'Naphta and The Shamans' by Naphta

The brilliant Astigmatic Records describe their approach to sourcing new music as "without any genre limits but with a strong focus on emotions and quality".  It's an incredibly apt way to describe the dynamic range of the relatively young vinyl label's discography thus far...

Earlier this year we celebrated the release of Surly's 'Trip To Warsaw EP' which acted as Surly's homage to Polish jazz music while still embracing a multitude of styles including hip-hop, jungle and drum & bass; before that we were treated to the exquisite debut album from Polish jazz septet, EABS, whose personal interpretation of jazz music was honed by classic cinematic compositions just as much as by the hip-hop production techniques of J Dilla and Pete Rock.

And now Astigmatic Records can include this stunning sophomore project from Naphta & The Shamans amongst its treasures.  Headed up by musician, DJ and producer, Pawel 'Naphta' Klimczak, this ten-track album carves a new lane for itself amongst the Astigmatic catalogue that could be described as being somewhat inspired by the short-lived German Krautrock style of music from the late-1960s.  The Krautrock style drew from a variety of genres including psychedlic rock, avant-garde electronic music, funk, jazz and world music styles... styles that Naphta cites as inspiration for his own efforts but the inclusion of a dub and ambient aesthetic is what takes the project to its own cosmos.

Starting with 'Dim Daybreak' and concluding with 'Pale Dusk', the album represents a journey and a story with a narrative open to the individual's interpretation and it's a project Naphta his managed to realise with the help of some incredible musicians including label-mates Vojto Monteur and Pawel Stachowiak from EABS.  Highlights include the opening 'Dim Daybreak', 'Thom's Beach' and 'Frozen Paths' but you'd be hard-pressed to find a bad note amongst this innovative and imaginative release.

'Bad Man' by Mel & Kim [Single review]

If there had been any doubt that Dala Records were not staking their claim to an incredible 2018, well then, the label's brand new single should dispel any further notions.  Following the release of Camellia Hartman & The Soulful Saints' new single 'Return The Favor' and Billy The Kid's 'The STay Strong EP', we now have the debut single from vocal duo, Mel & Kim, who unveil 'Bad Man' for June 2018.

The duo comprising of Mel Johnston and Kim Foxen bring such an exciting energy to the track, and to the Dala collective: Mel studied to sing jazz standards and musical theatre classics before going on to sing classical, learn piano and guitar, then hone her craft as a backing vocalist and frequent performer; Kim's journey saw her start out as a classical voice major before going on to study jazz and contemporary music.  Theirs is a special and unique musical union - each with a wealth of experience and a shared passion for soul and jazz music.  And backed by The Soulful Saints?  Bliss!

Soul music has long had the reputation of ushering in feelings of good times, dancing and romance but some of the most impactful soul songs associated with the genre's history can be attributed to addressing social and political injustice.  Classics by no less than legends like Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, James Brown... all ask timeless questions about the society they grew up in and questions that sadly still ring relevant today.  Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On?' serves as a great example... maybe we're destined to always ask that question but it's certainly a question people still ask nearly 50 years later.

While still holding true to that Motown/Northern Soul aesthetic, Mel & Kim present 'Bad Man' which although cleverly disguised as a song about a sneaky ex, is actually a song that continues in the vein of asking that important question... 'What's Going On?'.

We'll be looking forward to more from this dynamic duo and to see what else Dala Records may have in store for the rest of the year.

'Bad Man' can be purchased directly from Dala Records here: 
http://www.dalarecords.com/store/mel-kim-bad-man

'We Love Jalapeno!'

One of the world's leading  funk & soul record labels, Jalapeno Records, have blessed fans with a real treat this month: the release of their new 19-track compilation, affectionately entitled 'We Love Jalapeno!', has just been released as a completely free download via the label's Bandcamp page.

The collection here picks from a wide range of the label's releases and as well as including tracks from the label's most notable names and heavy-hitters like Kraak & Smaak, Smoove & Turrell and Skeewiff - names that encapsulate the brand of disco-funk that has become synonymous with the Jalapeno brand, we also have the Northern Soul stylings of Alexia Coley and Izo FitzRoy (each contributing 'Love at First Sight' and I Keep You Guessing' respectively), along with the newly-signed UK soul siren Gizelle Smith who submits 'Around Again' from her fantastic 2018 Jalapeno debut, 'Ruthless Day'.

Then there's the sultry left-of-field numbers that potentially offer the aesthetics and styles not usually associated with Jalapeno Records... 'Closer' by Radio Trip is a lush trip indeed, the dreamy 'Time is Running Out' by IKON featuring a great guest vocal from Kirsty Hawkshaw legitimately has me purchasing 'Signs' (the album the song emanates from), and 'Beatrice' by Asta Hiroki is the sublime closing number on an excellent delve through the Jalapeno vaults.

The compilation serves as a great gift to longtime fans and prospective new ones.  We Love Jalapeno... And you should too!