Afternoons In Stereo At Juno Download

Review: A collective of musicians based in Ontario, Afternoons In Stereo let their many influences shine through on this latest and very lovely album. Taking in nu-jazz, Latin funk and a variety of soulful and downtempo sources, they manage to meld styles perfectly - one listen to "Promise" for example will show their depth and the richness of their songs, taking in St. Germain beats, live double bass and flutes as well as a sun-kissed vocal chorus. Uptempo instrumentals like "West End Satori" are also a delight and give the players a chance to show off their jazz-honed skills. "El Puma" even sounds like a long-lost Kool and the Gang tune and nicely rides a sample from the Lafayette Afro Rock Band's "Hihache". A pleasing mix of styles and full of soul, this is a surprising and hugely satisfying release.

Review: A full, track by track remix version of Afternoons In Stereo's album from last year, aided by some of the leading lights from the Timewarp label. TWM for example keeps much of the funk from "Promise" in tact whilst also adding a pleasing nu-jazz lilt to the beats. Athens-based producer George Bitsikas radically switches up styles on his take on "The Mumakil" though, flitting between chilled dub and pacey D&B rhythms. For nu-disco fans, there's also a blinding remix of "Party At Mimi And Dicks" by Brazilian funk talent Trotter.