FLORENCE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Third time around for mysterious rework crew Florence's third hush-hush 12", a popular two-tracker that first landed in stores back in 2015. On A-side cut 'Nicholas', the unknown editors get to work on a typically deep, slipped and jazz-flecked blend of tech-house, deep house and jazz from Nicholas Jaar - then something of a scene star with a reputation for delivering detailed, atmospheric and club-ready productions. This particular track features a (likely sampled) female vocal, as well as smoky sax, low-slung bass and effects-laden tech-house beats. Over on the reverse is 'Johnny', a deep, jangling, tactile and woozy revision of what sounds like a cover version of a Johnny Cash classic.

Review: Calling all locked-groove stickerers, needle twisters, and/or tonearm weight worriers, prepare your ears and needles for a wonderful trove of breakbeat bullion, ripe for the looping and the zealous hunching over. This modern rare groove emulation by Florence, 'Funky Song', lays down a phantasmically funky original breakbeat, fleshed out and swollen unto the most maximal of proportions. Then, don't forget, there's 'Let's Dance', which reworks Jimmy Bo Horne's 'Dance Across The Floor' for a rare and never-edited-before take on the perseverant, provocative hip roller of a track.

Review: The limited edition Florence Funk sub-label returns with a ninth volume of steamy sounds, this time with a pair of rare gems pressed up to wax. 'Hey Mama' opens up with some psyched 60s guitar bringing a great lead to some raw instrumental funk beats while a guttural male vocal finishes it off up top. Flip it over and you'll find 'Gimme', a more celebratory sound with some big horn leads and plenty of percussion detailing the percolating drums. Both of these are sure to heat up any floor this winter and beyond.

Review: For the seventh release on the all-limiteds Florence Funk imprint, we're met with two rare gems of the nu-funk and soul variety from Florence, the one themself. On the A, 'Funky Feeling' impresses with its dynamic yet still crunchy bottling of the funk, with all its *je ne sais qoui* intact, and in which occasional Omar Santana-style cut-ups can be heard, to giggle-inducing effect. The B, meanwhile, brings us the 'Heat' and insists we 'feel' it, but we hardly need to be told, as we're willing partners in this dance; this track, like the one before it, places its kicks and snare-clap layers front and centre, retaining the central sample but encouraging an extra danceable flavour, not usually heard on original disco recordings.

Review: The Florence label is back with more of its high grade funk here with the eponymous artist or artists behind another healthy dose on this new 7". 'Dancing' is a raw sound with slapping drum hits and plenty of noodling synth lines that elevate the whole thing next to big horns. But the icing on the cake is of course the raw vocal lead that is offset by some more sooth female coos. A more funky and bouncy break is the foundation of the flipside joint 'Be My Baby' with its alluring vocals and raw 60s aesthetic serving to get you up on your toes.

Review: Not to be confused with Stefan Robbers' early alias, this Florence 12"series reaches back to 2013 amidst a string of low key club cuts with an emphasis on quality and originality. On the 14th in the series, we lead in with the snappy, mellow electro tones of 'Modmood' with its poppy vocal hooks in the midst of the 808 jamming. 'Crazy' offers another strong singalong moment as we get snatches of a Beyonce classic set to a brooding electronic backdrop. This series is a unique enterprise exploring the divide between underground dance music and mainstream pop and coming up with something truly compelling which might just create an unforgettable moment in the club.

Review: The fourth EP from Florence on their own Florence label is simply entitled 'Funk.' And that is what we get in two different variations on this limited 45rpm' There is an old swing feel to the opener which has vocals that Elvis would be proud of. 'Bossa Nova Baby' is lovely and hard-hitting with hand claps and steel drums adding fuel. On the backside is 'I Got You' which is a more sweet soul sound driven by funky brass and prickly bass motifs. Two golden oldies for sure.

Review: As we get closer to the return of dancing on proper dance floors, and with summer just round the corner, you imagine there will be plenty of demand for sets packed with fun. No one needs pretentiousness right out of the blocks. This new one form Florence, then, is likely to be the sort of playful jam crowds will lap right up. 'Bette' has big, instantly recognised chord samples that sweet the simple but effective grooves with love. 'Music' steals vocals, guitar riffs and synth work from a real pop-dance classic and repackages them with a more up to date beat. Good time grooves for sure.