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FAR 054
23 Jun 23
Disco/Nu-Disco
23 Jun 23
Disco/Nu-Disco
from $2.49
Various
Review: Faze Action Records bring us what's technically a V/A comp, though only one track - 'Les Vacances...' by Brazilian veteran Micky Milan - has actually come out of anyone's studio other than Robin Lee's, be that with brother Simon as Faze Action or in solo mode as Andromeda Orchestra/Rudy's Midnight Machine. Still, that does at least ensure a certain consistency in both tone and quality as the album moves inexorably from the near-ambient 'Crystal Dragonfly' and the hazy, lazy 'Floating World', via the phat 'n' squelchy 'Kano Line Dance', to the (early/proto) house-isms of 'Reach Backless' and 'Magic Touch', before 'Mangwana' (feat Zeke Manyika) plays us out on an energetic, uplifting note.
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Kraak & Smaak, Rudy's Midnight Machine, FINGERMAN, Faze Action, Marcel Vogel, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, BRENDON P, CHEWY RUBS, Howler, Kongisto, FRAN DEEPER, Andy Buchan, James Bright
Review: Robin Lee makes his most organic disco sounds as Andromeda Orchestra and Faze Action Records have tapped him up for more sonic treasure here. His signature sound is apparent from the off with the dancefloor dub vibes of EP opener 'Bad Girl.' It's bold bass, string stabs and robust pianos are all run through with a fine Moog solo. There is then plenty of cello and vocal delight to 'Twilight Lady' and a fiery dance floor cut 'Mozambique' as well as a full vocal mix of 'Bad Girll' to close out the EP.
Played by: Vincent Inc, Rudy's Midnight Machine, Faze Action, Romanto (YSR / DISCO MACHINE), Jayl Funk, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, Jerk Boy, BRENDON P, JAMES ROD, Earthly Measures, VRRS, FRAN DEEPER, Ruff Diamond, The Magic Track
Review: Faze Action themself and Zeke Manyika are teaming up for the fourth and final release in the afro series. This time they crank up the horns and lean towards a more afro latin, balearic flavoured track entitled "Maswera". Its tailor made for any festival or outdoor situation with its infectious piano riffs and Zeke's chants. This track is set for peak time moments. On the other hand "Rugare" has its roots firmly in the afro electronic sound. Think Eddy Grant meets 'manu Dibango circa 1981 and your in the right area. A solid bass line underpins the whole track, while horns and guitars dub in and out to create a classic afro club track.
Played by: Rudy's Midnight Machine, Johannes Albert, Faze Action, Juno Recommends Disco, Rayko, Andy Buchan
Review: A new release from the brothers Lee, two of the founding fathers of disco-house and nu disco, is always enough to prick this reviewer's ears up, and their latest offering "Paradise" doesn't disappoint - although there's a certain irony going on here. Back in the 90s, when cheap samplers and drum machines were spawning a house revolution, Faze Action swum against the tide with lavish disco productions drench in organic sounds. Now, some 30 years later, with 475 modern disco records being released every half-hour, they step up with an old skool piano house anthem that (production values aside) could have been released any year since about 1989! You'll be glad they did, though...
Played by: Vincent Inc, FINGERMAN, Faze Action, Juno Recommends Disco, Tonbe, Rayko, Mr Doris, CHEWY RUBS, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), Benedikt Freyr, Projections, The Magic Track
Review: On this all-action EP, Faze Action member Robin Lee dons the Andromeda Orchestra alias for the first time in two years. He starts in confident and aurally attractive fashion with 'Dance Closer', a glorious chunk of colourful nu-disco bliss rich in jazz-funk influenced synth sounds and smile-inducing grooves, before opting for clipped disco guitars and chunkier low-end pressure on 'Prima Ventura'. 'Inferno' sees Lee giddily skip towards cheery, string-laden 1970s disco pastures, while closing cut 'Hoops' is an explosion of synth-laden aural colour that sits somewhere between nu-disco, classic jazz-funk and mid-tempo 1980s boogie. Superb stuff as ever!
