Record Kicks 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Calibro 35 recalibrate with Exploration, a fresh dive into cinematic jazz-funk marking their first full-length LP on the independent since 2023's Nouvelle Aventures, continuing the path set by last year's 'Jazzploitation' EP. Yarning vintage soundtrack stylings with contemporary groove, the Milan group balance reverent covers - like Roy Ayers' 'Coffy' and Bob James' 'Nautilus' with bold, golden originals. Lead tune 'Reptile Strut', not to mention 'The Twang' and 'Pied De Poule', twine round taut rhythms, lush horn lines, and evocative cinematic textures. The band tips its hat to touchstones like Herbie Hancock, Lalo Schifrin, and Italian great Piero Umiliani, whose 'Discomania' appears on the accompanying limited clear blue 7" single, backed with 'Jazz Carnival'.

Review: The Milanese outfit dive headlong into cinematic Afro-disco on this limited 7", reworking two cult dancefloor staples with characteristic flair. On the A-side, their version of Piero Umiliani's 'Discomania' hits with tightened syncopation and swirling synth arrangements, turning the cosmic Italo-disco cut into a hypnotic afrobeat strut. Flip it over for a rich reimagining of Azymuth's 'Jazz Carnival'iCalibro 35 boost the groove with deep-bottomed funk and crisp horns, pushing the original's samba swing into widescreen. Known for their work at the intersection of funk, soundtrack and psych, the band bring sharp musicianship and warm analogue heat to both sides of this essential 45.

Review: Canadian soul artist Tanika Charles is very much on the rise and these two new singles, produced by Scott McCannell and mixed by Kelly Finnigan of Monophonics for Record Kicks, mark another step on that journey. 'Don't Like You Anymore' and 'Here When You're Ready' are from her upcoming album Reasons To Stay. The A-side is a mid-tempo gospel funk track with booming drums and basslines, perfect for the dancefloor. The B-side then offers a smooth mid-tempo soul vibe that enriches your heart. Tanika Charles has toured globally and performed with notable artists like Lauryn Hill and Mayer Hawthorne, so is a real modern titan.

Review: Tanika Charles has long paired throwback soul with incisive songwriting, but this latest release feels especially raw. Now four albums deep, the Toronto-based artist pivots inwarditrading the usual tales of romance and heartbreak for something more fragile: the fallout of early family trauma. 'Don't Like You Anymore' and 'No More' snap with funk-driven defiance, but it's the quieter moments that linger. 'The Lament' and 'Talk To Me Nice' lean into vulnerability, while 'Win', a duet with Quebec's Clerel, glows with understated uplift. Charles leads a tight teamiScott McCannell, Kyla Charter, and Chino de Villa shape the grooves; Monophonics' Kelly Finnigan adds the rougher edgeibut the clarity here is hers. Her voice, resolute yet tender, is unafraid to ask difficult questions and even braver in leaving them unanswered. There's growth in every chord, as the arrangements span lilting r&b, classic soul, and easy-stepping slow jams. From Polaris nods to JUNO nominations, Charles has long commanded her placeibut this is something more personal, more courageous. Soul music as a form of release, not just rhythm.

Review: Following their acclaimed 2022 album Truth & Soul which was widely praised, this new double-sided 45rpm unveils new music from Michelle David and The True Tones's upcoming new record. It has 'Brothers And Sisters' on the A side, the lead single from the album, which boasts a Marvin Gaye-sque 70s soul vibe that is sure to ignite dancefloors with a hint of Northern Soul magic. On the flip side, 'This Is You' is a blue-eyed soul stomper. David's musical journey began in New York's church scene at age four. She later joined The Mission of Love at five and has a career that spans Broadway and includes collaborations with icons like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton.

