New releases last four weeks: All genres

Review: Aesop Rock were a fixture of the New York underground hip-hop scene throughout the early 90s and began writing and honing his rapping delivery, culminating in his first album in 1997. Daylight came out just a few years later in 2001 to critical acclaim, including later being ranked at number 68 on Fact's "100 Best Indie Hip-Hop Records of All Time" list. The title track showcases the talents of the producer, largely recognized as one of the last links of the 90s New York style of the genre. Being respectful of his roots, Aesop Rock samples in some classic parts of other 80s tracks onto his sublime downtempo jazz foundation for a perfect example of the style known as Conscious. Not to be outdone, 'Nickel Plated Pockets' is the perfect B-side to this EP, bringing a harder sound to balance out things. Included are the instrumentals for each of the three tracks to make this DJ friendly.

Review: Florin Buchel's work as Contra Communem Opinionem has bridged the gap between seemingly disparate labels like Lux Rec, Mathematics, Drumpoet Community and Photic Fields without missing a beat. More recently, he's funnelled the CCO output through his own label Silum to bring us some EPs of dazzling hardware tech house with ample melodic content to keep the dark clouds at bay. 'Atmospheric Inversion' toys with jazzy discord, but the vibe is primarily soulful and synth-driven, while 'Atmospheric Extinction' heads wholeheartedly towards uplifting chord sequences to get your hair standing on end. 'Atmospheric Pressure' takes a snappier, techier approach but the tools and signal chains are the same, so the pervading warmth of the tracks maintains. This is house music which instinctively connects back to the gritty strain of machine soul pioneered in Detroit - if you're always searching for that quality in your club tracks you won't want to overlook this one.

Review: Vintage Pleasure Boutique is an excellently named label out of Poland that is fast approaching its 20th releases. This latest 12" is another dazzling Italo disco gem that arrives on translucent yellow vinyl. Claudia T.'s 'Fatal Destination' arrived originally back in 1989 at the height of the genre's popularity and very much takes you back there with its cold but compelling synth sounds and crashing drums, all very reminiscent of the era. The soaring vocals brings the glorious hook next to zippy lead synths. This was a bit hit back in the day and is sure to win over just as many global dancers second time around.

Review: The Wackie label has been hard at work of late digging deep into the archives and turning out some crucial reissues. They have all been tasteful done with the 80s original stampers with blank Wackie's labels, all hand written and numbered and limited to just 300 copies. First up here is 'That's Not All' which comes in two parts across the A-side and is a spaced out and head twisting dub with some great studio effects, wispy melodies and freaky effects. 'Sing A Song' us a more traditional roots cut with low slung drums and 'Never Could Love This Way' is drenched in soul.

Review: Estonian label RR Gems continues to fly the flag for the finest experimental jazz music, introducing the world to the sound of EEG Coherence. Recorded at the legendary Hotel 2 Tango studios in Montreal, their debut album is a flowing, engrossing affair which flirts with free jazz forms while keeping a certain smoky, groove-minded vibe at the centre of the rhythm section. It lopes and slopes, letting prominent guitar work needle its way around looming basslines and splashy, spaced-out drums with splashes of vocals, flutes, sax and keys darting about in the mix for good measure. If you value free jazz you can latch onto, this album is a must-check.

Review: Jamwax presents the resurrection of a hard-hitting space synth masterpiece, Winston Fergus' 'In Ting Sound'. Lyrically an impassioned plea to free Nelson Mandela around the time of his incarceration, the titular A-sider is notable for its undeniable fusion of the dub reggae sound with space disco and synth element, owing to its later recognition as a track that refuses to be constrained by the passage of time. Now reissued in full force, it comes replete with the original set of tunes it was recorded alongside, including the teeth-gritting jovial dancehall of 'Mandela', the digital underwater weirdness of 'Life All Over', and the versiony goodness of said track with 'Finnegan', an alternate vocal take of the B1. A curio that all heads must surely know.

Review: Matthew Halsall initially crafted Bright Sparkling Light as an exclusive for his 2023 EU and UK tour. He then decided to put it out on vinyl and has now put together this special Japanese Edition which features its three exquisite suites, each averaging seven to ten minutes. Halsall's affinity for hypnotic drones, tenor sax progressions intertwined with lush flute loops and evocative depictions of Newborough Forest shine through here on an album that beautifully bridges the transition from dewy morning to creeping crepuscule. It's a natural, organic soundtrack from one of jazz finest contemporary talents.

Review: Lol Hammond is a former member of Spiral Tribe and early live techno act The Drum Club who now makes music on his own as Wah Wah Planet. Back in 1990 is when he penned this fantastic five track Balearic house EP alongside Russell Crone and with female vocal contributions from Lucy Sian. It very much lay out an early blueprint for UK street soul and the opener on the A-side 'Jewel' explores a romantic theme with hooky pop lyrics. Things get more left of centre on the 'Love FXU' with three trips into a smoother sound world perfect for sun kissed island dancing and with influences ranging from early breakbeat and trip hop to elements of dancehall music.

