So, for anybody that bothers to read this, apologies for the gaps. My Juno chart for June is HERE. Read on for reviews...
***
1. T ESSELLE . GARIBALDI EP (Wholemeal Music)
Whilst the lead cut on this EP is dripping with soul and good times, it's the B side, "Garibaldi", that won me over to the point that I was desperate to sign it to WNCL Recordings. I got to do the next best thing and remix it but the OG, drum and stab heavy jazz funk work out still makes me want to shuffle...
***
2. EVAN BAGGS . NOT A STORY EP (Cabaret)
If, like me, you're ready to slit your writsts the next time you see yet another bland, anonymous, soul-less minimal techno track being described as "raw" and "jacking" then it will come as a pleasant surprise to learn that Mr Baggs has turned in a monster of a hypnotic groove ("Blossom") that is actually deserving of both descriptions.
***
3. LOCAL ARTIST . FEELINGS (Rhythm Section)
One of many fine labels coming straight outta Peckham, Rhythm Section seem to be on a winning streak right now. This isn't quite their most current release but it is my most favourite. The slightly cranky, off-the-grid stabs and two note sub bass drops make for a winning combo on the lead track of this EP.
***
4. DEGO & KAIDI . ADAM ROCK DISSED!! (Sound Signature)
Heavyweight names all around. "Backchat for Toprock" wins best track, best title and best use of The New Birth's "Got to Get a Knutt" break for my money.
***
5. LIBERTAS . USE MOVEMENT EP (La Mission)
As with all La Mission releases, this one comes packed with trax and bonus reading material. There's a few good remixes on this one too but J Choirboy and Beaner turn in a golden-era Mood II Swing groove to steal the show.
***
6. JULIO BASHMORE . RHYTHM OF AULD (Broadwalk)
OK, so there's a hint of peak time Saturday night, a slight flash of handbag, maybe the merest whiff of cheese, but the flip side cut "Knocking Boots" still makes the WNCL playlist for those huge, brazen stolen soulful moments.
***
7. ANDRES . BELIEVIN' (La Vida)Another masterclass in crate digging and cutting up...
***
8. 2 BIT CREW . 2 BIT CREW 03 (2 Bit Crew)
The A side groove sits somewhere between cool minimal, stripped back dub techno and warm deep house but, thankfully, it's not half as boring as I've just made it sound.
***
9. J TIJN . PICK YOUR BATTLES (Naked Naked)
Don't make me choose...
***
10. YU MIYASHITA / YAPORIGAMI . GRIND ANALYSTS FIG 1 (Stray Landings)
Another lavish package making it into this month's Top 10. This one's got a hand stitched fanzine (it's always nice to have something to read on the bus home while you're flicking through your new vinyl, innit?) Interesting sounds throughout but, naturally, I gravitate towards the rhythmic crunch of "Lunar Steps"
***
