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Kid Sublime – The Paradigm Shift [Natural Element]
“The Paradigm Shift” is the latest release from Amsterdam DJ/Producer Kid Sublime. The eight track album draws on influences from Broken Beat to house and soul, The album is filled with an array of versatile contributors. East London’s Oliver Night is a prominent figure in the Bruk landscape. “Bring It Come” is an infectious bruk banger that features Night on vocals. “The Awakening” is an atmospheric house gem that features Han Litz on flute. “Stay Over” and “Kingz” are mid tempo simmering recordings. The former features Sydney native Natalie Slade and the latter features UK vocalist Colonel Red. Kid Sublime spent a considerable amount of time in London and it served him well. These soulful compositions pack plenty of punch yet are filled with warmth and dynamic rhythms. They’re certain to get a spin at the club or in your living room.
https://naturalelementmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-paradigm-shift
Makez – Arriving Home Elsewhere [No Art]
“Arriving Home Elsewhere”, the latest release from Amsterdam DJ/Producers Makez showcases house music in a myriad of styles. They have blended soul, jazz and funk seamlessly with their potent compositions..The duo have invited an array of artists who fit their compositions perfectly. Liv East’s euphoric vocals layered over a simmering groove sets the tone on the aptly titled “Dreams”. “Rearrange Yourself” is soulful disco with infectious percussion. Add the vocals of Ben Westbeech and Obi Franky and you have a high energy dance friendly banger. Westbeech is also featured on the downtempo funky gem “Vibin”. “Define Us” has a slow burning groove aligned with a funky guitar and moog synths. Washington D.C. based vocalist Dreamcastmoe and Allysha Joy of 30/70 add their spicy vocals to the mix. It’s evident that this duo has the blueprint for essential house and downtempo recordings. An enjoyable record worthy of repeated listens.
Land of Echo – Almost Music [Wah Wah 45s]
Land of Echo is the brainchild of DJ/Producer Rob Mac. Mac is a long time figure in the UK underground club culture. He ran the legendary Scratch hip-hop nights in the nineties as well as releasing under aliases such as Speeka, Explore and Jumbonics. With “Almost Music” he delivers a nine track LP filled with infectious soulful boogie tunes certain to put you in a party frame of mind. Mac has enlisted a pair of premier vocalists to elevate these tracks. Kathy Diamond lends her soaring vocals to a number of tracks here. The opener “What We Want” is high energy boogie soul goodness. “Don’t Talk Just Dance” is a mid tempo burner. “Dream With Me” featuring Ayanna Homma is filled with synth wizardry and packs plenty of bounce. Credit the synth arrangements to violinist Lucy Wilkins. Mac has hit the mark with deep boogie funk grooves, hypnotic rhythms and high energy production. Get ready to groove tonight.
Vick Lavender – Beyond [Cataleya Music]
DJ/Producer Vick Lavender has been immersed in music for over thirty years. The Chicago native is best known for his timeless House music recordings. He was a member of Glenn Underground’s Strictly Jaz Unit. Afterwards he would form the deep house band Mr A.L.I. along with Jerry McCallister. Lavender would later start Sophisticado Records where he would release numerous essential house bangers. Joining Lavender on this set is pianist/organist and fellow Chicagoan Justin Dillard. Dillard honed his craft working with legends such as Ornette Coleman, Von Freeman and Roscoe Mitchell among others. “Beyond” features modern soul compositions along with quintessential Chicago house recordings. “The Midnight Hour” is a mellow soul jazz instrumental that features Dillard on keys and synths. The title track is an atmospheric mid-tempo tune with warm and hazy rhodes. Of course there’s an array of deep house bangers certain to move your body. “Experimental” is rhythmic soulful house that features Smokey Williams on vocals. Dillard’s funky solo on rhodes takes the tune to another level. The aptly titled “Sunset Blvd” is a Balearic tune with laid back Afro house rhythms. Lavender has amassed an impressive collection of bangers that could rock a party all by itself. There’s plenty of deep breezy house recordings worthy of repeated listens.
