Djar One sets our ears on 'Fire' with a bombastic barrage of brushy big beat, flipping two incendiary, palmitic r&b cuts. 'Etta Is On Fire' reworks James' classic 'On Fire' to dusty, pyrotechnic effect, with flash powders of big beat and sass encouraging sweet talk and affective buzz. Then there's a version of 'Hit The Road Jack', which lends to an unusual tempo for battle music, with Djar One rounding out the syncopated backbeat to a clipped limit.

Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.

Midlake's breakthrough album steps back into the spotlight, a record that captured hearts and minds with its wistful melodies and enigmatic narratives, a timeless journey through a sonic landscape pitched somewhere between 1871, 1971 and a realm entirely out of time. Imagine a blend of Henry David Thoreau and Neil Young's 'After the Gold Rush', with a touch of Laurel Canyon introspection and a yearning for something just beyond reach. Tracks like 'Roscoe' and 'Bandits' shimmer with a romantic yearning for simpler times, while 'Head Home' and 'Van Occupanther' delve into the introspective musings of outcasts and dreamers. Its instrumentation is rich and varied, with dreamy horns, rolling guitars and plaintive pianos weaving a tapestry of sound that perfectly complements the elusive narratives. 'Young Bride', 'Branches', and 'In This Camp' showcase the band's vocal harmonies and their ability to craft melodies that linger long after the music fades. A welcome reminder of Midlake's enduring artistry and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.

RUFUS DU SOL's forthcoming album Inhale Exhale is a masterpiece that transcends genres, reminiscent of Powderfinger's Odyssey Number 5 yet distinct in its own right. This Australian trio, brimming with talent, has truly outdone themselves, delivering an album where every track is a winner. Each listen reveals a captivating journey of synths and ingenious beats, with impeccable track ordering enhancing the experience. For newcomers, 'Pressure' is a standout that demands attention, showcasing a brilliant 80s-inspired bass hook. With a growing international following and an impressive discography, RUFUS DU SOL represents the pinnacle of contemporary Australian music.

Way back in 1994, while he was riding high with the stomping, raw and druggy Wild Pitch sound, DJ Pierre released 'What is House Muzik?' as Phuture Scope. This clear vinyl reissue from Get Physical celebrates the track's 30th birthday, accompanying the acid house pioneer's original Wild Pitch mix - a typically stretched-out, Sound Factory-ready concoction with raw loops, weighty beats and bass and fizzing synth stabs - with the original spoken word acapella and two later reworks. The most notable of these is Emmanuele Satie's on-point edit of Ricardo Villalobos's epic 2015 dub, which cuts it down to playable length while retaining the Chilean's wonky and out-there mix of barely audible orchestral samples, crunchy beats, weird noises and spoken word snippets. Throw in Jazzuelle's tidy 'deeper acid' mix and you have an essential reissue.

Lemuria, the Hawaiian AOR project helmed by Kirk Thompsonian original member of the legendary Kalapanaireturns with a special 7" reissue featuring their a few of their favourite tracks 'All I've Got To Give' and 'Hunk of Heaven'. Thompson, a multifaceted talent as both a musician and producer, crafted timeless albums that captured the sun-soaked essence of island life. Originally released in 1978, Lemuria's music boasts top-tier production and songwriting, which has seen their songs covered by many artists over the years. Now, P-Vine revives two of their signature tracks on vinyl, offering DJs a dynamic slice of soulful, tropical grooves. 'All I've Got To Give' is a warm, melodic gem, while 'Hunk of Heaven' delivers a breezy, irresistible rhythm perfect for eclectic sets. This 45 is bringing the spirit of Hawaii's musical legacy back to the turntables.

Scha Dara Parr's 'Konya Wa Boogie Back' 7" vinyl brings a smooth, laid-back vibe that channels classic West Coast hip-hop. On Side-1, the Luvraw remix, delivering mellow, low-rider energy with its sun-soaked beats, perfect for a breezy summer day. The remix's polished production and easygoing flow highlight the track's relaxed groove, blending hip-hop with subtle r&b warmth. On Side-2, the acapella version strips things back, allowing Scha Dara Parr's vocal cadence and lyrical flow to shine. This release is a nod to smooth, old-school vibes while showcasing the group's timeless style and adaptability. Unique!

Chikara Ueda's Flying Easy from 1980 is an essential exploration of jazz fusion, combining intricate melodies with infectious grooves. The opening track, 'Flying Easy,' sets the tone with a laid-back, yet dynamic rhythm, led by Ueda's electric piano and synthesiser work. The ensemble, featuring renowned musicians like Harvey Mason on drums, delivers precise and energetic performances throughout. Tracks like 'Cloudy' and 'Jojo' showcase the group's ability to weave complex rhythms with soulful melodies, while 'Do Like You Do In New York' adds an engaging funk groove. This release captures a vibrant era of jazz fusion and remains a standout for its smooth and innovative approach to genre-blending.