Review: Jinje is a solo project from Lee Malcolm, a founding member of the Leeds-based experimental band Vessels. His music in solo mode is just as singer and hard to categorise as with his band and here on Mesh he veers between electronic, synthetic and organic sound worlds with driving breakbeats topped with gorgeous string sounds, hype-real synths and a shimmering sense of sonic futurism that is awash with melody. These are hugely detailed tracks but the overall picture is never confused as his arrangements ebb and flow with great clarity and make both a physical and emotional impact.

Review: Offering five tracks of captivating Italian techno and trance, JP Energy's Strano EP, resurfaces with a timeless allure, Originating from 1993 Italy, Side-1 opens with 'Down To The Moon,' exuding early 90s trance and techno vibes, hinting at the emergence of intelligent techno that later evolved into IDM. With celestial undertones, it sets a hypnotic tone. Following is 'Dolphin Dance,' blending techno with shades of darker 80s Italo house, crafting a compelling sonic journey. Flipping to Side 2, 'Alvorada' unfolds as a smooth, ambient techno gem, showcasing melodic intricacies that enchant the listener. The EP concludes with the E-Talking remix of 'Alvorada,' displaying a fresh and updated interpretation of the original. This remix maintains the track's smoothness while injecting
a contemporary flair. Overall, Strano EP is a great example at a timeless sound that is being enjoyed today.

Review: Scaring The Hoes was the 2023 collaborative record by unequivocal avant-hip-hop crown bearers Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA. The album was almost instantly met with widespread critical acclaim, most notably for its weird use of contemporary political imagery in music videos (frequently Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un, for some reason) and its staunch defiance of the misogynistic injunction to "stop scaring the hoes" with weird, left-of-centre music. Now comes the 'DLC' and/or 'expansion pack' version of the album, which includes four exclusive new mixes from the album sessions; Brown shines on an ultra-kooky, SFX-laden intro, 'Guess What Bitch, We Back Hoe!', followed by the crackly soul-bap of 'Hermanos' and the crossticking lo-fi of 'Tell Me Where To Go'. Closer 'No! No! No!' presents an incredible gospel timestretch-spaghettification, over which a medley shared between both MCs makes their enduring talents ever more apparent.

Review: Compton's King Tee is an important name in the genesis of west coast hip-hop. Originally signed to the legendary Techno Hop Records as far back as 1986, King Tee left an indelible mark on the scene still being discovered today. So much so in fact, that RMV Sweden has smartly gathered a few of his earliest and most desired tracks on to one special mini compilation. Hats off to them - those who like early NWA, Ice Cube, Compton's Most Wanted, Spice 1, DJ Quick or MC Ren will be digging this, a snapshot of why he was so revered still today.

Review: Roberto Zanetti was also known as Savage and was a producer who was beloved among Italo disco enthusiasts. His work in the 80s helped to define the genre and this is one of the tracks he turned out that had a particular resonance. The outstanding production from 1987 is as likely to captivate dancefloors across Europe now as it was back then. It became a secret weapon for many DJs the first time around and here makes a special return with a reissue that features a bonus remix by Alex "A" and Patrick Delay, which was originally released in 1988 in Hong Kong.

Review: Spanish label Blanco Y Negro has got some irresistibly uplifting trance on its hands here from Italian Levy 9 in collaboration with Patty Dart. We can't quite work out whether this is a new tune from a mid-90s outfit or a reissue of their work from back then, but either way it is going to get your hands in the air and tears in your eyes such is the emotional overload of the synths in both tunes. The tunes come as remixes by Street 9 remix, a D-Floorfiller mix and an extended mix with big chords and catchy Euro-dance vocals.

Review: Radio Slave's Rekids welcomes a Detroit house master in Monty Luke for what is a comprehensive excursion into deep house across nine exquisite new cuts. Dub, techno and more all help colour these soundwaves and first up is the shimmering electro rhythm of '40 Acres & A Terabyte' while 'Nightdubbing' gets more zoned out and smooth as it comes alive with shimmering synths over rolling beats. Elsewhere are more grinding groves like 'Starstorms' which recalls the early work of Carl Craig and 'Avant-Garde Dance Hall' is a deft dub workout.

Review: NT is Nail aka Neil Holliday, one half of Bent and a master of UK tech house. But here he shows a different side across six majestically Balearic groovers. That draw on everything he has done before to send you out to sea on gentle waves of shining synth goodness, downtempo bliss and dreamy, chubby, soft focus drums. 'Beside Boa Linn' is a soothing summer sound to kick off then 'Going Out To Feel It' is a spiritual house cut for sundown, and 'Don't Hide Away' is slow motion disco brilliance. The trip continues with the star-gazing 'Evening Fixture', Eddie C style guitar licks of 'Walk In Romance' and romantic lullaby 'Dreams On Hold.'

