Music Reviews
Solid Steel presents DJ Food & DK - Now, Listen Again
Ninja TuneThe next Solid Steel mix cd goes back to the guys who started the series back in 2001 and by now you should know what to expect from DJ Food and DK. As with the infamous radio show, you never quite know what these guys are gonna throw in the mix and it's just about all here, with some re-works exclusive to this mix. There's the drum and bass remix of Roots Manuva, a dub mix of New Order's "Blue Monday", New Flesh's 2-step grime and a northern soul version of "Purple Haze", plus The Human League, Eric B and Rakim, Bomb The Bass, Aphex Twin through to the theme tune of "Are you Being Served". With a total of thirty two tracks over the sixty five minute mix, you're in for a rollercoaster ride.
PermalinkSimon Harrison, 03/07
Solidaze - Pleasure From Precision
Balanced RecordsFrom Winnipeg, Canada, El Salvador born Luis Francisco Cardona (Solidaze) comes with a down-tempo set of hypnotic electro-soul fused with elements of house and nu jazz. Although mainly instrumental it's the tracks featuring vocalist Sarah Michaelson that appeal the most, 'Anti Animosity' and 'In The Meantime'. Of the instrumentals try 'I Too Call Myself I', 'Late Night Movement' and 'Curve Seven' for some deep darkness.
Andy Allen, 08/06
Soname - Plateau
World VillageA album of beautiful Tibetan mountain songs composed by Soname and which reflect the country and culture she had to escape some years ago. This amazing story is told in her book ‘Child of Tibet’, a journey that took her from Tibet to London via India. There’s a strong array of Indian musicians on the CD providing a lovely foil fopr Soname’s captivating voice.
Graham Radley, 05/09
Sonar Kollektiv Orchester - Guaranteed Niceness
Sonar KollektivSonar Kollektiv really know how to celebrate because here's another way to celebrate 10 years in business: yes, it continues into 2008. They got 15 label artists and friends, led by Volker Meitz, to create the Sonar Kollektiv Orchester. This was another good excuse to go through the back catalogue and produce some cracking new versions of the anthems we all know and love, so giving them a new breath of life. Tracks that got me hooked on the first few plays were the covers of Meitz's "Africa", Thief's "Atlantic" and of course the five Jazzanova tracks. Volker has done himself proud, but, with such good material, he was never going to fail. Whilst you're waiting for the official release, do check out this wonderful video of their live session at the Tabe Club Festival: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3jtw8_tabe-club-festival-sk-orchester-200_music
Simon Harrison, 04/08
Sonya Kitchell - Words Came Back To Me
Velour Music GroupRecorded when she was 16 (18 now) Sonya draws here influences from much older music forms especially acoustic blues, folk and jazz. These twelve self penned tracks make this a notable debut which has drawn a lot of comparisons to Norah Jones although I'm not sure that's altogether valid as her style is probably more widely influenced than that, so think classic songwriters from Joni Mitchell to Van Morrison. You're going to be hearing a lot more about and from Sonya Kitchell.
Graham Radley, 07/07
Soul Designers - Evolutionism
Third Ear“Evolutionism” is the new release from Fabrice Lig, aka Soul Designer. The fact that this recording is on Third Ear recordings is fitting because this disc embodies the high quality techno soul that would make the forefathers of Detroit techno proud. Soul Designer is Juan Atkins, Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson. Kevin, in particular had an huge influence on Fabrice’s sound which can be heard throughout here. The title track, sans vocals is techno funk with deep soulful grooves. “The Power Of A City” is another winner. Special guest Clo providing soulful vocals while Fabrice combines synths and thumping bass licks to complement the scorching beats. With poet/rapper Hbk Finn providing thought provoking spoken word regarding the concerns for humanity in between tracks, “Evolutionism” is truly music for the mind and the soul and Fabrice’s most inspiring work to date.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Soul Vigilantes - Background Noise
Lovemonk RecordsWhat exactly is a Soul Vigilante? I presume that Jose "Jas" Alvarez, the architect of the group is taking up the cause of preserving the genre into his own hands to ensure that it doesn't fade to black. Well, at least he has enlisted some very talented musicians for "Background Noise", an entertaining modern soul offering that has been years in the making. The first single "Shy" was first released in 2004. This rousing sophisticated soul stomper with Jocelyn Medina on vocals has been in constant rotation by dj's worldwide. Nigerian born Xan Blacq, a rising star in the UK provides his velvet vocals on the title track as well as three other tracks. "Do It Like Roger" is a tribute to the late Roger Troutman that will leave you feeling nostalgic for some Zapp classics like "More Bounce To The Ounce". "Jas" Alvarez has assembled a lighthearted funk project with an 80's vibe. This may not crack your fave five this summer but it's still an enjoyable record that will find its way onto your rotation.
Reg Dancy, 07/08
Soul:ID - Sex, Love & Philosophy
ABB SoulThe presence of the rnb soul group has become a dying breed in today’s music playing field. So when a group comes along with a back to basics approach to their music you have to lean back and take notice. Say hello to Soul:Id whose debut cd “Sex, Love & Philosophy” has been making noise ever since they hit the scene back in 2005. One of the strengths of Soul-Id is the diversity of musical talent they bring to the table. Three quarters of the group originate from Africa (Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda) and the fourth member, producer Urban Deep from Belgium. Soul:Id brings an array of musical styles to the table. One of the qualities that stand out is the soulful harmonies from each member that filters throughout each song. Highlights include “Believe” a soulful track that features Dad’D on vocals. “Is This Love” features the soothing soulful voice of Tchai’, the lone female of the group. “Whatcha Looking For” finds Dad’D and Tchai’ trading verses on the funky hip hop flavored beat. I generally frown upon a disc that has as many as seventeen tracks but there’s no filler here. Just sixty minutes of enjoyable soulful music that will keep your body movin’. This is exceptional work by Soul:ID and it would be shameful for you to pass it up.
Reg Dancy, 10/08
Soulphiction - Do You Overstand?
Sonar KollektivSoulphiction, a.k.a. Stuttgart’s Michel Baumann, the man behind Philpot Records and one third of Manmadescience, is not a guy to be pigeonholed. Despite the tendency in his music to just chug along, lulling you into a groove-induced state of hypnosis, there are so many styles and influences crammed into his productions that he always has you on the hook, just as, say, Moodymann or Theo Parrish might. This whole album is one big tip of the hat to those dons of Detroit, with its scene-setting chords and jazzy, techno sound-scapes intertwining beautifully with twisted disco samples and Afro vocal snippets. Granted, this is not for everyone, but for many - myself included - this will be one of 2008’s real gems.
Tom Breslin, 05/08
Soulphiction - State Of Euphoria
Sonar KollektivSonar Kollektiv have been amazingly consistent with every release over the last few years, with a slight bias towards things with a 4/4 beat but whatever the style, quality seems to be the most important thing. Michel Baumann is the man behind Soulphiction and also helped set up the well known and sought after Philpot Records, mainly due to the Moodyman/Theo Parrish influences in releases. "State Of Euphoria" is a big nod to the two legendary Detroit producers and covers downtempo and midtempo building up to good quality house. Baumann certainly knows his music and has injected jazz riffs, disco loops and broken beat influences into his productions. This has been hailed as house album of the year by many: it's maybe a little early to say but it'll certainly be up there.
Simon Harrison, 07/06