Various
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Dicky Trisco, Marcoradi as Hear and Now, Faze Action, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, DJ ROCCA, Benedikt Freyr, Paper Recordings, Gino Boleti
Review: With summer finally kicking in, Faze Action Records has decided to unleash a fine retrospective of some of the label's most summery, Balearic-minded sounds. It's a bumper collection of cuts - mostly from founders Robin and Simon Lee under a variety of different pseudonyms - which effortlessly drifts between piano and synth-laden Afro-Balearic (Faze Action's 'Chiiko'), tongue-in-cheek Gallic disco (Face Action re-editing Micky Milan), new age ambient ('Windchimes' and 'Secret Garden' by Rudy's Midnight Machine), Andreas Wollenweder-style Balearic synth-pop (Faze Action's 'Hapana'), slo-mo goodness (Max Essa reworking Faze Action's 'Vamos Pinter') and colourful dancefloor cheeriness (the vibrant Baleaaric nu-disco wonder that is 'Body Wave' by Rudy's Midnight Machine). In a word: excellent!
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Dicky Trisco, Faze Action, Pete Herbert, Roberto Rodriguez (Manolo), Juno Recommends Disco, Juno Recommends Funk, BRENDON P, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), Paul Older
Review: A warm welcome back to Rudy's Midnight Machine, one of the solo side projects of Faze Action's Robin Lee. The Crystal Dragonfly EP is the experienced producer's first single for almost two years and is as positive and musically rich as you'd expect. Opener 'Dyane' does a brilliant job of joining the dots between slap-bass propelled, boogie-era disco revalism, sun-kissed Balearic grooves and chiming, melody-rich synth-pop - all with a subtle Brazilian twist - while 'La Rochelle' is a cheery and positive nu-disco bubbler. Lee expertly combines sparkling D-Train synths and hazy Balearic disco grooves on 'Shy Smile', continuing the leisurely poolside vibes via piano-sporting chugger 'Pre De Minuit' and beat-free ambient soundscape 'Crystal Dragonfly'. Luscious!
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Superbreak, Chris Coco, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, D-Funk, ANORAAK, Guess Disco, LEGO EDIT, Citizens Of Vice, FRAN DEEPER, Paper Street Soul, Djeko & K'you, Problematic Disko
Review: FAR are excited to bring Chris Coco and DJ Rocca to the label for this release. Meeting at La Casella festival in Italy in the summer of 2019, the duo decided to team up in the studio resulting in the ''Discoteca'' EP, a shimmering slice of Balearic, Disco House containing all the right ingredients and forward motion required for maximum sunshine or nightime connection. Discoteca (The Heavy Fun Dub Mix), they manage to create a heady cocktail of synth riffs, ARhodes and Guitars all underpinned by a solid bass line, nodding to the Jazz funk of Atmosphere with the edge of Dinosaur L recording in Italy circa 1982. AAntonio prosper turns up on vocals, whispering, and chanting, evoking imagery of a night out in the mid-summer heat somewhere in southern Europe.
Review: Not only is L.E.D a new name on the Faze Action Records roster, it's also one shrouded in mystery. We're not quite sure who's behind the project, but the two tracks showcased here show it to be someone who has extensively studied the darker, more intergalactic end of the instrumental Italo-disco spectrum. Check first opener "Silicon Touch", a throbbing and melodious affair in which no-nonsense machine drums and a chugging arpeggio style bassline come accompanied by spacey lead lines and suitably intergalactic chords. "Lichter Aus" sees the publicity-shy producer employ a similarly rising and falling top-end melody above an altogether darker, more clandestine Italo-disco groove.
Sununguka EPEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Faze Action, Chris Coco, Juno Recommends Disco, Gouranga, Rayko, G-Blaster (Memorie Cluster), Coeo
Review: Faze Action first started working with Zimbabwean musician Zeke Manyika way back in 2016, and since then have released a trio of collaborative EPs. Their fourth joint release could well be their best yet. Title track "Sununguka" is simply superb, with the track offering a near perfect blend of African instrumentation, layered percussion, nods towards 1980s South African "kwaito" house and occasional references to mid-80s NYC proto-house. It comes backed by the laidback Zimbabwean boogie/kwaito fusion of "Rwendo" and a trio of remixes of "Sununguka". Alan Dixon's "Italo" remix is a sunset-ready dance through synth-heavy dancefloor pastures, while the "Special Extended Dub" sounds like something Paul Simpson would have produced during his Serious Intention days. The Juno exclusive instrumental mix is rather good, too, and well worth a listen.
