We never seem to have long to wait before we find ourselves gushing over new music from Emily "Socool" Sobool. Always seeming to cater to her prolific music-making tendencies, Socool unveils a fantastically imaginative collaboration with like-minded producer, Steve "CommsBreakdown" Ash in 'My Brain Feels So Good'.
As a writer, drum & bass artist, producer and, if the rumours are to be believed - "eater of chocolate" - Ash's CommsBreakdown moniker has only been functioning since 2024 but he has managed to release a vast array of music in that time spanning the electronic realms of drum & bass to ambient downtempo.
Ash's efforts surely make him a kindred spirit when considering the consistently high quality output of Socool's offerings over the last few years. From an incredible and sublime full-length last year in 'To the Nines' to a vast array of nuanced and dreamy productions comprising collaborations, standalone singles, remixes and EPs.
Stemming from conversations between the two regarding the use of guitars within electronic music, a jam session by Ash strumming away became the catalyst for each artist to adapt the recordings into their own styles accordingly. Serving as an inspired concept, the end-result gifts listeners two sensational mixes that give credence to the guitar in electronic music concept.
The incredible efforts of the enigmatic producer and DJ, Tommy Willetts, had previously made his formal introductions via his incredible project, 'In Transit', from 2023. Released through the UK's Certain Sounds Records, the hip-hop-meets-jazz aesthetic of Willetts' nine-track opus garnered itself buckets of well-deserved praise and elevated his Night Service Commute alter-ego to enthusiastic listeners. As part of Certain Sounds' new Certain Sevens series, the project is kicked off with an immaculate two-track release from Willetts, once again donning the Night Service Commute cowl.
Released as a limited edition lathe cut 7" vinyl, Willetts' hip-hop tendencies are given a broader scope here while still managing to effortlessly retain the jazz influence that endeared 'In Transit' to so many.
'Downfall', featuring Ash the Author, captures a moody golden era boom-bap soundscape that is divine while the spoken word delivery from Louie G for 'Halfspeed' makes itself fittingly at home against the haunting and mildly trippy production. Brilliant.
Founded by Elijah Jamal Balbed, The JoGo Project continue with their relatively new partnership with Honest Lee's Growroom Productions. Initially commemorating their union with the infectious feel-good anthem '(That) JoGo Groove' in 2024 - the featuring the esteemed trombone of Greg Boyer - Balbed and company would go on to round out 2025 with the truly incredible three-track release 'Keeping the Faith Alive in 2025'. At the time though, listeners hadn't realised that the EP would become an evolving project with a further two tracks being included amidst the EP's expanded edition.
Through live performances and new music releases, Growroom have long had their finger on the pulse of funk & soul when it comes to Washington-based artists. With a range of incredible music - often serving as a showcase for both new and established talent - JoGo's inclusion amidst the Growroom roster continues to deliver thrilling results. From the all-out funk of 'The Real Project 2025' to the EP's new additions which include soul-drenched reinterpretations of soul music classics. Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' and Stevie Wonder's 'Creepin'' receive heartfelt renditions featuring lots of band solos and with an excellent lead vocal from Desiree Jordan.
The debut full-length from singer, songwriter and violinist Reti Ann Niimann comes courtesy of the Estonian recording hub of Funk Embassy Records. A label that showcases an intriguing array of powerhouse vocalists and bands that exude just the right doses of contemporary R&B elegantly mixed with 70s-era disco and early-80s soul. Much like RETI's debut, it's a concoction that pays loving homage to a quintessential period in soul music's lineage but cleverly includes enough charisma and personality to showcase herself as an artist forging her own path.
Spearheaded by the lead single 'Shake' in early 2025, the nine tracks comprising 'Blue Hour' brilliantly present the whole album as events taking place during a single night out. It's a great concept and while many would perhaps interpret the theme as an album full of dancefloor-centric, joyous numbers, 'Blue Hour' opens with a track charting the need for escapism. It's a nuance that runs through much of 'Blue Hour' whereby up-tempo tracks are skilfully tinged with tales of heartbreak, loneliness and regret. Boasting a fantastic vocal and some excellent production, courtesy of Martin Laksberg, RETI presents a definitive standout for Funk Embassy and a statement of intent for herself going forward.
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