Review: The latest missive on Razor N Tape's original production-focused Reserve offshoot should delight all those who love revivalist instrumental funk-fusion. It comes courtesy of Nashville combo Magic In Threes, who offer-up four original tracks: laidback and jaunty groover 'Chupa Cobra', Blaxploitation style wiggler 'Work Tapes', high-octane spy-chase dancer 'Come On Down' and the Jimi Tenor style lounge funk tease of 'Finnish Funk'. Each comes accompanied by a killer remix. We'd recommend checking out Bruno 'Patchworks' Hovart's Fela Kuti-inspired afrobeat rework of 'Work Tapes', COEO's loopy, bass-heavy house interpretation of 'Finnish Funk' and Fouk's sparkling jazz-funk take on 'Chupa Cobra' - all are utterly inspired.
Review: Brooklyn label Razor-N-Tape get in on the Record Store Day action with this special edition of Beatin Tha Breaks from Nashville-based Magic In Threes. It's the remixes that come first, with Dutch artist Fouk going into similar house territory to Kenny Dope with plenty of live instrumental touches blessing the bristling percussion. It's a totally different vibe on the Freddie Joachem remix, with the Californian opting for some midtempo funk breaks that stay closer to the sound of Magic In Threes' original version. This closes out the RSD release on the B-side and is an easy-breezy affair dripping with soulful guitars and harmonies.
Review: Back in the 80s, re-edit heroes Razormaid literally cut and spliced tapes of popular tunes into new shapes and sounds. Thirty years on and although the formats have changed the philosophy remains the same. Aaron Dae and JKriv's label Razor 'N' Tape specialises in chopped up disco but here they looked to house instead. There are ten wondrous jams on this album, our favourites including the smooth Balearic work out "Free" (Loverbirds' clever Donald Fagen rework), the skippy afterhours garage of "Music Overflow" and the cool and deep "Dynamics".
Review: For the latest volume in their popular Disco Funkin' compilation strand, Bomb Strikes has handed over curation duties to rising star and Midnight Riot regular Natasha Kitty Katt. The Edinburgh DJ/producer's selections are undeniably addictive and on-point, moving between heavyweight re-edits (see her collaboration with Twisted Soul Collective, 'Twisted Katt', solo disco-funk tweak 'Edgarr!' and Oliver Boogie's slamming 'Dance Band'), superior nu-disco originals (Phoenix's piano-heavy 'Nature Dance', Fouk's sample-heavy 'Cat Lady' and the slick boogie revivalism of Lovebirds' 'Give Me a Sign') and loopy disco-house treats (the contributions from Shaka Loves You, Birdee, Hotmood and Mark Lower). Those looking for fresh dancefloor ammunition will find much to enjoy, while the Scottish DJ's accompanying mix is as entertaining and excitable as they come.