Played by: Dj N◉va ▶ Rodon FM 95, Vincent Inc, FINGERMAN, Javi Frias, Juno Recommends Disco, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams, Rayko, Till Von Sein, BRENDON P, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), Kongisto
Review: "Quando Tu Dances" was a hit for Micky Milan back in 1982 when it came out on Salsoul, and it has that seminal label's brand of disco funk spilling out of every bar. Now Faze Action have drafted a strong serving of remixers to bring a few deft touches to some of Milan's biggest hits, leading in with Willie Graff and his tasteful edit of the title track that lets the original vibe shine through in all its sunny finery. Faze Action themselves take on "C'est Une Bombe" - another slick '80s jam with plenty of boogie licks to complement the warmth of the guitar and Latin percussion. Finally we get an untouched original, the more spaced out cosmic pop jam "Les Vacances On S'eclete, On S'evade".
Played by: Dj XS (FVUK), Dr Rubberfunk, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, FINGERMAN, GOLDEN FLEECE, Javi Frias, Faze Action, Jean Jacques Smoothie, Juno Recommends Disco, Gouranga, Ladies On Mars, Mr Doris, BRENDON P, CHEWY RUBS, An Architect, LEGO EDIT, JAMES ROD, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), Phil Disco, SITUATION, FRAN DEEPER, Vito lalinga, Ruff Diamond, D.S.D., Tom Finlay (Groove Armada)
Review: More from Faze Action member Robin Lee's offshoot Andromeda Orchestra project, whose throbbing and forthright releases have previously joined the dots between revivalist disco and the synthesizer-driven world of Italo-disco. In its original form (track three), "Don't Stop" is an authentically produced riff on the K.I.D track of the same name rich in swooping, razor-sharp strings, Clavinet-happy disco grooves and glassy-eyed female vocals. It comes accompanied by a stellar peak-time remix from Lee's old pal Ray Mang - all layered drum fills, swirling noises and jangling piano riffs - and a spacey, beat-free ambient "Reprise". Bonus cut "Kano Line Dance", a funky mid-tempo shuffler that joins the dots between boogie, jazz-funk and P-funk, is also rather tasty.
Faze Action feat Zeke Manyika
KubatanaEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Dj N◉va ▶ Rodon FM 95, Sam Redmore, Rudy's Midnight Machine, Faze Action, Chris Coco, Juno Recommends Disco, Tonbe, Alan Dixon, BRENDON P, CHEWY RUBS, Ruff Diamond, Melvo Baptiste
Review: Three years on from their previous collaboration, Faze Action's Lee Brothers once again join forces with vocalist Zeke Manyika on another 12" paying tribute to South Africa's bubblegum-era sun-kissed Kwaito house sound. In its original form, "Kubatana" is warm, cheery and breezy, with Manyika singing in his native tongue over punchy horn refrains, sunny synth bass, dreamy chords and unfussy drum machine beats. There's a trio of accompanying remixes, with the Kwaito-meets-deep house dreaminess of the Rudy's Midnight Machine Mix and driving, stripped-back and delay-laden Paradise Dub standing out. Also worth checking is the slower, deeper and drowsier bonus cut "Hapana".
Played by: Dj N◉va ▶ Rodon FM 95, Faze Action, Chris Coco, Juno Recommends Disco, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams, Ilya Santana, Phat Phil Cooper, Limpodisco, Dave Mathmos, LEGO EDIT, Paper Street Soul
Review: More from Rudy's Midnight Machine, the Faze Action alter ego that often embraces sounds and styles not associated with the Lee brothers' most famous project. This time round, the five tracks on show are smooth, warm and synth-heavy, variously doffing a cap to turn-of-the-80s Brazilian jazz-funk, humid Mediterranean sounds of the sort showcased on obscure crate-digging compilations and the kind of loved-up, Flamenco guitar-laden soundscapes that Jose Padilla has made a career out of playing. Highlights include the shimmering, sun-kissed mid-tempo shuffle of "La Cadenza", the Azymuth-goes-boogie flex of "Une Vie Elegante" and the saucer-eyed, synth-sporting bliss of opener "Camera Dans Le Nuit".
