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Review: February is the month of love and so it is fitting that a new 7" drops from our much loved Washington DC label Peoples Potential Unlimited US. Every bit of lo-fi funk and disco this label deals in comes with a healthy dose of romance and this one from Marshall Titus is another case in point. 'Take A Chance' is full of steamy promise and retro-future 80s synth work over crunchy drums. The vocal is alluring and sensuous and the bassline further pulls you in. On the flip is a more raw and affected alternate version.

Review: Six Minute Mile has rightly got plenty of attention for its first few outings and their early good work connotes with this eight 7". It's from Ohio's Wesley Bright who has joined forces with The Means of Production and New York's Ben Pirani, and is a lovely mid-tempo roller that reminds of balmy summer nights. The tune comes in two parts and opens with lovely Rhodes chords that are a great foundation for the tenor vocals of Wesley. Then come plenty of irresistible hooks and the rousing vocals sing of love and devotion like all good soul sounds should.

Review: Pale Jay's latest album, Bewilderment, is once again picked apart for this new single package on Karma Chief. It features two cuts from a record which again showcased his ability to craft rich sonic tapestries that are a mix of pure bliss and deep introspection. If you haven't heard it, you should, and you will want to after hearing these two singles. The A-side is a slow disco gem for extroverts and the flip has a lovely falsetto vocal over some nice and dusty rhythms. It's got pulsing bass but laid back groove and is a perfect soul sound for those who like to dream.

Review: Pale Jay's latest LP Bewilderment spawns two more treasure here on this new and essential 7" from Karma Chief Records. Up first is an Afro-beat tinged cut, 'In Your Corner' with a subtly uplifting rhythm although listen deeper and you'll get locked in to the lyrics which detail an internal struggle for self-acceptance. On the flip is the album title cut which showcase Jay's signature sounds - silky falsetto over soulful harmonies and dusty hip-hop beats. This one also tell a story, this time about the breakdown of a family and the journey into self that ensues.

Review: Baltimore-born US songwriter Aaron Frazer's 'Bring You A Ring' has the sort of timeless quality to it that so much of the soul dropped on this label comes with. It is a superbly velvety sound that is both easy to listen to yet hugely emotive. Vocally it celebrates love and connection and is a real heart melter. On the flip side you get something just as groovy in 'You Don't Wanna Be My Baby.' This one has harmonies that float high in the sky and plenty of nice strings to add further richness.

Review: Colemine Records very much transports us back to another time with this latest lovely offering. It is a deep dive into the work of sophisticated lounge-pop as might be played during dinner at a trendy society ball back in the 60s. It comes from Durand Jones and The Indications and one track off they third album Too Many Tears. It's is one of heartbreak and is lit up by the gorgeous falsetto of Aaron Frazrs on the A-side, who tells s tale of betrayal. On the flip is a sweet soul sound soaked up by new school fans with an alternative indie an experimental sound from Y La Bomba led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Luz Elena Mendoza.