MALIK ALSTON Vinyl & CDs

Review: Masterful house artists Javonntte and Malik Alston take care of two tracks each on this seriously weight new EP via Hardmatter. Javonntte kicks off with the hulking great kicks and low-slung bass of 'Dirtydigital' before Malik Alston steps up with the jazzed-out joys of 'Lightshine,' a much more loose and expressive groove with lush percussion and keys. Javonntte's B-side cut 'Martha's In Love' then brings gorgeous synth fluidity over US house grooves and 'Stand' from Alston closes out with star-gazing jazz-house. All four cuts are fresh, inventive, vibey.

Review: Truth Manifest Records release an LP by their very own head honchos here. Badriyyah Wazeerud Din and Malik Aston are the respective CEO and COO of the label, but don't let the necessary evil of corporate-speak distract you. The pair's main craft is putting a contemporary sheen on funk, combining the sound with elements of gospel, not to mention putting their back into competition-ousting vocal performances and swung harmonies. Theirs is an undeniably Detroit-endemic sound, sure to not just impress, but light soul-fires.