Various
Played by: Juno Recommends Disco, Tonbe, J&M BROTHERS, Alan Dixon, 80's Child, VRRS, Paper Street Soul, Ruff Diamond
Review: Though billed as a various artists compilation, this is essentially a career-spanning Faze Action 'best of' that also includes a handful of collaborations and contributions from their various side projects (Andromeda Orchestra, Rudy's Midnight Machine). And yes, it stretches all the way back to 'In The Trees'! Long-term fans will of course have much of the material featured here already, which makes the non-FA cuts even more welcome, but if you're just discovering the musical delights of the brothers Lee, then this collection is a great way to get better acquainted before delving into the full, extensive back catalogue...
Review: There's not much information floating around about this debut single from Shogone Deep, though given the alias has been credited with remixing previous Faze Action singles we're guessing the Brothers Lee are involved. Opener "Groundwork" is a delicious slice of groovy dancefloor positivity that smothers a Midway style post-boogie/proto-house groove with oodles of smile-inducing piano solos and spiraling, life-affirming electronics. Feel good music for open-air parties, basically. "Silkworm" has a notably heavier vibe, with tougher beats, dirtier analogue bass and mind-altering, TB-303 style motifs that increase in intensity throughout. It lacks the rush-inducing qualities of "Groundwork" but is every bit as potent.
Played by: Valique, Juno Recommends Disco, Juno Recommends Downtempo, Tonbe, BRENDON P, CHEWY RUBS, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), Paper Street Soul
Review: Robin Lee takes a break from his day job as Faze Action to slip into the occasional Rudy's Midnight Machine alias for this outing on his own label. It's a mellow, atmospheric ride into pastures you wouldn't normally associate with Faze Action, although "Midnight Safari" is smooth and luxurious enough to feel right in any context. "In The Air" has a mysterious air to it, helped in no small part by the evocative Eastern lilt of the strings running through the centre of the track. There's a sassy boogie step powering "Reach Backless," while "Windchimes" flips the script with a semi-ambient live bass reverie. It's back to the party one last time with "Solar Plex" though - this record is about synthy funk first and foremost.
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Valique, YAM WHO?, Faze Action, Juno Recommends Disco, Massimo Vanoni (The Smoker), LEGO EDIT, Stephen Richards (DiscoDaze), That Needs an Edit/Pete Le Freq, Sould Out, Paper Street Soul
Review: Faze Action's label is the perfect home for this unearthed disco gem by cult concern Andromeda Orchestra. Total groove authority Nick The Record has been tasked with the serious job of editing "Get Up & Dance", and he does a bang up job of eking out the original to create an elongated dancefloor workout. "High Steppin" ramps up the funk, as does the fourth track cut "Koochi Koo" with its wah wah guitar and expressive keys. This is a stellar EP for anyone craving a few fresh but classic weapons for the disco. And you know by disco we mean proper disco.
Faze Action feat Nina Miranda
Review: Faze Action teams up with Nina Miranda for the jazzy disco tones of "Vamos Pintar", and the results are magic. This is unabashedly joyous, flamboyant dance music rich with vibraphone licks, synth stabs and a catchy vocal hook about painting, which Max Essa then slows down to a Balearic strut on his "Slo Mo Bubble Dub" mix before offering up a more energetic "Extended Club Mix". The real gem on the record comes with "Paradise 90 Dub", which faithfully champions the Larry Levan school of party music, and everyone knows that means guaranteed club heat.
