COLDCUT ‘Sound Mirrors’ (CD > NINJA TUNE)

I don’t remember exactly when their last album came out but I think it was quite a few years ago. Their sound is still upfront, lovely, fresh and in a full Ninja Tune style just like you could expect from these two supreme minds of the label. There are also many guests backing up the duo, starting off with Mike Ladd and the very violent “Everything Is Under Control” over some classic hip hop beats alla… Coldcut. Roots Manuva lays down the vocals on “True School” over an oriental vibe lead by a Tabla loop whilst Robert Owens is giant like with his soul on “Walk A Mile”, an authentic poem over a broken and percussive beat with strings that take you back to the old days of Detroit. The delicious “Sound Mirrors” is a bit of modal orchestral electronic that recalls historic compositions done by this duo at their start and, over some old school breaks, construct “Boogieman” and after that the track “This Island Earth” which is some up-tempo broken with afro inspirations… don’t hesitate… a super record indeed!

SUN RA ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (CD > ART YARD) 

A limited edition re-pressing of this super rare track that is highly considered on the trendy jazz scene all over the globe. This is added to the other two albums that Art Yard re-pressed in the past and once again assures the honour of bringing to the light these milestones from the maestro of cosmic jazz. Absolute beauty and very essential!

V. A. ‘Sambass 3’ (CD > CUADRA)

A Brazilian drum’n’bass compilation with the most active names from a scene that continues to offer us great things. Of the artists present I will mention DJ Patife Feat. Cleveland Watkiss / Overjoyed, Karla Sabah / Chiclete Com Banana and Drumagick / Samba Rock. I will also mention CD 2 that has been mixed by Ramilson Maia from Kaleidoscopio.

DWELE ‘Some Kinda…’ (CD > VIRGIN)

A rising star on the neo-soul scene with a feeling and delivery that is all his own. There is no need to recommend any particular tracks because this is an album that will make the skip function on your CD player worthless… To listen to from beginning to end.

MADITA ‘Madita’ (CD > COUCH)

Madita recalls Bjork on many points but, thanks to the excellent production work by Dzihan, doesn’t give the impression in being just yet another clone from Iceland in fact there comes across her very own great personality. There are three tracks that get the full vote, “Has To Be”, “Ceylon” and “To The Moon And Back”.

DECLASSE’ ‘Shadows’ (STAR /MUSIC)

A pop synth that highly recalls bands such as The Cure. Apart from the original there is also the nice dub remix by Jori Hulkkonen that adds a touch of acid for the dancefloors.

INTROVERT ‘5 am Illusion’ (AURIUM)

The remix by Renè Amez is a great synthesis between power and elegance… the components that I always ask for in dance music.

KEVIN YOST ‘Bongo Madness 9’ (I!)

The last releases in the Bongo Madness series were not exactly the best but with the track “This Be Said”, a kind of modern day “Sultana”, we are now back to the usual very highs standards of quality. Top class Afro-electronic.

TIGER STRIPES ‘Serenity’ (I BADAN)

The same formula as “Sandcastles” with a deep groove and sounds that enter in progression. Amongst the many ‘photo copies’ this is one of the best and, just by chance, it is on the same label!

ALEX ATTIAS ‘10000 Leagues Deeper rmx’ (COMPOST)

Two incredible remixes, the first from Laurent Garnier is some fast moving tech-deep with some pauses that are characterised by some Bebè Segue choruses… it is already a must in my sets. More ethereal but just as lovely is the work that has been done by Tricksy. A super package.

LOVE SUPREME ‘Bad Talkin’ (ESP)

Super black beats with a dirty rock attitude laid down by a guitar and mad keyboard. Nice and powerful and very pulling…

COLDCUT ‘Everything Is Under Control rmx’ (NINJA TUNE)

The Solid Groove dub is pure dynamite. One of this months killers!

ANTONIO OCASIO ‘Below The Underground’ (TRIBAL WINDS)

A hypnotic trip in progression. A more ‘pumpin’’ Ocasio than usual.

INNERVISIONS PRES. TOKYO BLACK STAR ‘Beyond The Future e.p.’ (SONAR KOLLECTIV)

The hot voice of Rich Medina characterises the Soulful House of Black Star but my preference goes to “Deep Sea”, a stratospheric piece of instrumental afro-dub. Super!

WILDCARD 3 ‘Tommy The Cat’ (WILDCARD)

A big funky bass solo with head spinning starts and stops. Played at the right moment it does much damage. Very nice and different to what else is around.

THEO PARRISH ‘Falling Up Rmx’ (white)

A one sider with Carl Craig remix that has a slow build up and few sounds. Dark and essential. It works.

ANTHONY NICHOLSON ‘Anthem Noir’ (NITE GROOVES)

One of the best ever King Street’s. Super deep.

DAZZLE DRUMS ‘Sun / Inner View’ (NITE GROOVES)

Super afro with some old classic disco echoes. “Inner View” is instead a ‘deep’ trip in the old style.

IN FLAGRANTI ‘Incarnation’ (CODEK)

Bubbly, electronic… enjoyable and different.

MATTHIAS MEYER ‘Reichenback’ (LIEBE DETAIL)

Minimal tech that grows metallic right up to when, in the last quarter, it uses some sinister but effective arpeggios. Nice.

LAYO AND BUSHWACKA ‘Tabloid’ (OLMETO)

High school sounds and lunar like atmosphere. One of my favourites this month.

AGARUC AND BRUCE LOGAN ‘I’m Always Watching’ (TRUE SOUL)

Powerful and deep and it never lets you go. I also like the M.T.B., dark and dirty to the right point.