Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Thanks to an upsurge in interest in zouk, the synthesizer-heavy tropical style that emerged from the French Antilles in the early 1980s, reissues of superb but hard to find gems from the style's original heyday are becoming increasingly popular. This one from Strut Records is a peach. Originally released in 1988, "Las Pale" is the sole album from Feeling Kreyol, a female trio from Guadeloupe assembled and produced by local studio buffs Darius Denon and Frankie Brumier. It remains a brilliantly effervescent and colourful set, with the trio adding strong and attractive to distinctively tropical drum machine rhythms, shimmering synths, kaleidoscopic melodies and jangling guitars. In other words, it's a giddy blast of electronic tropical brilliance. Don't sleep.

Review: UK's Flock returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Flock II, shows an extraordinary ensemble featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Danalogue, and Al MacSween. Recorded in the tranquil Welsh countryside, this album represents a significant evolution from their debut, which was captured in a single day at London's Fish Factory. Over an impactful week at the mystical Druidstone retreat, the group developed innovative "jump-off" devices tailored to each track, inspired by unconventional structures and atmospheric elements. These included visual aids like diagrams with repeated patterns and a revolving lamp casting dappled light, all designed to cultivate a specific creative mindset. The recordings, made in the unique environment of Studio Owzia converted country churchiresult in compositions that range from intense to hypnotic, inviting listeners on a deeply personal journey through ethereal soundscapes. The collaborative spirit and strong bond among these talented musicians are palpable throughout, making Flock II a genre-defying recording. The brilliant cover art by Muhammad "Rofi" Fatchurofi perfectly complements the album's nebulous aesthetic, encapsulating Flock's artistic vision.

Review: Dolphin is a new collaboration from UK jazz keyboardist Greg Foat and treasured Venetian ambient maestro Gigi Masin. The album was recorded in those strange years of 2021-2022, as both artists pooled their talents into mutual compositions which they then developed and embellished through the thoroughly modern practice of online file exchanges. There was time for some final recording sessions in person at a studio on the Isle Of Wight, where Moses Boyd, Tom Herbert and Siobhan Cosgrove lent their various instrumental talents to some of the pieces and the end result is a gorgeous, expansive trip through elevated musicianship and patient songwriting - a truly exquisite feast for the ears and mind.

Review: Always keen to break new ground, Strut's latest compilation comes not from a well-known European or American crate-digger, but rather Kenyan-born, Uganda-based DJ Kampire. A Dancefloor in Ndola sees her look back to her time growing up in Zambia and specifically the music she heard and loved during these formative years. It's a great idea, executed brilliantly, with Kampire showcasing an enticing and highly entertaining mix of East and South African music from the 70s and 80s, including Congolese rumba and soukous, bubblegum, and kalindula, a guitar-led style native to Zambia. It's a joyous an eye-opening collection all told and notable for - aside from the high quality throughout - Kampire's decision to showcase a high number of tracks from legendary and little-known female artists. A genuinely essential collection all told.

Review: Nubiyan Twist's album, Find Your Flame, heralds an electrifying fusion of genres, as evidenced by the vibrant single 'Lights Out,' featuring the legendary Nile Rodgers. Rodgers' distinctive guitar stylings infuse the track with an infectious blend of disco, jazz, and afrobeat, creating a dancefloor anthem brimming with energy and virtuosity. Fronted by new lead vocalist Aziza Jaye, 'Lights Out' shows the band's trademark big-band sound, characterised by anthemic horns and a catchy chorus that is sure to leave listeners exhilarated. The track epitomises the carefree spirit of Nubiyan Twist's music, inviting audiences to lose themselves in its infectious rhythms. Find Your Flame boasts a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Seun Kuti, Mamani Keita, Corto Alta, Ria Moran, KOG, and NEone the Wonderer, reflecting the band's commitment to global musical diversity. Hailing from Sheffield, Nubiyan Twist has garnered international recognition for their dynamic live performances and innovative sound. With a history of acclaimed releases, including their self-titled debut and the widely praised Jungle Run albums, the band continues to push boundaries in the contemporary jazz scene.

Review: Strut Records' release of Inside the Light World: Sun Ra Meets the OVC unveils hidden gems from the legendary Sun Ra's repertoire. Recorded in 1986 at Mission Control studios, these tracks, originally spontaneous and never intended for formal release, offer a glimpse into Sun Ra's cosmic genius. The OVC, or Outer Space Visual Communicator, adds a unique dimension to the music, casting kaleidoscopic patterns onto a suspended screen above the performers. Developed by technological innovator Bill Sebastian, the OVC creates a keyboard-driven light show that enhances Sun Ra's already mesmerising performances. Thanks to Sebastian and Irwin Chusid's efforts, along with mix engineers Sean Slade and Brother Cleve, the session tapes were restored and pieced together, resulting in one of Sun Ra's finest releases. Sebastian's personal connection to Sun Ra's music, stemming from a transformative live show experience in the early 1970s, adds depth to the album's narrative. This CD package includes extensive liner notes and an insightful interview with Sebastian, offering fans a comprehensive look into this captivating collaboration. Inside the Light World is a release you need to check whether you are a fan or new to his work.

Review: Strut continues to explore the vast archives of Disque Debs, a long-running, Guadalupe-based label that, over the course of half a century, released a wealth of music from the Caribbean. In the process, Henri Debs imprint helped launch the careers of countless French-speaking artists while not only showcasing stylistic movements such as zouk, bouyon and merengue, but also bold, colourful and tropical takes on existing Caribbean, Amercian and European sounds. Highlights include - but are in no way limited to - the slowly unfurling, synth-heavy shuffle of Sadi Lancreot's club-ready 'Dou Se Vou Ki Siwo' and the horn-heavy tropical disco brilliance of Dominuque Parol's 'Come On Baby'.