Various
Played by: Alien Disco Sugar / Leonidas DeeJay
Review: Nu-disco pioneers, Faze Action (brothers Simon and Robin Lee) have a long and respected history, not least due to the sterling work of their legendary label, FaR. Here they collate a heady selection of sizzling bangers from their impressive back catalogue. There's a whopping 19 gems to get your teeth into, highlights including the Les Rhymes Digitales meets Studio 54 vibes of "Don't Loose Control" by Del Strange, the perky italo-disco/house hybrid "Freak For Your Love (ST House Mix)" and the Afro-jackin' acid flashback that is "Mangwana feat Zeke Manyika (Paradise '89 dub)".
Review: You might know Robin Lee and Simon Lee as the mythical Faze Action duo. The two brothers have been foundational pillars to the whole nu-disco wave and, before that, the re-edit school of thought behind disco and boogie. We've always been fans. Both of their productions and expansive DJ sets. Rudy's Midnight Machine is their second alias, and this time they come through with their second release under that name for their own Faze Action imprint. The lead track "By Nature" is a feel-good house-not-house warmer with a gentle, summery touch, which is followed by the more precocious groove and tempo of "Sky Goddess". Calling this material 'balearic' wouldn't really do it justice because tunes like "Shimmering Coast" or Fortune Lagoon" have much more to offer than the genre's typical 'lounge approach. "Body Wave" is a little funkier and more jazz-laden, with a dub mix that brings out its bass more. Wonderful.
Review: Given the success of Faze Action's first trawl through the more sun-kissed sections of their vast back catalogue, it's little surprise to see the Lee brothers deliver a second volume. As with its predecessor, To The Sunset & Beyond shuffles around stylistically, taking in lilting Brazilian flavours (1999 single "Samba", the folksy "Struck"), Afro-influenced electrofunk (recent Zeke Manyika collaborations "Got To Find A Way" and "To Love Is To Grow"), dub disco (the Boogie Central mix of "Danae's Journey"), and, of course, plenty of cello-laden treats (a rare alternative version of "Moving Cities", the wonderful, Arthur Russell-ish "Venus & Mars"). In other words, it's a deliciously summery collection of tried-and-tested tracks. Recommended.
Faze Action feat Zeke Manyika
MangwanaEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Faze Action, Jean Jacques Smoothie, Dr Packer, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, Richard Rossa, Tonbe, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), DIONIGI, D-Funk, Alan Dixon, BRENDON P, JAMES ROD, Gradient Logic
Review: On paper, this collaboration between veteran Balearic/disco/house fusionists Faze Action, and Zimbabwean drummer-turned-vocalist Zeke Manyika has all the makings of a humid, sun-kissed classic. Happily, "Mangwana" - a kind of late '80s Hugh Masekela Balearic afro-house jam full of punchy horns, chiming synth melodies and chanted African vocals - is every bit as alluring as you'd expect. The Waiting For The Rain-era Masekela influences are even stronger on the delicious A Vision of Panorama mix, while the Paradise '89 Dub pushes the track further towards dubbed-out New York house territory while beefing up the backing track a little. Elsewhere on the EP, you'll find two superb versions of the percussive, tropical '80s workout "Kumbengo" (including a heavy, Junodownload-only Dub), and the hazy downtempo goodness of "Chiiko".
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Ben Gomori, Dicky Trisco, FINGERMAN, Andrew Clarke, HWah, Pete gooding, Disco Doubles, 80's Child, Dejan "Funky Junkie" Gavr
Review: 15 months on from the release of their superb Body of One full length, Faze Action brothers Robin and Simon Lee have decided to get the album remixed. They start the ball rolling by delivering an '89 style Balearic house dub of "Magic Touch" - all "Good Life" riffs, chopped-up, cowbell-laden percussion and expansive piano solos - before Dicky Trisco weighs in with a more synthesizer-heavy, boogie-inspired re-dub of the same track. Phil Mison reinvents "Echoes of Your Mind" as a drifting Balearic chugger, complete with his own additional guitar, bass and keys, before Emotional emperor Stuart "Chuggy" Leath does his best Dunkelziffer impression via a woozy, fluid and wide-eyed take on "Floating World".
