ATA 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: The Sorcerers usher in something of a new era here with Exit Athens, which is a further investigation of the worlds of Ethio-jazz and library music from the 60s and 70s. Now the group consists of Joost Hendrickx who has made his mark with the likes of Kefaya, Shatner's Bassoon and Abstract Orchestra, as well as Richard Ormrod on saxes, keys and flutes and ATA label head and bassist Neil Innes. The rhythms here are driving and funky with exotic percussion and plenty of vintage keys as well as great combinations of horns, flutes and vibes. It's a maximal sound but one drenched in soul and which immediately transports you to another world.

Review: The Sorcerers have been a mainstay of the ATA Records imprint since it was founded in their home city of Leeds back in 2015. Here, the Yorkshire combo, whose primary influences have always been Ethopian "Ethio-jazz" and obscure European horror soundtracks, return to action with a heavyweight dancefloor workout. In truth "In Search of Sha Hulud" is a far more funk-fuelled affair than you might expect, with exoitic Middle Eastern melodies and fluttering flute solos rising above killer drum breaks and a seriously heavy bassline. Turn to the flipside for "The Anderson Spectrum", a pitched-down, 1960s style library funk jam credited to The Yorkshire Film and Television Orchestra, which appears to be another project helmed by leading members of the Sorcerers.

Review: While initially inspired by some of the greats of Ethio-jazz, Leeds outfit The Sorcerers has recently expanded its repertoire to include sounds inspired by 1960s/70s soundtracks (particularly those by Ennio Morricone and Roy Budd), obscure Italian library music and Blaxploitation funk. The band's latest album riffs extensively on these vintage influences, delivering an "original soundtrack" to an imaginary film inspired by a headline in The National Geographic. It's a wonderfully atmospheric and evocative affair, with all 12 tracks sounding so authentically vintage and emotive that they could easily have been made and released 50 years ago. Whether you've checked their previous releases or not, this is well worth a listen.

Review: United Disco Organisation have been tapped up by the ATA label for its first voyage into the world of disco. The band is made up of producer and bassist Neil Innes and guitarist and singer Chris Dawkins and here they head off to the cosmos with a classically inclined sound that comes with lashings of Philly soul influences. 'Send The Rain' opens things up and features a fine flute lead from label-mate Tony Burkill. Dawkins's vocals then take the lead over a nice woody, organic groove and an instrumental is also featured. 'Funky Thing' is a glossy, vibes-heavy tune with big melodies and chunky drum funk.

Review: After an impressive first volume last year, ATA Records are back with more of their Library Archive sounds. Inspired by greats such as KPM and DeWolfe but with a raw Leeds twist, this collection was produced on an array of old analogue gear across a series of sessions. Opener 'The Glass Eye' sets a psyched-out 60s funk feeling from the off then there are more upbeat and prickly pieces with lush flute leads likes like 'Windie Man' and raw, break-driven joints like the deep cut 'Fight Or Fuzz.' Word is that more volumes of this are planned in future, which we're glad to hear.