Review: The late legendary Japanese beatmaker Nujabes was a musical genius, this we know to be true. His constant resurgence on social media throughout the years affirms this, with 'Modal Soul', his second full-length album in 2005, blowing up time and time again online. It comes as no surprise, his meticulous devotion to hip-hop-jazz was unlike any before him, or since. 'Other Side of Phase' is a 12" three track record, with its title track being the instrumental for the famous anime 'Samurai Champloo', originally featuring one of Japan's most prolific MCs to ever hold the mic. A standout is 'Rainyway Back Home', a fly song combining the keys from an old Jeru the Damaga cut and the drums from a Power of Zeus track. Nujabes will never - ever - go out of style.

Review: Ozean's self-titled EP, originally recorded in 1993 but now receiving its first full physical vinyl release, is a testament to the band's splendid blend of shimmering, ethereal shoegaze. From the moment 'Scenic' envelops listeners with its swirling distortion and awesome melodies, it's clear that Ozean's music is something special. The dreamy soundscapes of 'Fall' and 'Porcelain' further immerse the listener, transporting them to a world of otherworldly beauty and introspection. Inspired by influences like Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, and Lush, Ozean's music captures the essence of the British shoegaze scene while adding their own unique twist. Lisa Baer's otherworldly vocals, influenced by Astrud Gilberto and The Jesus And Mary Chain, perfectly complement the band's atmospheric sound. Despite their brief existence and only two live shows, Ozean's impact is felt profoundly in this remastered EP. Recorded on a Fostex Model 80 1/4" 8-Track reel-to-reel tape recorder, the original cassette recordings have been meticulously remastered for this vinyl release, thanks to Tim Green of Louder Studios. Each track is a timeless snapshot of late adolescent wonder and experimentation, preserving Ozean's legacy for generations to come.

Review: Famous as the nephew of the world famous sitarist Ravi Shankar, Ananda Shankar carried the torch by contributing several greats to the continuing tide of prog rock and Western electronica. One such project was Sa-Re-Ga Machan, first released in 1981, and which lent a jungle-safari theme to the already established electronic rock fusions he'd laid down on his earlier self-titled record. Seguing through rollicking, schools-out psychedelic odysseys, not to mention humid, wonderfully sublime tropical soundscapes on which we can't tell what's synthetic and what isn't, this is an worthy new reissue from Life Goes On; worth every penny.

Review: Anoushka Shankar's Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn is a riveting sonic journey that seamlessly blends eastern and western musical sensibilities. From the rocking piano motifs of 'Pacifica' to the dreamy textures of 'Offering' and the mystical ambiance of 'Below the Surface,' each track unveils layers of evocative dreamscapes. Shankar's sitar weaves enchanting melodies, complemented by the soothing sounds of waves and voices. The album's fusion of instruments and tonalities creates a healing experience, inviting listeners to relax and float downstream. With its profound depth and beauty, Chapter II transcends mere background music, resonating as a genuine artistic expression. Anoushka Shankar offers a compelling soundtrack for introspection and tranquility.

Review: Mysticism's Dubplate series has got a couple of great drops lined up at the moment and this is one of them - a boule pack from German digidub pioneers TVS aka Trance Vision Steppers. This was a project that never made it out of the studio but still cooked up some brilliant sounds, which in the case of this collection come from their earlier period between 1995 - 1999, all of which land on vinyl for the first time here. Fans of Adrian Sherwood, Dennis Bovell and Mad Professor will be head over heels of these dub delights - they are deep and atmospheric, with lush ambient pads, downtempo vocals and stoner synths next to more twisted rhythms.

Review: Sven Vath, a legendary trance and techno producer from Germany, has released a new interpretation of his trance classic L'Esperanza. This dreamy, uplifting, and melodic track is a testament to Vath's artistry and his ability to create timeless music. His tracks are known for their infectious rhythms, soaring melodies, and ethereal soundscapes. 'L'Esperanza' is no exception, and it remains one of the most iconic trance tracks of all time. The new Hardspace mix of 'L'Esperanza' is a darker, more intense take on the original. The tempo is faster and the bassline is heavier. However, the track retains the melodic beauty and emotional depth of the original. This comes on picture disk!

Review: Chicago outfit Wavelength tap into the funk traditions of bands like Parliament here with a seductive and rather sleazy new EP for Soulistic 360. The whole thing has been arranged by Windy City soul innovator Rahaan and comes on white marbled vinyl 12". Opener 'Can You Handle This Funk' is slow, steamy, sensuous with its languid kicks, live, raw drums and drawled vocals all luring you into the groove. The remix is a subtle teak of the original and on the flip is 'Kemetic Dance Party' which brings more Afro style drums and some bold sax lines to get things going in a more energetic way.