Silky Steps hustles towards the scene trailblazed by Nile Rodgers, and currently held by the likes of Jungle, L'imperatrice and Parcels. The 5-piece hailing from Estonia's summer capital Pernau have their own concoction of neo-soul, nu-disco and pop-funk to offer, though. At the helm, a combo of male-female lead vocals sing about the X-rated side of life. Plentiful synths and suave basslines get all the right juices flowing. All the while a musical guest will pop in here and there to provide a sax solo, sing a ref or throw down a little rap. The latter is especially true for their upcoming LP "Universal Language," as 2023 sees the group step up their game in a big way. Their 2nd single "Fly, Goodbye" took off as the title suggests and got its first BBC 6 airplay on the revered Cerys Matthews show. Robert Linna of Lexsoul Dancemachine lent his falsetto to the latter track, while MC Roki raps on "Falling For You" and Rahel collabs on the title-track. In total, there are 10 tracks on the album that's put out digitally and on vinyl via Funk Embassy Records - the Estonian imprint that recently won Record label of the Year at the local music industry awards. More

The 8-track LP "Lexplosion II" provides fire power for the dancefloor with DJ-friendly, extended rhythm tracks. This is the third album by the flagship of Estonian boogie, disco and funk - Lexsoul Dancemachine. The 6-piece groove band took a fresh approach here, drawing inspiration from house and nu jazz. LSDM débuted with the street-funk LP "Deus Lex Machina" (2015), followed by the latin-jazz, disco LP "Sunny Holiday in Lexico" (2018). From these "Beef Grinder" and "Coconuts" have given the crew continual radio love from BBC and stations all over Europe. Evident from their UK-tour, Pori Jazz and Imagina Funk live shows, there's also no question that LSDM is a superb live band. Now, the essence of the Dancemachine has been captured on tape better than ever on "Lexplosion II" - a Solid Gold Sound Production recording. First time ever, Lexsoul Dancemachine invites international guests: the rubber-wristed guitar icon Cory Wong from US, and the Brazilian percussion maestro Luiz Black who's toured with James Brown and worked with the likes of Tim Maia, Joao Donato and Nicole Willis. "Carambola Jelly" has gotten the most love from DJs; "Nu Reality" has received multiple plays on BBC 6 and other singles "Entertainment" and "Money (feat. Cory Wong)" are getting regular airplay all over Europe. The record is out via Funk Embassy Records on vinyl and CD, and includes originally painted artwork by Estookin. She took on the task to paint multiple portraits of each band member and visualize the volcano you see on the 180g vinyl cover. The cardboard jakebox CD includes a poster, and is also graced by her painting that draws from the '80s photorealistic movie art. It opens up to form a 3D volcano! More

Escaping the Soviet through music is a running theme for the "Groove of ESSR" compilation. Funk Embassy returns with the second volume that includes 11 tracks from 1973-1984. Some hide meaning between lines, others offer solace on the dancefloor. It's an ongoing journey to uncover these jewels and meet their makers. Majority of the tunes will be released for the first time. The 12-inch comes with a 30-page booklet that provides background stories and quotes from the artists. The "Groove of ESSR" project has garnered attention around the globe. From the first volume released in 2019, tracks were picked up by Gilles Peterson, Mehmet Aslan, Zag Erlat and DJ Tahira to name a few. During the production of this album, two of the most influential figures in Estonian funk and soul passed on: Marju "Maryn" Kuut (1946-2022) and Tõnu Aare (1953-2021). We dedicate this album to them. More

The 4-track "Lex On The Beach" is a balearic funk-soul EP by the Estonian group. In favor of a fresh flavor, we see Lexsoul drop the Dancemachine for a moment. To come up with these soulful, jazzy and R&B jams, the 6-piece channeled yacht rock and silky Miami Vice scenery. Pirouetting away from making people dance, Lexsoul manifests visions of summer. As your close personal advisors, we suggest you use this music in your slow living, dog days' playlist. "Lex On The Beach" doesn't only treat the listener with the sweet and smooth aural experience produced by Solid Gold Sound. It also appeals to the visual senses courtesy of digital painter Estookin. We saw her aesthetics on the band's previous "Lexplosion II" LP. She returns with artworks that accompany the EP released digitally and on vinyl. More

