No Format France Vinyl & CDs

Review: Now released for the first time on vinyl in the UK, Parisian Nu-Disco sextet L'Imperatrice's 3rd EP Odyssee, released in 2015, was a 6-track journey through the dreamy, vintage sound of French disco-pop. Rereleased and renamed a year later under L'Empereur at a different speed, this gatefold contains the original EP as well as acoustic renditions of five tracks, plus a bonus track in Interlune, a strings piece that flows into the string instrumental of La Lune (Version Acoustique). The smooth bass and layered synth will hook you, but you'll stay for the vocal talents of Flore Benguigui who joined the outlet that same year. Her smooth tones are like melted butter against the bass. Odysee was a bold step for the band - but one that proved wildly successful and was just the beginning of the symphonic formula that L'Imperatrice has continued to refine to this day.

Review: No Format! Remixed 2004-2024 offers a captivating selection of reimagined tracks from the French label's eclectic roster. Melissa Laveaux's 'Kouzen' (Melanie Charles Remix) sets the tone with a soulful depth, while Msaki x Tubatsi's 'Zibonakalise' (Vigro Deep Remix) introduces a pulsating, hypnotic groove. Catu Diosis' remix of Mamani Keita's 'Nenibali' adds a bold, electronic energy, and Hagan's 'Youwile' remix brings atmospheric elegance. With each track, the compilation celebrates musical fusion and innovation, offering fresh perspectives on familiar sounds and reaffirming No Format's commitment to boundary-pushing artistry.