Review: Notching up a decade in the business is big news for any label, so congratulations must go to Yam Who's ISM label. He's decided to mark the imprint's first decade in some style via a series of compilations that highlight some of the killer nu-disco, boogie, disco, house and Balearic jams nestling in ISM's bulging back catalogue. Highlights are plentiful throughout, from the Imagination-inspired electrofunk flex of Ron Basejam's killer rework of Alena's "Changes" and the synth-heavy rush of Balearic disco maestro Pete Herbert's revision of M Roberto & Nikolay Denev's "Be Yourself", to the breezy, soul-fired dancefloor warmth of Jonathan Ryno's "Don't Know Love" and Mark E's terrifically loved-up deep house tweak of Robot 84's "Lookin' For Love".
Review: Futureboogie's annual Summer Riot EP rarely disappoints. This year's instalment of the multi-artist extravaganza - the fifth in totak - is every bit as essential as its' predecessors. Long time friend of the family Bonar Bradberry steps up first with "Analogue Express", where bubbly synthesizer lead lines rub shoulders with Chicken Lips style bass and rich, life-affirming piano chords. Experienced Italian DJ Rocca fuses brain-melting acid lines, dark electronics and African influences on the wonky "Voodoo", before former Fila Brazillia man Steve Cobby drops a lolloping chunk of audible sunshine in the shape of "Lefthanded Books". Arguably best of all, though, is Field Theory's "Rituals", a swirling fusion of dreamy deep house, mind-altering acid, and warehouse-friendly rhythms.
Review: ISM Records' two Futurism EPs have proved so popular that label boss Yam Who has decided to use them as the inspiration for an expansive compilation of previously unreleased gems. Unlike the label's other popular strand, Midnight Riot, there's always been a bit more of an open-minded, eclectic feel about the Futurism releases. This is no different. Whilst rooted in nu-disco and deep house, Futurism: Shades of Space also touches on 21st century jazz-funk (Manmademusic), bongo-laden spiritual house (Nu Ak's "Fly Away"), fluid garage (Nega Tiv's excellent "Liquid Call"), woozy Balearica (Ben La Desh and Plan DAqua), block party boogie (Questlife feat Wildstyle, Freekwency) and nu-jazz (Hamish Balfour). More importantly, the quality threshold remains high throughout.
Review: This sampler for the second volume of ISM's Futurism series is packed with synth-laden boogie-house treats. PBR Streetgang man Bonar Bradberry impresses with opener "Stop & Look", a classic chunk of synth-laden house goodness that has "festival banger" written all over it. There's also a rather tasty DRMC rework of "This Way Up", which offers a surprisingly deep and sparse vibe. Even better is Damir K Ragina's "Funk Divine", a driving chunk of electrofunk revivalism that seemingly storms through its six-minute duration. As if that wasn't enough to get the juices flowing, there's also a tasty Free School rework of "Set It Free" that's worth the admission price alone.
Review: The usually reliable Bonar Bradbury takes a break from PBR Streetgang duty to strike out on his own, this time for Under The Shade. "On The Bounce" is typical of Bradbury's style, being a grunting, sweaty house chugger built around disco drums and thick, electrofunk style synth bass. The S.A.S remix draws out the vintage house elements, while retaining the original's air of late night abandon. "Guess Who" plows a similar deep house-goes-disco furrow, while the No Regular Play remix delivers blossoming riffs and tactile nu-disco chords. Digital bonus "Loose Grip" impresses, too, offering a loopy, touchy-feely filter groove built around Change's disco classic "Hold Tight".
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