COLD DIAMOND & MINK Vinyl & CDs

Review: Jonny Benavidez is the soul star we can't get enough of right now and thankfully he is back with another doozy with Cold Diamond & Mink, whose mesmeric grooves make for another sublime voyage. This new 7" is a double-sider that has tunes taken from the My Echo, Shadow and Me album and 'Do What You Wanna Do,' is a lovely dancer with buttery top lines from Benavidez, rolling grooves, backing vox and big horns embellishing it yet further. On the B-side is 'Your Last Song,' a more bluesy and downtempo sound that is packed with powerful melodies that you wont't be able to stop humming.

Review: Penrose and Timmion Records team up to patronise and present two slamming sides from Mr. "Tell Me That You Love Me" himself, Jonny Benavidez. Hailing from San Diego and currently residing in NYC, Benavidez is a vocal group aficionado, and veteran of the former county. Benavidez' talents are evident as soon as his sweet vocals drop in 'Somebody Cares', a mid-tempo mover sure to make waves not just on the West Coast scene, but to tidally ripple beyond it. On the flip is 'Slow Down Girl', a refreshingly uptempo tune that's sure to get your heart rate up, despite its enjoining the lady listener to slow down and take her time (despite the gendering, this is indeed advice we could all follow today).

Review: Cold Diamond & Mink return with an instrumental soul album on Timmion Records that features tracks from their collaboration with Jonny Benavidez, 'My Echo, Shadow and Me.' Stripped of vocals, the album highlights their musical craftsmanship through rich, soulful melodies and rhythms from the haunting 'Your Last Song' to the infectious grooves of 'Tell Me That You Love Me.' Each track here draws listeners into a deep, emotive experience as the instrumental collection showcases Cold Diamond & Mink's talent for composing with authenticity and it makes for an introspective journey through the timeless terrain of soulful music.

Review: Talk about being truly timeless. Chicano soul sensation Johnny Benavidez is the kind of artist who can figuratively, and spiritually, transport listeners to a golden age of Doo Wop, funk, and R&B, writing tracks and songs that glide on a smooth, easy listening cloud but still pack plenty of bite when it comes to the nitty gritty. Music to move you in many ways. Grandson of John Lorenzo Guzman (background vocalist for Sonny Powell & The Night-Dreamers), this relationship has a lot to answer for, with Pa encouraging Jr to take up singing and pursue music seriously. We're glad that happened, given My Echo Shadow & Me - a two tracker that could almost be considered retro or pastiche, if it didn't sound so damned fresh. Or at least ageless.

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: 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: Two of Finnish label Timmons regulars in their house band Cold Diamond & Mink and heart-melting vocalist Emilia Sisco come together once more here following previous successes such as 2019's vital 7", 'Don't Believe You Like That'. The gorgeous 'Trouble' has wah-wah pedals and slow-turning rhythms imbued with lush soul from Sisco under laissez-faire horns. 'It'll Get Better' is more intimate with organ chords shimmering over a sentimental groove. These are two timeless jams that could be forgotten 60s classics as much as great new cuts.

Review: With Introducing Emilia Sisco, Sisco steps into the spotlight backed by Cold Diamond & Mink, spanning ten tracks that hit that rare sweet spot between classic soul vibes and a refined, modern polish. Each song feels meticulously crafted, from the smoky, gospel-inflected swing of 'Say Yes' that opens the album, to the heartfelt sway of 'Don't Let Nobody,' where Sisco's vocals radiate warmth and vulnerability. Cold Diamond & Mink's arrangements anchor Sisco's expressive range, laying down rich, textured backdrops that ebb and flow with her every note. As the album progresses, Sisco's voice weaves through uplifting choruses and more introspective moments with an authenticity that's all her own, cementing her as a powerful new voice in the soul scene and offering listeners a journey that's timeless yet undeniably fresh.

Review: Emilia Sisco's debut album, Introducing Emilia Sisco on Timmion Records, dives into the world of vintage soul with ten original tracks co-written with the acclaimed Cold Diamond & Mink band. Now we get two singles from it on a vital and indie exclusive clear 7" including the gospel-soul groove of 'Your Girl' to the heartfelt 'Too Late,' both songs reflect her deep connection to soul's emotional roots with gentle but uplifting vocals alongside lush, organic arrangements. Sisco's voice effortlessly layers harmonies that merge classic soul with a modern touch to create a sound that feels both timeless and new.

