Search results: AMA

Review: It's a big week for Berlin-based imprint Amatori, with two long awaited releases coming out of their HQ this week. In addition to some blunted and contemplative beats by Stefano Stereo, there's the addition of this one by a co-founder of the collective. Ruder takes you on a journey deep into the esoteric on the Rerajahan EP, which features the trance-inducing eastern polyrhythms of 'Antaboga', the pitched down hypnotic techno journey 'Antaboga' and the majestic beat rituals of 'Tari Barong Dan Keris' being just some of the highlights - tip!

Review: Stretched across three discs, this deliberately classics-heavy compilation does a decent job in joining the dots between r&b in the modern sense of the term (I.E smooth and soulful vocal workouts underpinned by hip-hop style beats) with the original American definition (music of black origin). In practice, that means hits by Fugees, Usher, Toni Braxton, Brandi & Monica and En Vogue sitting side by side with Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, the formative house brilliance of Ten City, the UKG-adjacent exploits of Craig David and Blazin' Squad, the pop-tastic songs of Pussycat Dolls, Cleopatra and Britney Spears, the street soul of Soul II Soul, and the tear-jerking reggae brilliance of Dawn Penn.

Review: For their latest tribute to Nigeria's booming music scene of the '70s and early '80s, Comb & Razor Sound has decided to do things differently. Whereas most compilations of vintage Nigerian grooves focus on music made in and around the bustling city of Lagos, Calabar-Itu Road looks instead at tracks made and released by those in South Eastern Nigeria. In true crate-digging fashion, the two records here - featuring tracks from previously unheralded stars of the "Calabar" scene, including Etubom Rex Willians and Cross River Nationale - come accompanied by a thoroughly researched, 44-page booklet telling the story of the region's love affair with popular music. If you're interested in African funk, soul and disco, it should be an essential purchase.

Review: Toshimi Mikami's gorgeous 90s ambient album Quimai is a highly regarded treasure amongst those who know. It is also rather elusive these days with a couple of CD releases up to now soon to sell out. Thankfully Night Rhythms now offers up this first-time vinyl edition. The music was originally made as a background soundtrack for pursuits such as yoga and Tai Chi, the artist has said, and it sure does have a soothing and relaxing quality. Elements of new age, classic minimalism and global instrumentation all get layered up to perfection throughout. Do not sleep on this one - but rather to the sounds of it.

Review: Zasky & Smith are the producers behind New Blade Runners Of Dub and this is their debut self-titled long player. Zasky's European sound is well known for defining his Dubblestandart band while LA native Jed Smith has a fresh new school sound. Together they cook up real magic having worked with the likes of Lee Scratch Perry and Dennis Bovell many times over the years. The album explores all their many different sounds and styles across a deep dive into dub that is as heady as its is propulsive.