While the Reflex was the first to forge a career out of multi-track re-editing (which would have been called remixing back in the disco era, since you are rearranging using the original parts), plenty of producers have followed in his footsteps in recent times - not least popular disco and funk party-starter Smoove. Here he serves up a ninth instalment in his excellent 'Multitrack Reworks' series. On side A he does a stellar job in reinventing Depeche Mode's 'Enjoy The Silence' as a squelchy, synths-and-slap-bass sporting mid-tempo disco anthem, complete with spine-tingling vocal breakdowns. He opens side B with a stripped-back, dubbed-out take on Al Green classic 'Let's Stay Together', smartly emphasising the bittersweet beauty of the original version's orchestral accompaniment, before delivering a sweet, head-nodding take on the Emotions' 'Blind Alley'.

Ben Sun is a London-raised but currently Margate-based producer who is now back on Razor N Tape with his full-length offering The Henge. It draws on his love of cooking up introspective analogue electronic textures and traverses several different moods and grooves with ease. At times bright and melodic, at others dark and brooding, it offers moments of euphoria and times of reflection. Stand cuts include the downbeat sounds of 'Moon Lion' and funky rawness of 'The Khan's Reverie'. Fact fans should note that the superb artist with the album was also designed by Ben himself.

It would seem every nominee DJ and producer - hopefuls of inclusion in one pantheon or another, regardless of which - must undergo a certain rite of passage: build up a backlog of "lost tapes", as proof of an excess of genius and industriousness later down the line. DJ Romain (Romain Gowe) is no exception to this rule, having served as a joint New York and New Jersey house musical earl since the early 1990s, in which time he has issued many a waxen decree under multiple aliases and regularly collaborated with scene peers Matt Echols and Matt Keyz. This second part of a two part series flings open the hardened steel vault door to the DATs with ease, unveiling such treasures as 'Find My Way', 'Release My Body' and 'Insane', the second of which is a specially frosty groundswell of stringy emotes, pitchy vocal reflections and watery synthesis.

A compilation of tracks from past albums, collaborations and formerly unreleased cuts by XL Middleton, G-funk-master extraordinaire from LA. Compiled specifically for XL's recent Japan tour, this release comprises the bulk of remaining copies, which, we can vouch, flew largely off the shelves, and fast. The sole focus on G-funk, albeit in his own signature style, has proven so far effective for XL; his production style tends towards the unmistakably steezy and squeezy, and it also borders on West Coast crunk and DJ Mustard-esque ratchet at points. XL entertains wonky 808s and smooth 2-stepped blears, effectively conveying the mood of "layered back", best enshrined in the happily system-conscious track 'Unemployment'.

The highly anticipated Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void soundtrack by Chris Christodoulou is now here. Pressed on black sparkle vinyl in a design that complements the immersive game music within. Remastered for vinyl by Christian Bethge, the soundtrack revisits and reimagines themes from the original Risk of Rain game, blending them seamlessly with new, void-infused compositions. The music is a dynamic mix of powerful guitars, pulsing synths, and pounding drums, all layered with lush reverbs. The album also introduces fresh elements, including lyrical woodwinds, soaring violins, and intense saxophones, creating a rich and diverse soundscape. This vinyl is more than just a soundtrackiit's an experience. Whether you're a fan of the series or new to Christodoulou's work, don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece of game music history. Comes in a stunning gatefold sleeve adorned with original art by Daniele Giardini.

Mighty Theodore's latest taps into the essence of golden era hip hop, where storytelling reigns supreme. His sharp, introspective lyrics resonate with authenticity, recounting life's struggles over boom-bap beats that feel both nostalgic and fresh. The production complements his style, layering raw, rhythmic foundations beneath his reflective verses. This release is a throwback to when hip hop was more about narrative and substance than spectacleipacked with depth, grit and realness. It's a return to form that will satisfy fans of classic, unfiltered rap.

This release sees Connie Price & The Keystones bridging the gap between classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, delivering a collection of hard-hitting grooves that are both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. It features a stellar lineup of guest MCs, including Bootie Brown, Rakaa Iriscience, and Guilty Simpson, each adding their unique flavour to the mix. The A-side is a showcase of raw lyricism and infectious beats, with tracks like 'All Night (The Pharcyde)' and 'For The Wicked (Dilated Peoples)' capturing the essence of golden-era hip-hop while maintaining a distinctly soulful edge. On the flip, Professor Shorthair provides a series of remixes, adding a touch of dancefloor energy to the proceedings. From the extended mixes of 'All Night' and 'For The Wicked' to the bounce-infused reimagining of 'Come On Down (To New Orleans)', these remixes showcase the versatility of the original material and its ability to transcend genre boundaries. This is a must-have for fans of both classic soul and contemporary hip-hop, a testament to the enduring power of music to connect generations and inspire new creative expressions.

Ira James' Vessel Recordings Group is a go-to for soulful house sounds and that's just what we have here to kick off 2025 on good vibes only. Jaemus and Sen-Sei are the dup behind two new singles. The first is 'Never Come Down' and it features Hector Moralez on the vocals while the cuddly beats, gooey chords and sweet drums all melt you. The Nonfiction remix is more pumping and direct and 'Don't Keep Me Waiting' then swirls around with heady pads, incidental melodies and dusty drums for late-night wig-outs.