Basic Soul

Multi-instrumentalist Julien Dyne has consistently delivered soulful mid-tempo beats for over a decade now. With his latest release “Teal” he’s shifted gears towards a more up-tempo groove inspired sound. He starts off with the deep house grooves of “Design”. The infectious rhythm and soulful drums will ignite listeners instantly. “Hours” has more of a laid back up-tempo groove but still satisfying. It also features gorgeous vocals from Ladi 6. “Steady” has a boogie funk vibe and features Mara TK on vocals. “Teal” has the grooves to either dance to or simply nod your head to. Dyne always has a gem or two that you can’t stop listening to and this disc is no exception.

Ratgrave is the duo of multi-instrumentalist Max Graef and bassist Julius Conrad. Their self titled release is filled with adventurous experimental fusion and live instrumentation. “Wilder, glib Hut” and “Fantastic Neckground” are filled with spacey synths and warped guitar rhythms. “El Schnorro” is another highlight laced with tripped out synths. “Eln Kola Bitte!” goes in a slightly different direction with blissful keys and a funky mid-tempo groove. Graef and Conrad are always finding new paths to explore their horizons. This is a musical journey that’s well worth the ride.

Ever since her spectaclur ep “Worthnothings” and her debut lp “Olesi: Fragments Of An Earth” Georgia Anne Muldrow has serenaded us with her blend of intergalactic jazz inspired funk. With her latest release “Overload” she has signed up with Brainfeeder, the label founded by visionary multi-instrumentalist producer Flying Lotus. They’ve known each other for years but felt that this was the right time to work together. The title track has already generated a lot of heat and rightfully so. Produced by Mike & Keys (50 Cent, Snoog Dogg) “Overload’s” infectious trap infused beats and sunny chords sets the disc in motion. Dutchman Moods and Manila’s Lustbass contribute two gorgeous tunes. The mellow funk of “Aerosol” and the astral stylings of “Vital Transformation”. “Canadian Hillbilly” is another highlight filled with warm spiritual melodies. Muldrow and Brainfeeder have managed to make her music more accessible without compromising her core. The result is a superb release that will please loyal fans and welcome new ones.

“Lab Experiments Vol.2 picks up where the gritty soul of Vol.1 left off. Organist Jake Mason, guitarist Dan West and others collaborate on a number of smoking tunes with grooves to make you move. “The Jump Off” sets the disc in motion with Mason’s sizzling organ riffs and West’s thumping guitar licks. Up and coming vocalist Kaiit keeps the fire burning on “Warning” while Fallon Williams gritty vocals punctuate “Force Of Nature”. The bands slows down the pace nice and easy on the laid back “Sunday Mumma” but this is mostly a get up and boogie affair. With notable contributions from mainstay Kylie Audist and Simon Burke, this release marks another winner from the Melbourne funk and soul group.

Vocalist Fatima has been serenading us with future soul rhythms since landing in London in 2006. Soon after she connected with Alexander Nut, head of Eglo Records where she’s consistently released an array of future soul heaters. Her sophomore release “And Yet It’s All Love” follows up the 2014 critically acclaimed “Yellow Memories”. That would be a tough act for anyone but Fatima seamlessly pulls  it off. “Somebody Else” highlights Fatima’s soulful style augmented by the soul infused hip-hop production of JD Reid. Other notable producers include Flako, who adds another dimension with the string laden “Waltz”. Purist produced two of the strongest tracks here, the gorgeous “Only” and the piano jazz infused “May I”. Fatima has solidified herself as a voice to be reckoned with. No matter what style she’s singing it’s always a delight. This superb release has something for everyone and shouldn’t be missed.

There were a flurry of great lps dropping in 2015 so you’re forgiven if you missed the debut of Killiam Shakespeare. The Philadelphia based band is led by the duo of Keyboardist Corey Bernhard and drummer Steve McKie. Their debut unleashed a collection of spaced out funky compositions that defies genres and proved to be deeply satisfying. Their sophomore release “A Town Called Elsewhere” builds on that debut and demonstrates a maturity in their sound. There are hypnotic instrumentals to savor like “Barry’s Prophecy” and Salt & Pepper Wings”. There’s some vocal contributions that lift these compositions another notch as well. Chris Turner’s vocals are perfectly suited for the emotive “WDTKAL”. Amber Navran of Moonchild lends her sublime vocals to “The One”. The disc wraps up the funky string laden “Milk, Honey, Blood & Tears”. This is one of a handful of bands separating themselves from the pack. The textures and the melodies will linger with you long after the song is over. You need to get familiar with them