The Mario Kempes Release vinyl

Named amusingly in homage to the series of collectable football cards that many caused many a 1970s school playground ruck, the Rothmans label launches in style with The Mario Kempes Release. Any 12" collectively brandishing cuts from Ali Renault, Chamboche, Emile Strunz and Tusk Wax should pose interesting questions and this inaugural release sets a high standard for Rothmans to follow. Cyber Dance artist Renault opens proceedings with the taut analogue flex of "Promises", a rather spicy example of S&M Italo, snapping drums and erect arpeggios providing the forward energy whilst detuned synths melt off the scale. The unsung Chamboche provides a change in mood, with the wonderfully fuzzy deep house of "Kane" noticeable for an opening array of chords so warm and welcoming you want to sink in them, whilst there's a real sense of constant progression in tone as the track unfurls. Emile Strunz follows World Unknown and Porn Wax appearances with the similarly framed "Rheum Palmatum" which successfully melds a slowed down EBM thrust with sinister ancient Egyptian samples whilst the ubiquitous Tusk Wax demonstrates his capacity for the epic on an excellent remix of the Rebel Soul Collective.

I Love Disco!, Chamboche, Ali Renault, Iron Blu