Demi Riquisimo’s Semi Delicious return for their 18th vinyl only excursion via Berlin based Revivis’ ‘Surrender The Body’ EP.

A dance floor focused 4 tracker, the EP is a distillation of the sonic palette quickly becoming synonymous with the sound of Revivis, nodding to the past whilst looking to the future, all through the lens of timeless house fundamentals.

The release kicks off with ‘Pick Me Up’, a diva vocal affected chugger that leans on the 90s progressive aesthetic whilst remaining versatile and current. The A-side wraps up with the title track ‘Surrender The Body’. A minimal fuss, hands in the air, euphoric piano house jam that can be noted for it’s subtlety despite it’s anthemic nature.

No foreplay on the flip as we’re straight into the mixer via ’Perceptions’. A sample heavy four/four beat combines with a bass line that implores your head to nod along a menacing top line.. big peak time business on this one. Closing out a wildy impressive Semi Delicious debut from Revivis is ‘Ruminating’ bringing with it a healthy helping of gospel keys and acid. More

Sugar Honey Iced Tea! is the highly anticipated debut album from musclecars, set for a May 2024 release on BBE Music. Having already established their presence in the club scene, from the joyous atmosphere of their Coloring Lessons parties to their residency at Nowadays in NYC, and with genre-bending performances worldwide, musclecars are eager to unveil this new world they've intentionally crafted.

This forthcoming album comprises 13 tracks that sonically come together to offer a profound lens into the Afro-American experience. Themes range from joy, to loss, intimacy, helplessness, perseverance, and all the facets that lie in between. From the very first tune, musclecars set the tone with an exploration of afro-dystopia, carrying listeners through the entire album whilst creating imaginary futures born out of self-preservation and self-discovery.

Through their practice of sonic storytelling, native New Yorkers Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield use this album to speak to the nuances of their daily lives and their environment. Join them on this musical journey as they delve into a collection that captures the essence of the black experience with authenticity, emotion, and rhythm. This album stands as one of their favorite bodies of work in recent memory, and they're so excited to share it with you. More

FWM Entertainment has kept that same energy in its second release by label head, Stefan Ringer. The A side track "SO" is instantly exciting! The chorded turned arpeggiated melody and rhythm section take over your body and the song invokes different feelings and emotions as it progresses; this is a song you will definitely want to have for this summer and beyond. Over on the B side, "Afrotine" brings a more tropical broken beat type of flavor. The percussive yet chromatic sound of the kalimba is almost hypnotizing. Sunshine, cool breezes, and smiles come to mind when hearing this one. The B2, "Time" is a slowed down vocal groove that slaps! The melody floats effortlessly along the beat with the bass line following closely behind, complimenting the changes throughout. Overall this one is a keeper and a great follow-up to the acclaimed FWM001.

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re-pressing of this in-demand Moodyman produced classic! More

With an arsenal of releases on labels like NDATL, PPU, Black Catalogue, 2MR, and Harsh Riddims, Atlanta artist Stefan Ringer presents the first release on his own imprint FWM Entertainment. This contribution contains a fluid spectrum of sounds . "Southside", is a soulful, sexy summer house cut. "Great Beat" follows up in a similar vein; jazz inspired, introspective, and upbeat. While "Wanna Be Bad" is a freaky skating rink inspired track. "Got Me 123" is a Hypnotic 2 step groove, and rounding it out is "FR Shawty" a slowed vocal stepper. More

Continuing Mr Bongo’s series exploring the wealth of material released through the record labels of Sonny Lester, 1977’s Funk Reaction finds Hammond B3 organ virtuoso Lonnie Smith at his most dancefloor-friendly. Dripping with groove and swagger, this album skates between jazz-funk, cosmic disco radiance, beat-laden slow-jams and conscious psychedelic soul.

Having played with the likes of George Benson and Lou Donaldson in the ‘60s, alongside releasing a string of albums on Columbia and Blue Note, Funk Reaction sees Smith move into late ‘70s disco-funk-tinged territory.

Originally released on Sonny Lester's Groove Merchant Records successor, Lester Radio Corporation, the album feels more like a collaborative band-orientated project as opposed to a solo artist outing. Featuring some elite session players of the time, including Steve Gadd on drums, guitarist Lance Quinn and bassist Bob Babbitt, the album is tied together expertly by songwriter, arranger and conductor Brad Baker.

It’s worth the price tag alone for the superb disco-funk nugget 'Funk Reaction’. Other highlights include the only Lonnie Smith penned track on the album 'All In My Mind', that shines with a beautiful Stevie Wonder-esque quality and the slick guitar-led floater 'When The Night Is Right’, written by and featuring guitarist Richie Hohenburger. Elsewhere, ‘For The Love Of It’ and the Brad Babbitt written ‘Babbitt's Other Song’ serve up classic jazz funk flavours, both featuring stellar tenor saxophone from Eddie Daniels.