Review: While they may have spent the last few years focusing on disco, Italo and electrofunk revivalism, the Lee brothers have released their fair share of deliciously Balearic material over the years. It's this side of their work that's showcased on To The Sunset & Beyond, a compilation that picks breezy, humid and sun-kissed highlights from their 20-year career. There's naturally plenty to get the juices flowing, from the cello-laden brilliance of stone cold classic "In The Trees", and the twinkling samba-soul of "Heartbeat", to the blustery live Afro-house of "Kariba" and string-laden ambience of "Weightless". There's also another chance to revisit Rae & Christian's cheery, rolling remix of "Samba", which first surfaced on Nuphonic way back in 1999.
Take Me High EPEXCLUSIVE
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Casio Social Club, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, Jay Ru, Alien Disco Sugar (Leonidas DeeJay), South Beach Recycling, SEEN ON TV
Review: Given the high quality musical skills of Faze Action's Simon and Robin Lee, you'd expect any side or solo projects to be blessed with the same expansive musicality. That's certainly the case on this second solo EP from one half of the brothers, which doffs a cap to classic New York disco. The title track's the real killer, with live bass, guitars, vocals, drums and keys combining on an authentically warm, loose and floor-friendly disco jam. The disco-funk-meets-Italo flex of "Kano's Line Jam" is almost as good, while "Solonoid" brilliantly pits rubbery disco bass and hissing percussion against Arthur Russell style cello and vintage synthesizers. A pair of throbbing, 21st century dancefloor reworks of the classic-sounding title track complete a great package.
Played by: Dicky Trisco, Casio Social Club, Sleazy McQueen, Sahin Meyer, Pete Herbert, Tonbe, Jay Ru, Barnaby Bruce, Werkshy, BRENDON P, Venice Beach
Review: Faze Action's Body of One album, released earlier this year, was something of an overlooked gem; a beautifully produced set that joined the dots between the Lee brothers' many influences, whilst retaining a sophisticated pop sensibility. "Time By Your Side", a retro-futurist house gem featuring the great vocals of Mary Moore, was undoubtedly one of the highlights. Here, that track gets remixed no less than five times. Pete Herbert delivers excellent vocal and dub versions with his usual delay-laden, synth-heavy nu-disco feel, while Andromeda Orchestra turns it into a warm, organic disco gem (complete with new beats, guitars and bass). Elsewhere, there are tasty deep house reworks from Rudy's Midnight Machine and Sahin Mayer.
Review: A side project of Faze Action's Robin Lee, it's been a while since we heard any new material from Rudy's Midnight Machine. Well it seems the machine is now well oiled and ready to go again, with four new tracks lined up. As expected, deep disco is the order of the day with highlights including the bleeped out Rocker's Revenge-esque jam "Resolve Revolver", the minimal electro-house bouncer "Bikini Ammunition" and the trippy, percussive loops and general weirdness of "High Powered (Original Disco Mix)".
Review: Faze Action present their first single from their new LP "Prisoner of Your Love", including the outstanding 808-infused mix from Eric Duncan (Rub n'Tug). Eric has been showcasing the mix in his recent sets with DJ Harvey causing a stir on dance floors. The package also includes the original mix, dub mix and a Rudy's Midnight Machine Mix which takes on a late 80s Balearic house sound with a more stripped-back feel.
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Dicky Trisco, Tronik Youth, Casio Social Club, Dario Piana, Faze Action, Irregular Disco Workers, Flash Atkins, Borgie, G&D, Juno Recommends Disco, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Shota Tanaka (Beaten Space Probe), TURNTILL, Dirty McKenzie, Justin Gg Green, Jonathan kusuma, Ziggy Phunk, Phil Jaimes, CHEWY RUBS, Black Amex, 80's Child, PHILLY VANILLI (We Mean Disco!!), Tech Support
Review: Brothers Simon and Robin Lee have long excelled at the album format, delivering occasional sets that ripple with impressive musicality, sinewy strings, cozy downtempo moods and upbeat dancefloor moments. Body of One, their fourth full length (their first dropped on Nuphonic back in 1997), continues this trend, offering a compelling trip through the pair's myriad influences. After opening with a sweaty post-punk thumper ("Prisoner of Your Love"), we're variously treated to Italo-influenced vintage house ("Magic Touch"), rubbery disco-funk ("Freak For Your Love"), Arthur Russell-influenced tropical downtempo pop ("Caruso's Monkey House"), dreamy Balearica ("Floating World") and string-laden gorgeousness. As for the title track, it sounds like So-era Peter Gabriel.
