.)

Here's what the Flying Mojito Bros. say, "We are god damn electrified to announce our upcoming collaborative album 'THE SWAMP FOX' – in collaboration with the late, great Tony Joe White – our stratocaster master high sheriff – our one true swamp-king spirit animal. Out 13 March".

And there's not much more you need to know if you're a fan of FMB (aka Ben Chetwood and Jack Sellen).  You could always check out the YATM interview with Jack, (see HERE from last year when their 'Just PassingThrough' ablum came out on Ubiquity Records - see review HERE). And then their remixes, or should we say, "Refritos" like for James Alexander Bright (see review HERE) or the "beach" series of Paul Hilary's 'Children Of The Sun' (see review HERE) or Lucky Sun (see review HERE).  Or if you're lucky, delve into their 'Greatest Hits (1970-1983).

Of course, if you did your soon realise that it's not exactly them from 1970-1983, but more of a Flying Mojito Bros mixtape of all their favourites and you'll definitely find som Tony Joe White in their.  Why's that?  It's because the Flying Mojito Bros. are the biggest fans of the premier swamp rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, TJW (who sadly passed away in 2018).

It's because of the clear affinity that FMB's style of Desert Disco and County Boogie, that Tony's Estate have given Ben and Jack full access by Jody White (Tony's son) to his Dad's prime mid 70s/early 80s archive for a full-on tribute to 'The Swamp Fox' himself.

Easily recognisable for his singing style, subject matter and guitar swamp-twang you'll probably know of him from his writing credits such as with Waylon Jennings ('Cowboy Singer'), and cover versons by Brook Benton ('Rainy Night in Georgia') and Elvis's 'Polk Salad Annie'.

Can't say I know what/who is 'Polk Salad Annie', but down in Lousiana,Tennessee and 'Gator regions, they'll be familar along with these tracks, such as the story of 'Jake Leg Kid' (that been treated to some sexy FMB bass bounce disco) a 2025 Extended version of 'Swamp Rap' (sounding a bit like a long train running; fast with some dub guitar - and the funkiest rap south of Lake Michigan).

Track tiles like 'Makin' Love Is Good For You', 'Alligator Stomp' and 'Sign Of The Lion' gives you an idea of why his is so ideal for this type of subject matter along with that guitar sound.

It really grooves when we get some jazzy horn (like on 'Woman') and backing vocals (like 'Underdog') but even without, there's a stong soul connection here with 'Grounded'.  

Whilst 'Swamp Rap' amazing, the album ends on the classic 'Bout To Dance (In My Pants)' - that's got a touch of Line Dancing and Wild Cherry about it but don't worry, it's Tony singing about "pants" and some squelchy swamp synth:  where's the extended mix to this?

"Outlaw House"?  There should be a bounty on these guys for been so good: Tony Joe White is a much missed talent and as this is as close as we can get to what he'd be doing today, it's brilliant.

BUY LINK / PRE: ORDER: The Swamp Fox

Flying Mojito Bros US Tour:
March 14 - Skinny Dennis - Nashville, TN
April 17 - Camille’s @ The Bellwether - Los Angeles, CA
April 24 - Discopussy - Las Vegas, NV
May 1 - 2 - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas, NV
May 9 - Pappy and Harriet’s - Pioneertown, CA
June 19 - Cervantes’ Other Side - Denver, CO 
 

Music | Flying Mojito Bros

Artist: Tony Joe White vs. Flying Mojito Bros.

Title: Swamp fox

Release date: 13th March, 2025

Label: Flying Mojito Bros.

Cat. No: TBC

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Reagan Grey - Kenetic EP (Wolf Music Recordings)

You can't get more kenetic with this new EP by Reagan Grey on Wolf Music, it's the definition of movement; so Detroit!

A quick trip down the road from Toronto Hustle x Sean Roman (also Wolf Music, 'The Symington Avenue' EP - see review HERE) you'll find Toronto based Reagan Grey who has been deep underground for many years (including 'What You Came Here For (Kai Alce NDATL Remix'), SLiCK Records and the international Local Talk (including 'Now That You Are Gone' featuring Christie Nelson).

I doesn't take long before you're engrossed with the vocals of Christie Nelson and the big Detroit groove of 'Not Giving Up' that's typical main room peak time.

It might come as a bit of a surprise for Finn Rees (he of 30/70, Close Counters and his album 'Dawn Is A Melody' on Mr Bongo - see review HERE) but his appearance move the track 'Your Love' down to the Balearic with swirling synths and arms in the air piano-inspired house. 

She can't possibly keep this up for the two tracks on reverse?  Oh yes she can with 'Starlight' which is mad for late nights and the title track 'Kenetic' is packed full on kenetic energy groove.

This is her debut release on Wolf Music and it's not likely to be the last.

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: https://www.juno.co.uk/products/reagan-grey-kinetic-ep-vinyl/1138167-01/

Artist: Reagan Grey 

Title: Kenetic EP
Release date: 13th March, 2026
Label :Wolf Music Recordings
Catalog Number  WOLFEP084
Format: 12" VINYL / Digital 

Review: DFRA - Give Me (inc. Masaki Morii Remix) (Trusted Rhythm Records)

More amazing 'Jazz-funk-Afro house, Not Jazz-funk-Afro house' as Trusted Rhythm Records add three more great tracks to the 'must play' list!

Somewhat like their lastest releases, Jean-Jez's 'Deep Trent' (see review HERE), Msizee Laroja's 'Musu'Kuyenza' featuriing Biikie (with Laroye Remixes) but what with Yuu's Beats Sculpture (with Coflo Remix) (see review HERE), Trusted Rhythm are like to explore different dancefloor co-efficents like here we have George Bension guitar jazzy guitar licks, jazz-funk keys and deep house soul.

But wait for the galloping horse (Ed. isn't it the year of the horse?) as on the remix, Tokyo-based Masaki Morii with "trademark Afro-percussive touch" so 'Give Me' gets harder.

And just for good measure, the bonus track 'Better' is like a cosmic keys version with some funkin' bass going on.

This takes DFRA to next level (after 'The Human Discard' EP - see review HERE) 

BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER (27th Feb 2026): DFRA - Give Me on Traxsource

Artist: DFRA, Masaki Morii 

Title: Give Me

Release date: 13th March, 2026

Label: Trusted Rhythm Records

Cat. No: TRR031

Format:  Digital