As a whole, the album is a superb example of Lonnie Smith’s ability to merge jazz with elements of funk, soul, disco and beyond, experimenting with ideas whilst broadening the scope of both his audience and appeal. Fans of The Blackbyrds, the CTI / Kudu stable and ‘70s George Benson will dig this!

Single LP in gatefold sleeve. More

Again, Stefan Ringer brings forth that heat! Four tracks made for the floor. The A1 "DoU?" begins with the classic phrase "she loves me, she loves me not". A nod to the tunneling vocals throughout the track. Hard hitting drums and percussion get you pumped and ready to take the journey. Deep emotional chords press on; as a thumping sub bass line connects everything together. A2 is "The Loop". Crispy 808 claps and hats lure your ears, while deeper chord stabs wrap everything in a package you can't refuse. The real star is the fat almost hollow bass line that hypnotizes you. The angelic synth harmonica solos throughout leave you begging for more. B1, "Reach", features the silk-like vocals of Detroit's own Javonntte. The chord stabs, drums, and bass line really show out on this track. Proven to work in clubs across the world, by the likes of Kai Alce, JT Donaldson, Ash Lauryn, ByronThe Aquarius, Wajeed, Patrice Scott, and Touching Bass, this one is definitely for the floor. Finally the B2, "Love2U", showcases Stefan's ability to slow things down without missing a step. Smooth, simple, and intelligent, the melody is the star of this track. Sensual and expressive vocals convey the message of this tune. The solo provided near the end articulates how much more there is to come from Stefan and this label. You need this. More

A1 - Get Rite
A2 - Body Language
B1 - Free Thought
B2 – Trysheen

Atalanta’s hotly tipped Stefan Ringer comes correct with a four-track breeze through deep, hazed out, syncopated house for Second Hand Records. Following standout releases on the likes of NDATL, People's Potential Unlimited and Argot and comparisons with the likes of Marcellus Pittman and Kyle Hall, Ringer is a talent you do not want to pass up.

Though never in doubt, 'Side Notes' sets out Ringers stall for all to see. At points MPC crunched samples lay over the top of punchy basslines and echoed ad libs, at others free flowing keys dance around layered drum loops and off kilter percussive hits.

There’s a cut here for everyone - a deft magic, versatility and spark that you need in the bag. More

The next release in the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics series, is one of Juan Pablo Torres' most-known and loved albums, the iconic Super Son from 1977. A wonderful record of tripped-out rumbas, psych-Afro-Latin funk and quirky orchestrated tracks with a big band horn section courtesy of Torres’ band, Algo Nuevo.

As well as being the director of Algo Nuevo and Cuban all-star ensemble Estrellas De Areito, the trombonist, bandleader, arranger and producer also released a wealth of albums under his own name predominately on the state-owned imprint Areito/EGREM.

Post-revolution, there was a contrast in Cuba’s musical world. State censorship was at play, but professional musicians were on the government payroll which gave them an artistic freedom. Experimentation emanated in the ‘70s and ‘80s and Super Son is a prime example of that. ‘Y Que Bien' kicks off the album taking you down a tripped-out, cosmic rabbithole, psych guitars and skat vocals opening up into a joyful funk groove laced with jazzy Afro-Cuban horns stabs. Tracks such as 'Pastel En Descarga' seem to come out of nowhere and are completely unique. Fuzzed-up guitar lines and percussion lay the groundwork, with those jubilant horns adding to the energy of this forever building track.

Elsewhere, there’s the ‘70s TV theme-tune feeling of 'Con Aji Guaguao', a playful funk number that boils and bubbles with blistering trombone playing by Torres. Or ‘Son A Propulsión' and ‘Son Riendo’, two more brilliant examples of psychedelic funk, wrapped up in a blanket of Afro-Cuban rhythms. The former sweeping you up in rushes of wind as trumpets, trombones and distorted guitars trade off, the latter, an intergalactic fiesta of tradition and exploration.

Super Son is up there as one of the funkiest Cuban records around, a playful fusion of ideas from a producer, player and group on fine form and, for us, one of our favourite gems to come out of Cuba in this period. A sheer masterpiece.

Featuring replica artwork, the vinyl release is presented with an OBI Strip. More

Written for party rockin and battle use, Limited Network’s Max Watts follows up with Immortal Funk. Three timeless cuts that will move your mind, body and soul; a reclamation of funk. The A1 title track speaks for itself; Hi-Tek Funk for those who know! The A2 entitled “Karma”, is a soulful electro workout for all the jitters and breakers. On the B-side, “Network Not Found” provides a sinister growling synth line, deranged pads laced with African percussion and dark funked up beats in electro break fashion. Two hundred 12? hand stamped. Dedicated to Marzette Watts. Made Somewhere In Detroit … More