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Review: Talented funk, jazz and soul outfit Bronze, Silver & Brass are back on Finland's finest Timmion Records with a second outing that confirms their top-shelf credentials. This latest high-grade outing opens with 'Renard's Groove which bursts forth and has a speedy, dramatic rhythm driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat energy, ll with hints of 1970s cinematic charm. Then comes 'Brass In Motion' which slows the tempo with a smooth, mid-paced jazz-funk groove. It balances its funky vibe with a lyrical, laid-back charm and is another gem from this increasingly essential band.

Review: Hailing from sunny California, funk/soul/jazz crew The Charities bring heart and grit to a track that delves into the intoxicating pull of a love destined to implode. The song paints a vivid portrait of a desriable yet destructive partner whose charm conceals a narcissistic core. With sharp, emotive lyrics and a bittersweet melody, it yearns for the intensity of love's highs and the sting of its inevitable downfall. It's a classic tale of attraction turning to heartache, delivered with a raw authenticity that lingers. Their third single since forming, 'Fatal Attraction' might just be their best yet, while on the flip side, 'It's Not Our Time' shifts to a softer, more reflective tone. This bittersweet ballad explores the ache of love interrupted, as two lovers part ways with the hope that time and distance will lead to a brighter reunion. The warmth of the band's instrumentation, coupled with tender, heartfelt vocals, makes this track a touching counterbalance to the A-side's intensity. The Charities' ability to channel deep emotion through timeless grooves is soulful storytelling at its finest.

Review: The Extra Soul Perception label held a first ever writing camp in Nairobi in 2019 and Lynda Dawn was one of the pupils. She has already released 'Roses' on the label's New Tangents...Vol. 1 EP with other music from the UK, Kenya and Uganda. But this was the standout track so now it makes its way to its own 7". It is the sort of heart achingly beautiful slow motion disco-soul that will be perfect end of the night send home or early evening warm up for more cosy dance floors. There is a slightly more beefed up version from XL Middleton to complete this tidy 7".

Review: For fans of classic soul like Lee Fields and Bobby Oroza, Kelly Finnigan's latest 45 is a pure delight. On the A-side, an upbeat Northern soul-inspired track from A Lover Was Born pulses with raw emotionisyncopated guitars and brass-powered intensity back Finnigan's story of a love in crisis. The B-side adds a bonus cut, evoking the 60s soul vibe of Stax Records with a deep, minor-key groove. Here, gospel-tinged harmonies and moody horns underscore Finnigan's heartache, capturing a timeless feel with modern passion.

Review: Hot on the heels of his acclaimed sophomore album A Lover Was Born, Kelly Finnigan makes a quick return with this soul-packed 7". The A-side, 'Get A Hold Of Yourself,' is a Northern soul-inspired stomper that channels the raw emotion of Memphis soul with heavy drums, syncopated guitars, bold horns and Finnigan's impassioned vocals. It tells the story of a rocky relationship where emotional strain disrupts physical connection then the B-side is a fresh bonus cut from the A Lover Was Born sessions inspired by Barbara & The Browns' Stax classic 'Hurts Me So Much'. It's a moody groove with gospel-infused vocals.

Review: Colemine's latest transmigration of soul comes incarnated in rainbow-hued 45 form, culling two more slamming singles from Aaron Frazer's new and forthcoming LP, Into The Blue. Following the Brooklyn drummer and singer's earlier 2024 7"s 'Bad News/Done Lyin' and 'Bring You A Ring', we now consider ourselves further enriched by this contradictorily loose but tight soul-funk flabbergaster, which veers bassy and beatific, making stark and strident use of etheric vocals by singer Kiyamma Griffin.

Review: First Word Records present an AA side collaboration from [ K S R ] and Konny Kon (Children of Zeus) titled 'Part of the Plan/Faded From The Jump' on 7" vinyl and digital. 'Part of the Plan' channels classic soul, echoing the timeless feel of Stax and Atlantic, with [ K S R ]'s rich vocals and Konny's laidback production. 'Faded from the Jump' explores future r&b and neo-soul, capturing their Manny street soul essence. A true showcase of modern British soul music.