The debut album of the singer-composer Rita Ray from Estonia packs powerful, warm vocals and crisp production to go with it. "Old Love Will Rust" contributes 8 soul-heavy cuts to the current scene: it's got that slower, classic R&B side of affairs, as well as an uptempo disco delight, that keeps things tight. While miss Ray herself has credits in almost all aspects of the LP, it's a certified Solid Gold Production, led by Martin Laksberg of Lexsoul Dancemachine. Blue-eyed soul hasn't sounded so strong in ages! Rita Ray is a small-town girl whose vocal chords are hardened by a decade in choir singing, spirit toughened by the city life and a foundation built in jazz studies. She's the first contemporary soul diva to rise from the post-Soviet state. Her soul-stirring shows have yet to leave a heart cold - she'll have you in her palm to deliver tender melodies, irony-filled lyrics, catchy riffs and disco-stomping sessions. More

Dark Entries picks up Severed Heads yet again for Ear Bitten, a double LP reissue of some of the band’s earliest material. As originary Aussie industrial legends - although founder Tom Ellard would balk at being branded as such - Severed Heads shaped the continental subcultural sound with their kitchen electronics, chaotic tape loops, and quietly infectious nursery-rhyme-esque melodies. In 1979 Ellard, Richard Fielding, and Andrew Wright abandoned the moniker Mr. and Mrs. No Smoking Sign and adopted the edgier name Severed Heads “to pretend to be an industrial band such as Surgical Penis Klinik & Throbbing Gristle.” Noise-rockers Rhythmx Chymx had placed an advertisement in a local shop looking for a band to share the costs of pressing an LP. The Heads set about recording a Dadaist racket on a pair of open reel dictaphones and a cassette deck using a TRS-80 computer, Kawai Synthesizer 100F and Korg Mini Pops drum machine. Ear Bitten was released in 1980; original copies now fetch obscene sums, in part due to most of Severed Heads’ copies perishing in a fire at Richard’s home. The band’s next endeavor was a cassette titled Side 2, a collection of free-form experiments fashioned as Ear Bitten’s second side. For this reissue, Dark Entries has collected both Ear Bitten and Side 2 on the first disc, presenting the album in its full form. Disc two includes the original first version of Ear Bitten, which was only unreleased because it was recorded in a format not suitable for pressing. The album comes in a gatefold sleeve designed by Eloise Leigh and includes photos, liner notes, and reproductions of the original Xerox inserts from the 1980 issue. Ear Bitten delivers 22 tracks of pain you can dance to! More

Tramp Records International proudly presents: The 1975 Baltimore Colts Glenn Doughty and his All-Pro Shake & Bake Band! In 1975 Glenn "Shake & Bake" Doughty Wide Receiver for the Baltimore Colts formed the Shake & Bake Band. Glenn Doughty and his Baltimore Colts Shake and Bake Band of the 70's is the first musical group consisting of former NFL All-Pro players that Tramp Records has partnered with in its history! Doughty is a Detroit 'Motown' native and All-American from the University of Michigan, that was recently crowned national champion and the winningest college football program in NCAA History. Doughty and his four world-class athletic teammates formed the heart of the band. The Shake & Bake Band in the mid 70s played live at Baltimore's hottest Clubs with teammates in attendance on Monday nights after Shakin' & Bakin' their opponents on Sunday at Memorial Stadium. Doughty's sports hero was Muhammad Ali. He originated the popular Shake & Bake athletic movement scoring touchdowns. He recited Shake & Bake poetry like Ali to make predictions after games on local and national TV to celebrate Colts victories. His lyrics in his music were used to fire up thousands of his Colts fans and his teammates. Many fans felt the group sounded like WAR the popular funk group from California. Members of the Shake & Bake Band were: Glenn "Dr. Shake" Doughty #7, All-Time Colts leading Wide Receiver, producer, lead singer, congas and lyrics, Ray "RC Cola" Chester, All-Pro Tight End, Super Bowl Champion, Bass, Baltimore, Maryland, David "DT" White, Wide Receiver Lead Guitar, producer, sound technician. Buffalo N.Y., Lloyd "The Bullet" Mumford, Defensive Back Harmonica, Miami Florida, Freddie "Bones" Scott, All-Pro Wide Receiver on percussion, Grady Arkansas, and Bruce "Turn it Loose" Barnett, Drummer and shoe salesman. Randallstown, Maryland. This group of talented stars lead the Colts to its first ever three consecutive Eastern Division Championships. Between 1975 and 1977 they also became the first group of pro athletes to create two records while playing football together for a NFL team. Their debut 7-inch single from 1976 was cut at 33 1/3 RPM due to the length of the songs. "Shake and Bake Pt.1" lasts for 4:30 minutes while Part 2 stretches out to an incredible 7:00 minutes! More