Don Glori – Paper Can’t Wrap Fire [Mr Bongo]
Gordon Li, aka Don Glori returns with his third release. “Paper Can’t Wrap Fire” has plenty of the same flavors his previous compositions. That means an array of fusion forays combining soul, jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Vocalist ML Hall jumps on three tracks. One of those tracks, “Brown Eyes” combines Hall’s falsetto vocals with Glori’s sublime piano arrangements. Glori’s warm and melodic arrangements shine on “Song For Ants”. The tune begins with a flurry of horns layered over wordless phrasing. Glori tops it off with rhythmnic and harmonically adventurous soloing. “Power” is another highlight that begins with a heavenly choir layered over vibrant fender rhodes and a samba groove. Glori has built an impressive catalog. This release from the multi-instrumentalist may be his best.
Black Loops – Always Moving [Freerange Records]
“Always Moving”, the new release from Black Loops seamlessly weaves soul, funk and House grooves into a high energy after hours album. The Italian DJ/Producer has been crafting 12 inch house bangers for a decade. He demonstrates that he’s much more than that by utilising live drumming and electronics. The opening track “CDMK” grabs your attention with a funky groove and shades of broken beat. “Detroit Love” featuring Byron The Aquarius is a nod to Detroit Deep House. Vocalist Marlena Dee is featured on four tracks. She’s joined by fellow vocalist Harvey Sutherland on the house heater “Pleasure Ride”. An impressive collection of beats and grooves that has a little something for everyone.
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange – Inspire // Radicalise [Energy Exchange Records]
“Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, a staple of the Australian music scene return with their latest album “Inspire/Radicalise”. Produced by founding member and drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist and keyboardist Lewis Moody, the band demonstrates their prowess at delivering thumping instrumental grooves. A robust rhythm section is just part of the driving force behind these compositions. The opening track, “Astras Theme” is a high energy romp fuelled by Moody on the Moog and Eric “Sunny” Owusu on congas. “Shine Your Light” is a funky boogie tune that features Karai on vocals. “Cyberfunk” is symbolic of the entire album, infectious grooves that inspire happy feet and plenty of body shaking. An engaging album that deserves your attention.
https://zeitgeistfreedomenergyexchange.bandcamp.com/album/inspire-radicalise
Kuna Maze – Layers [Tru Thoughts Recordings]
“Layers”, the latest full length release from DJ/Producer Edouard Gilbert aka Kuna Maze showcases a mellower tempo in contrast to his previous lp “Night Shift”. The album title speaks to his approach to composing this album. Maze’s layering of rhythms and live instrumentation captures the mood of his live performances. “Layered Memories” is a prime example. The mellow tune evokes echoes of Herbie Hancock’s early eighties fusion era. “Tangle” is another simmering tune filled with languid grooves. All eleven tracks follow this formula with superb results. Maze demonstrates that he can create jazz influenced compositions along with house and dub. The finale “Kuna’s Dub” is evidence of that. Maze’s sophomore release is every bit as impressive as his debut.
Close Counters – Lovers Dance Academy [Northside]
Melbourne natives Finn Rees and Allan McConnell are the duo better known as Close Counters. In a short time they have built a reputation for crafting infectious groove inspired soulful recordings in the shape of house and broken beat. “Lovers Dance Academy” their latest release is filled with high energy compositions. In addition, some of their Melbourne friends are on board to lift these tracks to another level. “Constant Love” is infectious up-tempo boogie funk with fellow Melbourne native Jace XL on vocals. “Waiting All Night” is another sonic banger with warm synths that features Allysha Joy. “Freedom We’re Needing” takes the party to a fever pitch. Led by Shiv on vocals, the high energy tune is laced with warm percussion and gorgeous piano melodies. These guys are rapidly building a catalogue of tunes that are well worth checking out. This new release brings a lot of heat. A clever title with recordings that certainly deliver.
https://closecounters.bandcamp.com/album/lovers-dance-academy
Inkswel & Andre Espeut – Synchronicities [Compost Records]
If there’s a category for hardest working DJ/Producer then Inkswel would certainly be a finalist for the title. “Synchronicities”, his latest project is a collaboration with UK singer songwriter Andre Espeut. Inkswel dishes up a collection of funk n soul gems for Espeut’s soulful vocals to shine. “Play With Fire” is a gritty tune fueled by organ and guitar grooves. “Downtown” is a trip to funky town that features Los Angeles rapper Abstract Rude. “Callin 4 U” is a taste of synth powered broken beat goodness featuring Amsterdam flautist Han Litz. Inkswel’s compositions have no shortage of infectious funk and soul grooves. This release is no exception.