Search results: Alexia

Review: If anything, the hugely prolific Motor City mainstay that is Omar S seems to be getting even more prolific as time goes on. His vast catalogue grows once more here with Fun House, which finds Alister Fawnwoda exploring a wide range of dance music styles alongside guests such as FXHE regular John F.M., plus Mitchell Yoshida, Super Cool Wired, Troi Alexis, Tyesha Blount and more, with all the production, lyrics and mixing taken care of by Omar S himself. The tracks range from seductive deep house to edgy mechanical techno, dubbed out downbeat joints and smooth electronic Detroit soul. It is yet another crucial chapter in the FXHE and Omar S story.

Review: Inspired by David Hill and Nick Manasseh's work on the soundtrack to Idris Elba film Yardie, Soul Revivers' debut album On The Grove is a love letter to 60-plus years of reggae culture and its long connection with West London. Joined by a wealth of Jamaican stars and fast-rising British musicians, Hill and Manasseh explore the moodier side of reggae whilst doffing a cap to a multitude of historic variations. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the sub-heavy sweetness and hazy horns of 'Gone Are The Days'(featuring Alexia Coley), and the Clavinet-heavy, Wailers-esque shuffle of 'Look No Further' (featuring Ms Maurice), to the rocksteady revivalism of Ernest Ranglin hook-up 'Harder' (which boasts wonderful jazz guitar solos), and the dub-wise roots-reggae warmth of 'Got To Live' (with Earl 16).

Review: Smoove's latest LP, the retro-modern funk take that is First Class, is primed for a spacious yet packed dancefloor. Smoove's deft emulatory production skills are once again put on full display, collecting vocal samples and original backing tracks from genres like funk, jazz, soul and hip-hop to produce something to the tune of 15 or so remixes. Bustling interpretations of Kraak & Smaak, Una Mas Trio, and Brenda Boykin render this a headsy yet unpretentious dance dazzler.