Tracklisting
A1 Ricky Razu - Got Me Trippin'
A2 Ricky Razu - Deep Blue
B1 Ricky Razu - Back In Time
B2 Ricky Razu - Be There

Sales Note
The 'Back in Time' EP by Ricky Razu is a cohesive blend of nostalgic influences and modern touches, drawing inspiration from Ricky's own record collection encompassing genres like 90s house, boogie, jazz, and soul (Think Harvey Sutherland, Space Ghost, Cable Toy, Eddie C). His decision to embrace a slower life pace away from the urban hustle allowed him to focus on the creative process and reconnect with the core reasons why he started making music. We can definitely state that this EP reflects his growth as an artist and captures the essence of his musical journey.
Tracks like 'Got Me Trippin' and 'Back In Time' will captivate the dancefloor, enveloping listeners with its infectious rhythms and dynamic four-by-four energy. The songs are devoted to his existing fan base and avid club-goers, creating an atmosphere that begs for movement and celebration.
But Ricky doesn't limit his magic to the club only. As the night winds down the EP seamlessly transitions into a melodic companion on your way home. The Nostalgic essence of 'Be There' and 'Deep Blue' resonates with listeners on a personal level, evoking a sense of introspection and reflection.
Each vinyl record has a unique scratch-off sticker on the backside of its sleeve unlocking a 'Digital Vinyl Twin - DVT'. The owner of the record can claim this digital token by scanning the QR code on the backside and entering the unique code (hidden under the scratch-off stickers) on each physical copy of the EP. The DVT gives the owner access to exclusive content and benefits associated with Ricky Razu and the label 'Flipsight' on the web 3.0 environment. More

The long-awaited new album by Jamie xx In Waves is the next chapter in the career of one of the most in demand producers of his generation.

With In Waves, Jamie replicates the emotional crescendos and thrilling volatility of an almost mystical night out– one where you return home in the cigarette ash dawn, the specifics of the last eight hours already blurring, but aware that these feelings will remain a crystalline memory.

In Waves is a melancholy paradise of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection. The story of a journey where you merge into the divine pulse of shadows, light, and dance floor rhythms.A strobe light epiphany about the illimitable possibilities and spiritual capacities of humanity.

Nine years after his debut solo masterpiece, In Colour the London producer has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, he’s somehow made all supernatural adjectives and analogies seem understated.

Tracklist
1.1Wanna
1.2Treat Each Other Right
1.3Waited All Night (ft. Romy, Oliver Sim)
1.4Baddy On The Floor (ft. Honey Dijon)
1.5Dafodil (ft. Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear)
1.6Still Summer
1.7Life (Ft. Robyn)
1.8The Feeling I Get From You
1.9Breather
1.10All You Children (ft. The Avalanches)
1.11Every Single Weekend (Interlude)
1.12Falling Together (ft. Oona Doherty)
2.1F U (ft. Erykah Badu)
2.2It's So Good
2.3Do Something
2.4Let's Do It Again
2.5Kill Dem More

REPRESS!! More

The long-awaited new album by Jamie xx In Waves is the next chapter in the career of one of the most in demand producers of his generation.

With In Waves, Jamie replicates the emotional crescendos and thrilling volatility of an almost mystical night out– one where you return home in the cigarette ash dawn, the specifics of the last eight hours already blurring, but aware that these feelings will remain a crystalline memory.

In Waves is a melancholy paradise of bliss, heartbreak, and introspection. The story of a journey where you merge into the divine pulse of shadows, light, and dance floor rhythms.A strobe light epiphany about the illimitable possibilities and spiritual capacities of humanity.

Nine years after his debut solo masterpiece, In Colour the London producer has not only eclipsed the heights of its predecessor, he’s somehow made all supernatural adjectives and analogies seem understated.

Tracklist
1.1Wanna
1.2Treat Each Other Right
1.3Waited All Night (ft. Romy, Oliver Sim)
1.4Baddy On The Floor (ft. Honey Dijon)
1.5Dafodil (ft. Kelsey Lu, John Glacier, Panda Bear)
1.6Still Summer
1.7Life (Ft. Robyn)
1.8The Feeling I Get From You
1.9Breather
1.10All You Children (ft. The Avalanches)
1.11Every Single Weekend (Interlude)
1.12Falling Together (ft. Oona Doherty)
2.1F U (ft. Erykah Badu)
2.2It's So Good
2.3Do Something
2.4Let's Do It Again
2.5Kill Dem More