Search dance music

Review: The much loved llian crew reverts to its Skee Series here and serves up more magic from Skee Mask aka Munich mainstay Bryan Muller. He has roasted pretty exclusively here and never fails to innovate with each new drop. This one again hits the mark across seven elastic techno cuts that are underpinned by lovely dub weight and propelled by tight, pinging kicks. 'Dachtekker' is lit up with hi-tek soul synths straight from Detroit, 'Double Standard' is deliciously deep and driving with swirling pads smeared around up top and 'Small Stone S700' manages to pair soul-drenched chords full of subtle joy with kinetic drum programming that makes you want to move. Superb.

Review: Greg Foat and Sokratis Votskos come together for a superb jazz-infused Mediterranean musical trip on Live At Villa Maximus Mykonos that was recorded in a picturesque setting. It captures the essence of a sun-kissed Greek island with its breezy rhythms and soulful improvisations as Foat's masterful piano and Votskos' evocative saxophone intertwine seamlessly to transport you to plenty of tranquil seaside vistas. The duo's synergy is palpable and evokes a sense of serenity and joy with each note from enchanting melodies to vibrant improvisations. This gorgeous album really celebrates the beauty of music to take you to another place.

Review: The cult favourite Dark Entries hits 15 in style here and celebrates in the only way it knows how - with more great music. This time it is the legendary synth-punk yahoos Crash Course in Science aka Dale Feliciello, Mallory Yago, and Michael Zodorozny who are in the spotlight. The group formed back in 1979 and set out to make music using toy instruments and kitchen appliances. Their punk-y, aggressive, angular sound soon found a hardcore fan base and gave rise to big tunes like 'Cardboard Lamb' and 'Flying Turns.' In 1981 they recorded Near Marineland, a full-length that never actually saw the light of day but does now and shows the band moving into more diverse and polished territory.

Review: Merci Yaya Bongo: Female Animation Groups In Gabon 1982-1989 offers a spellbinding glimpse into Gabon's vibrant music scene of the 1980s. The compilation showcases the talent and creativity of several female groups and presents a diverse range of styles from Afrobeat to funk and disco. Tracks like 'Abaga Mbouga' and 'Yaya Omar Bongo' exude infectious rhythms and soulful melodies and highlight the unique sound of Gabonese music during this era. With its rare and obscure selections, this compilation serves as a valuable homage to the overlooked contributions of female artists in shaping the country's musical heritage.

Review: Italy's finest sound-purveyors Slow Motion proffer a fantastic new release from CEO Fabrizio Mammarella in collaboration with Rodion, collaboratively recorded at the Marche Synth Museum (Museo Del Synth Marchigiano). A fully functional recording space, the museum houses several private collections of Italian electronic musical instruments, gathered over the many years since their creation; whether the artists actually got to use any of these classic machines remains to be uttered, but we can't deny that they were inspired. Both artists do thorough justice to their Marche region roots here, laying down eight slices of industrial dungeon-electro, mind-melting acid rollouts and spoken-n'-spelled ritual dances.

Review: Cedar Walton's Mobius, originally released in 1975 and now reissued here, remains a compelling testament to the fusion of jazz, funk, and rock. The album exudes a vibrant energy that transcends genres, blending intricate melodies with dynamic rhythms in a seamless cornucopia of sound. Walton's masterful compositions and arrangements take listeners on a journey through a sonic landscape rich with improvisation and groove. Tracks like 'Blue Trane' showcase his prowess as both a pianist and a composer, with its infectious funk-infused rhythms and mesmerizing chord progressions. Throughout the album, Walton's ensemble delivers stellar performances, with each musician contributing to the overall precision and creativity. The fusion of jazz, funk, and rock elements creates a captivating listening experience that is both timeless and innovative.

Review: While rooted in the quintessential sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s, UK jazz ensemble The Jazz Defenders explore fresh territory while honouring their jazz heritage on their third album, Memory In Motion. Tracks like 'Chasing Fantasies' and 'Fuffle Kerfuffle' showcase their swing jazz finesse, while 'Meanderthal' and 'Snakebite Playfight' infuse soulful grooves akin to 1960s jazz legends. Collaborations with UK rapper Doc Brown on 'Rolling On A High' and the uptempo funk of 'Net Zero' add modern flair, while introspective moments like 'Take A Minute' and the closing 'Enigma' offer a serene balance. Memory In Motion celebrates jazz's legacy and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences for an immersive listening experience.

Review: French outfit Chateau Flight have spent two years in the studio making music, playing around and experimenting and now the fruits of that work are presented on this new album La Folie Studio. It is full of the sound of analogue machines conversing and the artists themselves speaking through their darkened basslines or eerie pads. Occult worlds are crafted, ambient soundscapes are cooked up and leftfield cosmic explorations occur throughout a journeying album full of a wide range of emotions. This lovely record features guests on the odd track such as Johnny Nash on guitar, Cosmic Neman mumbling on 'Mange', John Cravache playing 'his special organ" and Bony Bikaye singing on 'Esika Molimo Ezali'. It's an occult world of left of centre sound that will keep you coming back for more.