New releases last two weeks: All genres

Review: The 7" record has been the preferred format for reggae for over 60 years now. Releases like Leon Dinero's Heartbreak offer that classic record feeling in more ways than one. The A-side features Leon Dinero's 'Heartbreak,' a classic Reggae track with distinct early Rocksteady influences. The vintage recording exudes authenticity, with a sound that harkens back to the roots of the genre, almost reminiscent of mono recordings from the past. On Side-2, 'Cuts Both Ways,' another classic reggae tune that embodies the essence of the genre. With its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies, this track is sure to get any Reggae enthusiast moving and grooving. Leon Dinero presents a treat for Reggae DJs and classic 7" collectors with their hip double-sided single 'Heartbreak/Cut Both Ways' on Daptone Records

Review: Lee delivers two powerhouse performances from his album Sentimental Fool. 'Two Jobs' channels the conviction of James Brown with Bobby Bland's swing, showcasing Lee's command and swagger. The track's deep piano intro and frantic shuffle captivate listeners with a sound few can replicate. On 'Save Your Tears for Someone New,' Lee delivers a masterclass in rhythm and soul, his ferociously soulful voice shining in this dark r&b ballad. With each note, Lee proves why he's considered one of the best soul singers alive, leaving listeners wanting more.

Review: Presenting two previously unreleased tracks from the late Queen of modern soul, Sharon Jones, and her Dap-Kings. 'Don't Wanna Lose You,' penned by sax stalwart Neal Sugarman, exudes soul sophistication with its infectious groove and vibe. Sharon's powerful vocals soar over the track, showcasing her unparalleled talent. On 'Don't Give a Friend a Number,' the mood shifts to a haunting, r&b-infused atmosphere. Sharon delivers a commanding performance as she confronts an unfaithful lover, with eerie background vocals adding depth to the track.

Review: Tape Reworks Vol. 2 is the new 12" remix edition of the 2021 album Tape Works Vol. 1 (2021), by the UK's leading musique concrete ensemble Langham Research Centre. With the latter album following up the introductory Tape Works Vol. 1 (2017), which recollected the group's earliest experiments, the second album focused entirely on more recent, original splicings, cuttings and respoolings of the former modernist statement. Now, in turn, come two new remixes of the project by Kara Lis Coverdale and Beatriz Ferreyra, the former of 'Movable Fields' and the latter of 'Nachholbedurfnis'. Coverdale's version is an arresting, looming abstraction, capturing a sense of cosmic loneliness through exoplanetary whistles and deep subs gleaned from the original album's pickups of brutalist buildings; Ferreyra's is jerkier and stranger in palate, utilising glassy transitional sound effects and rapid, sped-up-slowed-down warbles.

Review: Jalen Ngonda himself can personally vouch that he is 'Here To Stay'. At least, as much is true for his inclusion on the Daptone roster: his latest 7" here commands a gorgeously breezy vocal performance, a formerly hidden gem recorded during the Come Around And Love Me sessions. A throwback to Motown in two parts, the record is also backed up by the sweet and joyous 'If You Don't Want My Love'.

Review: Dive into the haunting depths of Pratt & Moody's latest single, 'Creeping Around and you will find this enigmatic duo showcasing their expertise in merging dark soul with haunting melodies. Building on the success of their previous hits (including the wonderful 'Lost Lost Lost' and 'Wheels Turning') they explore themes of infidelity with raw emotion. Pratt's velvety vocals intertwine seamlessly with Moody's evocative guitar on 'Creeping Around' which has a late-night introspection to it where melancholy and passion converge in a David Lynch-esque world. Each note resonates with longing and desire that stays with you after the music finishes.

Review: Pratt & Moody's latest single, 'Creeping Around,' delves into the depths of dark soul with haunting melodies. The duo, comprising Pratt and Moody, showcases their collective prowess in crafting a narrative of infidelity that transcends boundaries. Pratt's velvety vocals intertwine seamlessly with Moody's evocative guitar, creating a timeless soundscape dripping with raw emotion. Supported by the masterful artistry of Cold Diamond & Mink, 'Creeping Around' transports listeners to a realm of late-night introspection, evoking the atmospheric ambiance of a David Lynch film. With its haunting melodies and immersive instrumentation, this track captivates with its exploration of longing, desire, and the complexities of human emotion.

Review: Say She She is the psychedelic soul group from Brooklyn that's exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and the pleasure of touring Europe and North America, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Authentic and organic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 attempt at foraying into disco 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' wasn't received amazingly at the time, but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is zany and expressive against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This 7" contains both Spencer's original track and the interpretation by the trio, pressed on white vinyl.

Review: Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul group Say She She have exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and multiple TV performances, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Organic and authentic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 track 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' didn't get much attention at the time - his attempt at doing disco wasn't well received - but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is expressive and powerful against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This single has both Say She She's cover - as well as the original - on a 7" disc.

Review: Thee Heart Tones, Big Crown Records' newest addition, showcase their youthful exuberance and musical prowess on their debut single. Recorded at Diamond West Studio with producers Leon Michels and Tommy Brenneck, the band delivers a captivating performance on both tracks. 'Forever & Ever' is an infectious, feelgood anthem with lead singer Jazmine Alvarado's captivating vocals soaring over the band's lively groove. The song's catchy chorus is bound to linger in listeners' minds long after the music stops. On the B-side, their rendition of the classic 'Sabor A Mi' demonstrates their versatility and skill, with Jazmine's vocals shining once again. Thee Heart Tones have made a promising entrance into the music scene, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating their forthcoming debut album.