Review: Emilia Sisco's debut album, Introducing Emilia Sisco on Timmion Records, dives into the world of vintage soul with ten original tracks co-written with the acclaimed Cold Diamond & Mink band. Sisco's voice effortlessly layers harmonies that merge classic soul with a modern touch to create a sound that feels both timeless and new. Now we get two singles from it on a vital 7" including the gospel-soul groove of 'Your Girl' to the heartfelt 'Too Late,' both songs reflect her deep connection to soul's emotional roots with gentle but uplifting vocals alongside lush, organic arrangements.

Review: Emilia Sisco is a rising star on the revered Timmion Records and here graces us with another soulful ballad. Teaming up with in house greats Cold Diamond & Mink, she delivers 'Let Me In,' which is a deep soul gem that effortlessly drifts over a southern-influenced beat with melodic finesse. The spine-tingling chorus with its nuanced twists showcase Emilia's remarkable talent to evoke a timeless, bittersweet love that washes over the listener like the Mississippi River. On the flip side, her previous single 'Love Can Carry Me' comes as an instrumental titled 'Way Past Midnight' and featuring a jazzy Grant Green-style guitar.

Review: Emilia Sisco's latest 7" vinyl single is a stunning tribute to the enduring charm of vintage soul music. Backed by the renowned Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Sisco delivers a standout double-sided record that captivates from start to finish. On the Side-1, 'Lemon Lime Sour,' Sisco's dynamic vocals glide effortlessly over infectious crossover soul rhythms, crafting an irresistible groove that celebrates the complex emotions of love. The track's upbeat energy beckons listeners to dance along while embracing its uplifting message. Flipping to Side-2 reveals 'Love Can Carry Me,' a soulful beat ballad that highlights Sisco's evolution as both a songwriter and vocalist. With its poignant lyrics and haunting melodies, the song creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its introspective tale of resilience and optimism. In today's uncertain climate, these two tracks embody the essence of heartfelt, groove-driven music created by genuine artists. Pairing Sisco's remarkable vocal ability with Cold Diamond & Mink's expert musicality, this new single promises to please soul music lovers worldwide.

Review: Emilia Sisco's latest 7" single is a testament to the timeless allure of vintage soul music. Backed by the esteemed Timmion Records house band Cold Diamond & Mink, Sisco delivers a stellar double-sider that captivates the listener from start to finish. A-sider 'Lemon Lime Sour' hears Sisco's spirited vocals soar over infectious crossover soul terrain, crafting an irresistible groove that celebrates the bittersweet feeling of falling in love. Meanwhile, the flip reveals the B-side, 'Love Can Carry Me', a soul-stirring beat ballad that flaunts Sisco's growth both as a songwriter and a vocalist. The song's emotive lyrics and dark melodies create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into its introspective narrative of resilience and hope.

Review: Jimi Tenor's upcoming album July Blue Skies on Timmion Records is previewed with this single which offers two contrasting moods. 'Summer of Synesthesia' captures dreamy summer vibes and sounds that transform into rich colours and flavours. The track features building synths over Cold Diamond & Mink's rhythm with Tenor's soft vocals adding beauty. On the flip side, 'Tsicroxe' begins with a haunting organ arpeggio evoking a Dario Argento-inspired atmosphere. Cold Diamond & Mink's funk provides relief, but Tenor's eerie flute solo intensifies the ritualistic vibe.

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: Jimi Tenor's collaboration with Cold Diamond and Mink on Is There Love In Outer Space produced an exceptional album of jazz, soul and broken beat that served as a portal to another universe. It landed earlier in the year and now two standout tracks from it are featured on a special limited edition yellow 7". The title track enchants with its cosmic balladry, while 'Orbiting Telesto' offers a delightful cosmic voyage with celestial keys and soulful vocal touches. This music transports listeners beyond the confines of Earth and up amongst the stars with its escapist melodies and smooth grooves.

Review: Jimi Tenor's collaboration with Cold Diamond and Mink on Is There Love In Outer Space made for a superb album that plays out like a transcendental trip. Now come two of the best tunes from it on this special limited edition yellow 7". The title track captivates with its galactic balladry, while 'Orbiting Telesto' is a super sweet cosmic voyage with celestial keys and warming vocal coos that add extra soul. This is music that takes you off the blue planet and up amongst interstellar bodies for a smooth and seductive excursion.

Review: Jimi Tenor's first single from his upcoming new Timmion album Is There Love In Outer Space? evokes the 1980s cosmic sound of Nigerian keyboardist Mamman Sani. The psychedelic desert blues guitar solo transports listeners to a cold Sahara dune where you witness a magical sunrise on Earth. It encourages you to close your eyes and let the music paint vivid colourscapes in your mind as the minimal vocals feel like a welcoming chant for the rising sun. This collaboration between Tenor and Cold Diamond & Mink is another delight that melds cosmic and raw soul music and very much gets us excited for the full length to come.

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.