Back catalogue: Library/Archive

Review: Among the figureheads of French disco, Bernard Fevre, better known as Black Devil, probably had the shortest-lived career, but was among the brightest minds of them all. Although his first album Disco Club, released in 1978, went unnoticed at first, it has since become a must-have, a collector's item which has led a lot of listeners to further investigate his extensive work. Fevre experimented with such a wide gamut of styles that it has been hard not to lose track; though perhaps one such aide l'equilibre is this newest compilation/lookback record, Space Oddities 1976-1985. Spanning a huge swathe of Fevre's records, some more touted and others more waylaid, this compilation can only begin to help us firmly grasp the cosmic breadth of the artist's work, some of which is indubitably club-bound, some of which is comparatively cinematic and scenic. Here's hoping Giordano Bruno was wrong about the open universe - Fevre's explorations are so expansive that they verge on boundlessness.

Review: The reissue of Fratelli Malibu's "Ciro Miami" brings a refreshed take on Andrea De Fazio and Paolo Petrella's imaginative project. Known for their work with the "Nu Guinea" live band, De Fazio and Petrella infuse "Ciro Miami" with a nostalgic yet futuristic soundscape, highlighting their deep love for synthesisers and drum machines. The album's music vividly portrays the escapades of Ciro, a Neapolitan emigre chasing the American Dream. Through a blend of bright synths and punchy drum patterns, it captures the allure of neon-lit nights, opulent car culture, and the dizzying highs and lows of excess. The tracks evoke the excitement of cocktail bars and gambling dens, as well as the pulsating rhythms of video games and space fantasies. The reissue offers a chance to rediscover the album's dynamic energy and creative ingenuity. The sound palette, characterised by its retro-futuristic vibe and vibrant melodies, not only celebrates the original release but also enhances its appeal to a new generation of listeners. The album's journey from euphoria to disillusionment, all conveyed through its infectious beats and shimmering textures, remains as captivating as ever.

Review: Over three decades of musical exploration and innovation have cemented German guitarist and bandleader JJ Whitefield as a stalwart in the realm of authentic, timeless music. As a founding member of the Poets Of Rhythm in the early 90s, Whitefield pioneered a hard-edged take on 70s street funk, setting the stage for the Deep Funk scene to come. His subsequent ventures under various pseudonyms, including Karl Hector, showcased his versatility and eclectic influences, drawing from Ethiopian Jazz, West African funk, Kraut-rock, and ambient sounds. With his latest album, The Infinity Of Nothingness, Whitefield delves into the astral realms of spiritual jazz, paying homage to influences like Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders while forging his own path. The album's mature, delicate orchestrations evoke a trance-like atmosphere, with subtle accents of hip-hop, library and avant garde seamlessly integrated. Tracks like the sparse opener 'Nothingness' and the expansive 'Infinity Suite' demonstrate Whitefield's ability to create music that not only honors his influences but also stands the test of time. The Infinity Of Nothingness represents a culmination of Whitefield's lifelong musical journey, showcasing his unwavering dedication to authenticity and innovation.