Florence Germany Vinyl & CDs

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: Florence is another white label series that marries '80s pop vocals with heady minimal house grooves. With previous titles such as 'Born Trippy' and more blatantly 'Rihanna', 'Chaka' or 'Bonobo' - you can kinda see where this lot are coming from. For their tenth edition though, they've put a twist on a modern microhouse classic (guess which one) on "Easy". Whoever churned out this one certainly had some audacity, but respect to them! Over on the flip, we have some boompty swing-fuelled deepness on 'Resist' followed by a dope hip-hop joint in the form of 'Game' which provides a welcome change in tempo.

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.

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: The eighth release on the limited edition Florcene Funk sublabel brings two formerly unreleased cuts to our ears. On the A comes 'Tryin' Everything', a lyrical homage to keeping one's options open and not losing one's spirit - "tryin' everything, gotta check it out!" - whilst the B urges the collective listener to climb off its high horse, with 'Get Off An Jam' - through which we are implored, by way of a South Side Coalition sample, to "hey, get down, get off your seats and jam."

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: 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.