Review: The Mesmerisers' debut 7" record is a Shaolin Morricone production that draws listeners into a world of exotic allure and sonic mystery. This enigmatic trio, shrouded in secrecy, deliver a musical experience that feels like it has been resurrected from the vaults of a long-forgotten studio, the record's sultry grooves transporting you to a golden age of music where boundaries dissolve and imagination reigns. The Mesmerisers craft lush melodies and seductive rhythms that evoke a timeless charm, their sound seemingly channeled from another era. The trio's mysterious identity only heightens the intrigue, as these compositions seem to have lingered in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to captivate discerning ears. With this vinyl treasure, The Mesmerisers invite you to explore a realm where the past and present merge, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.

Review: Presenting a standout 45 from Jalen Ngonda and his bandia release that's already making waves. With 'Illusions' gracing the BBC Radio 2 A-List and 'Rapture' lighting up BBC Radio 6, these tracks deserved a spin on vinyl. Packed with sophisticated arrangements and grooves so smooth they practically glide, Jalen's voice holds it all together with a richness only seasoned live performance brings. Both sides are primed to ignite dancefloors, adding class to soul nights around the world.

Review: Ohio-based instrumental organ trio Parlor Greens, known for their blend of soul, funk and blues, return with a new 7" that follows their acclaimed debut from 2024. Side-1 features 'Driptorch', which is driven by crunchy drums from Tim Carman, funky guitar riffs by Jimmy James and Adam Scone's expressive Hammond organ. The track delivers a high-energy, groove-filled adventure. On Side-2 ,'200 Dollar Blues', introduces a fresh, mid-tempo instrumental. This blues shuffle highlights James' searing Stratocaster solos, complemented perfectly by Scone's soulful organ work. Their interplay exudes a raw, electrifying energy, while Carman's steady, dynamic drumming grounds the track, making this one for fans of deep soul and blues.

Review: Jimi Tenor's latest single, ahead of his upcoming album, presents two contrasting moods that evoke his inimitable style with striking clarity. 'Summer of Synesthesia' conjures the feeling of long summer days, where sound melts into colour and colour into flavour. The track flows with a dreamy synth progression, subtly assembled over Cold Diamond & Mink's rhythm section, while Tenor's soft vocal adds a final touch of elegance. It's a sweet escape, a piece that envelops you from start to finish. On the flip, 'Tsicroxe' is a stark departure, opening with a menacing organ riff straight out of a horror film. The funk underneath from Cold Diamond & Mink grounds it, but Tenor's eerie flute solo keeps the tension high. It's a dark, ritualistic journey and the cryptic vocal snippets at the end are an invitation to rewind and discover something hidden.

Review: West Coast soul outfit Thee Baby Cuffs keep the slow-burning romance alive with 'There Ain't Enough Roses', a tender ballad drenched in harmonised falsettos and vintage charm. Now composed of Joe Narvaez and Reality Jonez, the group channels classic lowrider soul, working once again with Finnish production outfit Cold Diamond & Mink. Their signature downtempo style remains intactilush instrumentation, delicate grooves, and a melody built to sway. Previous Timmion singles like 'My My Baby' and 'You're My Reason' cemented their status as torchbearers of group soul, and this latest offering only deepens that legacy. On the flip, a flute-led instrumental nods to Steve Parks, sealing the track's timeless appeal.

Review: Side-1's 'Can't Call My Baby', highlights the powerful lead vocals of Adriana Flores, taken from the full length debut of Thee Sinseers, which has already amassed nearly seven million streams on Spotify within just three months. Flores delivers a stunning performance, effortlessly conveying the song's emotional depth. On Side-2, the band unveils 'Take A Chance', a fresh and unreleased track. This song showcases Joey Quinones' signature crooning, as he encourages listeners to embrace love while they still can. The track's soulful harmonica adds a vibrant touch, seamlessly merging classic Motown influences with Latin soul rhythms. Together, these tracks exemplify Thee Sinseers' unique sound and artistic range, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. Thee Sinseers continue to impress with their ability to capture the complexities of love through their melodic storytelling.