New releases today: All genres

Review: SOLO 500 is back on their own self-titled label with the third entry in Galaxy Sound Company's series and again it digs deep into jazz-funk to turn out some killer breaks. Up first is the main theme from 1974's subway hijack movie The Taking Of The Pelham One Two Three and it is one with a funky, jazzy, high-octane sound that has been sampled by Company Flow, Mix Master Mike and many more. On the backside is an edit of a tune from Manfred Mann Chapter Three's self-titled 1969 LP. This one has been famously sampled by The Prodigy. Another great little 7".

Review: In the realm of electronic music, 'In Your Face' EP by Acerbic emerges as a sonic assault that shatters boundaries and plunges listeners into an abyss of acid-tinged techno. An adrenaline-fueled shot, this four-track E.P. pulsates with raw energy and uncompromising intensity. 'In Your Face' sets the tone with its relentless 90s acid techno grooves, transporting listeners to the heart of the rave scene. Its abrasive and confrontational energy creates an atmosphere both exhilarating and intimidating. 'Assimilate' takes on a darker and more menacing persona, as the stomping beats and menacing synths evoke images of underground warehouse parties. 'I'm Fvxked' cranks up the intensity ever higher, pushing the boundaries of acid techno with its relentless pace and distorted soundscapes. The E.P. concludes with 'Never Changes', a testament to the enduring power of hardcore techno. Acerbic's In Your Face E.P. is a sonic tour de force that pushes the limits of techno music. Its aggressive and confrontational approach leaves an indelible mark on the listener. Hardcore, you know the score!

Review: The Cold Diggin label out of Dresden has long been serving up the work of The Duke Ya Love To Hate, which is one of myriad aliases of an artist who gets by the name of Stefan Senf. They are generally few and far between but are always worth copying when they do drop and this one comes on lovely hand-numbered 7" in a special screen-printed sleeve. 'Introducin' is a loose-limbed funk workout with classic hip-hop breaks and free-wheeling pads. 'Prescribin' is more slow and seductive with its florid melodic leads and lovely lazy beats.

Review: Hardcore trad house devotees Chixwax keep it nostalgic once more here with a new EP from Nacho Marco that ticks all the boxes for party start house without ever getting trite. Each one makes bold use of the celebrated Roland 909 drum machine and so they all come with booming low ends and punchy drums. None more so than the chord laced and bumping opener 'File 1.' 'File 2' brings dreamy pads and soft focus xylophone melodies Roy Ayres would love and ' File 3' taps into a 90s New York sound. 'File 4' brings a low slung and more dubby rhythm topped with Detroit chords.

Review: Peach Disc's label head Shanti Celeste welcomes her good friend Saoirse on board to care care of its 20th EP., Adn she does a fine job of keeping it fresh with a varied four tracker that starts with the intense loops and tribal percussion of 'Mangomouse'. Once the thudding kicks arrive and bring a subtle sense of funk to the dubby techno mood things really take off. 'Heated Cloud' is urgent, emotionally intense house a la Floorplan and 'Vampire Heart' pairs eerie synth twangs with an EBM style marching beat but more dubby low ends and 'Catfished' has muscular beats infused with paranoid vocals. 'Driver' is a final heavy but heartfelt cut with a real sense of purpose.

Review: This is the third installment in the Local Sugar Diggers Series from Scruniversal in which old and rare records from the label head's friend's collections get reworked and edited. This one is a collab between ScruScru and an equally passionate digger from Cyprus known as Dwaal. Both tunes offer quite different looks but with great results. The first is the steamy and loose-limbed 'Destination? Funk!' with its squelchy bass and neat guitar riffs, while the flipside is a super deep and lush downtempo jam, 'Camelot Chill'. This one has romantic sax notes and gentle grooves with jazzy keys finishing it in style.

Review: Gerardo Frisina, the Italian musician and producer renowned for his expertise in Latin jazz, delivers a captivating experience with Mystical Funk on Schema records. Side-1 presents 'Mystical Funk,' a mesmerizing blend of tribal drums, smooth funk grooves, and island vibes that transport listeners to exotic landscapes. On Side-2, 'Spaced Out' takes a more urban direction, featuring an infectious hip-hop/funk beat infused with sophisticated organ sounds and hints of jazz influences. Frisina's masterful production seamlessly merges diverse elements into cohesive compositions that exude elegance and groove.

Review: The second part of Sushitech's three-part vinyl-only series looking at the work of Dexter is another 12" doozy. The UK underground mainstay has been behind many cult and much sought-after records over the years and they all fuse obscure dub and acid tech house in smart ways. They were recorded between 1997-2004 and if you can find any OGs then you will be paying upwards of 100 quid for them. This slab has three driving but deep sounds carefully detailed with wispy pads and filtered vocals for perfect backroom deployment.