Review: Seun Kuti is set to release his highly anticipated album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) with Executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, promises to redefine contemporary afrobeat while honoring its roots. The album features six powerful tracks, including collaborations with Damian Marley on 'Dey' and Sampa The Great on 'Emi Aluta.' Each song embodies themes of resistance, resilience, and revolution, addressing societal issues and personal struggles. Seun Kuti describes the project as special, highlighting the support and guidance from Kravitz and Sodi. This album not only showcases Seun's growth as an artist but also his unwavering commitment to social change and empowerment. Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) is poised to entertain, inspire and ignite a spirit of activism and liberation.

Review: Seun Kuti has released his highly anticipated album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) via Record Kicks to great excitement. This album, executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and featuring Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, marks a significant milestone in Kuti's career. Following his Grammy-nominated album Black Times, this release showcases his evolution as both an artist and activist. The album features six powerful tracks, each embodying themes of resistance, resilience, and revolution. The track 'Dey,' featuring Damian Marley, emphasises self-empowerment, while 'Emi Aluta' pays homage to revolutionaries, featuring the innovative Sampa The Great. 'T.O.P.' critiques societal values, promoting empathy and a connection to nature. 'Love and Revolution' highlights Kuti's belief in love as a catalyst for change. Kuti expressed gratitude for Kravitz's brotherly support and Sodi's guidance during the production process. He continues to uphold the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, using his music to inspire social change. This album promises to redefine contemporary Afrobeat while staying true to its roots. Fans can expect an album that entertains, inspires and ignites activism.

Review: Afrobeat virtuoso Seun Kuti is soon to release his highly anticipated album, Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) later this year. It features guest appearances from Damian Marley and Sampa The Great so promises to be a global sensation. Ahead of that, we get a taste of things to come from his distinctive Afrobeat sound with this powerful new work on Milan's Record Kicks. First up here with get the bubbly rhythms of 'Emi Aluta' (Zamrock remix) then 'Emi Aluta' (feat Sampa The Great - 45 edit) comes complete with some hard bars.

Review: Marta Ren has made us wait for a follow-up to her superb 2016 debut album "Stop, Look, Listen". The good news is that a belated sequel is in the works, with this limited seven-inch single offering a first taster of the studio sessions. "Worth It" was certainly worth the wait (sorry). Based around a lolloping deep funk groove rich in heavy bass, hip-hop style drum breaks, crunchy guitars and rising horns, the track sounds like a long lost original 1960s recording rather than something made earlier this year. That's no criticism, though, because Ren's powerful, forthright vocals - available on the killer A-side version - suit that kind of fuzzy, retro-futurist production. Don't sleep on this one - it's one of the strongest soul records of the month without doubt.

Review: .US soul combo The Sextones duo have plenty of authentic soul chops - so much so that this one sounds like it could be a long lost 60s classics. But no, it's a new tune from their forthcoming album. The first press sold out instantly and so a reissue is already here. First up is 'Without You' which is an uptempo burner, showcasing playful call-and-response vocals, xylophone and horns over an unapologetically locked-in rhythm section. Turn it over for 'Love Can't Be Borrowed', a mid-tempo slice of soul magic that muses on relationship difficulties.

Review: Record Kicks presents Keep It To Yourself, the new album by premier Dutch soul band The Tibbs. Produced by Paul Willemsen (Michelle David) and mastered in Nashville by soul veteran Bob Olhsson, who used to cut vinyl for Motown back in the day, the new album is the band's third Long Play. It contains 12 fresh 'n vibrant tracks that once again will take you back to the golden days of soul music. From the very first note, The Tibbs' musical prowess exudes a soulful, funky energy that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Among the twelve new ones, we find the first single 'Ain't It Funn', a high-energy stomper that sets the tone for the entire album, the New Orleans funk inspired 'Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks' and 'Chicken Bones, 'In Orbit', an emotional and heartfelt love ballad that allows the velvety vocals of singer Roxanne to take center stage or the northern soul belter 'Give Me A Reason'. Lyrically, Keep It to Yourself is a poetic wonderland, delving into the depths of love, heartache, but also social issues and the need to preserve the world we're in.