Review: A welcome return for Faze Action's synth-laden side project, this time with more electrofunk and Italo-inspired dancefloor jams. "Let It Happen" gets the perfect balance between synth-funk authenticity, Italo melodies and delicious disco guitars, while Faze Action's own Instrumental Dub puts more emphasis on the two sparring basslines (one a rubbery electric bass effort, the other a thickset synth one). The storming "Work It" wanders more towards synth-wave and Italo territory, whilst retaining Faze Action's usual swinging disco pulse. Best of all, though, is the sparse but delightfully funky "Turn Me On", an exercise in vintage synth fetishism with added talkbox. It's almost enough to make Roger Troutman jealous.
Faze Action/Various
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Dicky Trisco, DJ VIVONA, Faze Action, G ROM, Del Strange, Lazy Kiss, OK Corral
Review: Incredibly, brothers Robin & Simon Lee have been providing us with their slick updates of the classic disco and house sound since 1995! This bumper 25-track collection tells the story from the birth of FA Records in 2006. There's a lot to tell too; it's packed with enough vintage-sounding grooves to shame the Paradise Garage. Highlights include Jay Shepheard's breezy remix of FA's debut "Original Disco Motion", FA's own Rocker's Revenge-esque, "Hypnotic (disco mix)", the linear, chugging arpeggiation of "Touch It" by The Shack, the loopy robot-funk of "Lifestyle 101" by Rudy's Midnight Machine, the moody "revenge mix" of FA's "I Wanna Dancer" and the killer retro house-isms of Miss Cheesecake's "You Must Create", exclusively provided for us lucky folks!
Played by: Straightoffthefloors.com, Casio Social Club, Faze Action, Heion, Nine Lives, B.G. Baarregaard, Future Feelings, Del Strange
Review: This latest missive from the Faze Action camp should appeal to all those who still wig out on a Saturday night to original New York electrofunk dubs, freestyle and proto-house. "Don't Lose Control" is faithful to the sound of early '80s New York, coming on like a cross between Serious Intention and D Train (presuming Hubert Eaves III went a bit crazy on the Tape Echo). The White Kappa Tracksuit mix flips the script slightly, throwing in block rockin' electro and Italo disco influences (with, perhaps, a smidgeon of Rockers Revenge). "We Rock" travels further in this direction, dubbing out body-poppin' electro in the style of Todd Terry's early productions for T La Rock.
Played by: MMDREC, Casio Social Club, YAM WHO?, Faze Action, Pete Herbert, Chas Bronz, Ursula 1000, Cosmonauts, DIONIGI, Heion, DJ Ermi, Del Strange
Review: Faze Action have never been comfortable with the nu disco tag, and in an age where it's dominated by digitally designed and somewhat pedestrian in its tempo the Lee brothers return with a dynamic live sound that sets them apart. "Freak for Your Love" is the lead track from their forthcoming album Information Overload and straddles a sick dubbed out punk funk groove that brings to mind the sort of incessantly sweat inducing music DFA was releasing in the label's first few years. A pleasant new direction for Faze Action is explored further on the accompanying "New Wave Disco Dub Mix" that delves further into the realm of echo and delay over that strident groove. The mysterious ST contributes two rerubs that switch the emphasis up towards a throwback bumping 90s house flex without loosing the original's charm.
Played by: ROTCIV, Straightoffthefloors.com, Gazeebo, Kid Who, Pete Herbert, JUSTIN WINKS (CASIO SOCIAL CLUB), Richard Rossa, DIONIGI, Shota Tanaka (Beaten Space Probe), Dirty McKenzie
Review: Legendary UK disco imprint Faze Action Records returns with more sweat-drenched dancefloor goodness, this time from the live Andromeda Orchestra outfit. Alongside the requisite Special Disco Version of lead track "Sensitive" (which is ace) we're treated to a typically lush and percussive remix from man like Pete Herbert. Up next, "West Coast Lady" shimmers with a vintage moog bassline, while "He Is Coming" boasts shimmering synths, a slick bassline and a particularly epic vocal backing! This is proper disco music that has been played, not programmed, with live bass, guitar, piano, solina and disco breaks. Don't sleep!
Played by: Dave Lee ZR, Sean Gormally (Love the Bomb), Breixo, Andrew Clarke, Borgie, Pete Herbert, Juno Recommends Disco, Cosmonauts, DIONIGI, Faze Action
Review: Faze Action maintain their fine run of form in 2011 with this four tracker from The Shack, aka Guy Williams and Dan Williams (not related!) Both have been active in dance music from the early 90s ,with Guy holding DJ residencies at clubs such as the Ministry Of Sound and Turnmills during their pomp while Dan Williams aka D.R.W carved a career as a singer/songwriter. Together as The Shack they have absolutely nailed it with "Touch It", a sleazy-does-it Italo peak time jam. Arpeggiated synth lines, catchy vocal hooks and instant bassline work in jotous unison with some cowbell carnage. The EP comes replete with a dub version and boogie influence Faze Action remix. Rounding off the release is another original cut, namely "Don't Stop", in which tough drums combine with a late night vocal intoning the track title to bewitching effect. This Shack Attack has already found its way into the record bags of Pete Herbert and Severino - expect it to be in many more come summer's end.
Review: Horse Meat Disco member Luke Howard debuts the Miss Cheesecake nom de plume for a shiny new release on the venerable London institution otherwise known as Faze Action Records. Electronic bass and piano action abounds on "Get Off The Floor" which features some delightfully lo-fi robotic vocals and a relentlessly driving groove, while "You Must Create", which features Luke's own vocals, is dripping in neon-tinged 80s dancefloor sweat. Up next is a typically lush proto house remix of "You Must Create" from label chiefs Faze Action which really could be the theme tune to a 1983 moustache-riddled cop action flick set in San Francisco, alongside an instrumental version of the original cut.
Played by: Adam B (Homegrown Music), ROTCIV, Alphabet City, The Revenge, RedSoul, Faze Action, Romanto (YSR / DISCO MACHINE), Chris Coco, Sean Brosnan, Juno Recommends Disco, Nacho Marco
Review: Since 2006 Faze Action's eponymous label has been cranking out their own productions, releasing such dance floor killers as "Hypnotic", "I Wanna Dancer" and those remixes of the track that started it all - "Original Disco Motion". Here comes the new slab, this time around it's Robin manning the faders and knobs as Rudy's Midnight Machine. "Open To Your Love" opens with a steady bouncing groove punctuated by crisp 808 snares and stabby chords. It's definitely going straight for the retro house jugular but still has enough oomph about it to appeal to young waifs as well as misty eyed rave granddads. "Dib Dab" slips back a few more years for its electro dance feel, coming on like a long lost tougher dub of Shannons' "Let the Music Play". It's a tune that wears its heart on its sleeve with orchestra stabs, proto garage baseline and sampled vocal chops, pretty much guaranteed to get any party moving with a cheeky smile on its face. "Street Museum" is the most recognizably Faze-esque track, with New Order-ish synth melody lines, a nagging rhythm guitar and a whole heap of delay on the drums. In other words, a sure fire disco winner.
Played by: DJ Agent 86, Timewarp, Faze Action, Irregular Disco Workers, Juno Recommends Disco, Sequencers, Joe Bonez (Burek)
Review: Disco cognoscenti and brothers in arms Faze Action return to the production fold with "Tattoo Man", coming at you like the theme song for an 80s action show. Recorded in the studio with a live band, the track combines infections bass, drums, congas and keys that give "Tattoo Man" a wonderfully loose and genuine feel. There are a whole load of different versions - a 7" radio edit, a live extended rerub, a special disco mix, an agogo dub for the boogie heads and a couple of remixes from Rudy's Midnight Machine - making this the ultimate single package for discerning disco jocks. This has already been getting love from Pete Herbert, Hunee, Jim Stanton and Joey Negro - so get on it fast.
