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Classic early rocksteady

Few funk groups have had as far-reaching an influence as New Orleans band The Meters, the project of keyboardist/vocalist Art Neville, and the famed house band of Allen Tousaint. During their mid-60s-to-late-70s heyday they released a heavy mixture of instrumental and vocal albums and singles of Louisiana-inflected soul, R&B, and funk music that continues to inspire and marvel, and get covered by groups and artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jaco Pastorius, Widespread Panic, and even The Grateful Dead. The Meters had already made a name for themselves by 1969, as a backing act for the likes of Lee Dorsey and Betty Harris, but their own legacy as a group began that same year with the release of their self-titled album debut. Their distinct New Orleans swing set themselves apart from the other funk groups of the time, as they plowed their way through a bevy of groovy instrumental tracks, including interpretations of songs by Sly Stone and Buddy Buie. The Meters was additionally noteworthy for the inclusion of the track "Cissy Strut", which became a signature tune for the group, a Billboard Hot 100 hit, and a staple of hip-hop production, having been sampled in tracks by N.W.A., A Tribe Called Quest, 2 Live Crew, and Del The Funky Homosapien, to name but a few. A staple of the

genre, that set a path for years and years of funk music innovation and influence.

Originally on Black Solidarity, 1981

Reissue of 1968 recording, back to back rocksteady vocals

Raw outsider boogie, interstellar loaner funk, intimate synth sound productions on this debut from Russia's VENUS EXPRESS II. The LP features 8 hot tracks of spacey, jazzy, funky tunes in the similar format of STAR CREATURE's SKY TONY & LIQUID PEGASUS releases. This is true space funk!

Brewing another supremely heavy release on the horizon, Moonshine Recordings is stealing the spotlight once again. Proudly presenting Violinbwoy's first solo album, unadulterated sound system pressure at its finest. Slavic chants and drum rhythms meet the unrivaled power of Violinbwoy's eccentric take on modern bass music 'Fyetisov' kicks off the stellar 3x12" release with a high-powered Stepper emission. Setting the tone with a rumbling bassline and supremely energetic lead instrumentation, full force sound system music down to its core. Shining in a different light, 'Moonspell' reveals its melancholic nature gradually intensifying through otherworldly percussion and anthemic vocal sample placements. Stripped down to its bare bones,'Dubplate' unleashes its detuned, percussive shackles for a massive onslaught of four-to-the-floor, while keeping true to Jamaica's music roots. Warbling tape echo spheres and excellence in emotive expression Violinbwoy's collaboration with singer Marina P turns out to be an anthem by itself enthralling, whoever gets caught into the midst of this hymn of a track. Not backing down one step from the established level of quality, 'Sound System' featuring Junior Dread excels once more in a crystal-clear demonstration of modern roots music mandatory repeat listening. Rejoicing in simplicity, 'Rig Alert' holds true to what the name suggests - cinematic bass meditation, fluidly scaling with the size of its speaker counterpart. Moving on to Dan s vocal skills in 'Wanted': Rastafarian wisdom chanting along a skanking rhythm and orchestral atmosphere. Ethereal bells being submerged in moving air and scattered white noise, 'Run & Hide' demonstrates a more experimental side within the LP exhibiting Downtempo/Ambient inclinations in a magnificent combination with Dub characteristics, only increasing in energy to the call of the dub siren. Ready for more, the title track 'dod' captures us within the expressive, introductory playing of the violin, deserting it for echoes and sub oscillations alike. Calling upon the prowess of Rider Shafique, his harmonic toasting is being escorted by a forward-minded halftime groove in 'Find The Way'. Topping the LP off with Sis' excellence in telling a story through song on a hypnotic instrumental. The nature of last tunes is often powerful, serving to concede with an explosion, appropriate of the session as is the case with 'Surfacing' closing off the monumental EP with visceral lead movements, setting the tone alongside driving drums and one more murderous bassline, sure of receiving countless rewinds in the near future. Encompassing a plethora of current Roots- Dub- and Steppa- influenced styles, Moonshine's next LP installment is sure to be received for what it is: a definitive, quality expedition of what's firing up dance floors around the globe.

Killer roots from 1979, with Vin Gordon

Born in 1990 to a truck manufacturer in Nara Japan, Youtaro was attracted to HIPHOP early on. First engaging with the culture through break dancing and then by making beats by 2010. In 2012 he began to release his MPC2000XL beats on Bandcamp -beats with heavy basslines and rough samples, described as a CHILL that intoxicates.

The southern-style, Rhythm & Blues album Play The Blues by Buddy Guy & Junior Wells was recorded in the Miami Criteria Studios in the second half of 1970. Nevertheless, Guy was not able to leave Chicago out of this album with tracks such as "Bad Bad Whiskey" and "My Baby She Left Me".

This is probably the best recordings Guy & Wells ever made, sounding clean and smooth. An excellent blues album from two masters in blues!

Ervin Rucker started out as a pianist and composer in the 1950s. After he released his sole single on Musette he changed his name to Big Daddy Rucker in the late 60s. At the same time he founded his own GME label on which he released 45s under his own name as well as this one by Dede Copeland. "The Price I Had to Pay" is jazzy soul track while the flip "You Gotta Give up Some Money" is an excellent sister funk cut. Both cuts can also be found on the Tramp Records album "The Soulful Side of GME & Musette Records", released on LP, CD and digital.

UK dub scene pioneers Dub Pistols gear up to release new dub-quaking extravaganza 'Crazy Diamonds'.

To celebrate 20 years of unhinged lunacy, the Dub Pistols return with their seventh studio album, a mix of dub, reggae, ska, punk, breaks and drum & bass.

Guaranteed to nice up the place with some heavyweight bass and mash up the dance given half the chance - respect.' - Don Letts

Two classic DJ tracks licensed from the Disco Fuentes catalogue . First up some irresistible percussive and brass heavy latin rhythms offset by those killer vocals on A La Memoria Del Muerto by one of the most successful latin outfits worldwide.... Fruko Y Sus Tesos. On the flipside an explosive, hypnotic cumbia from Combo De Los Galleros with the dancefloor winner of 'Soledad'. Essential.

* 180 gram audiophile vinyl
* Includes 1 page insert with credits
* Jazz-Funk Fusion LP feat. Tony Williams & Jaco Pastorius
* Featuring the single "I Thought It Was You" and "Come Running To Me"

Sunlight by Herbie Hancockis a 1978 jazz-funk, fusion album. It features Hancock's vocals through a vocoder as well as performances by drummer Tony Williams and bassist Jaco Pastorius. This was when Hancock began heading towards a more mainstream Smooth Jazz/R&B fusion, similar to fellow Jazz-Fusion pianist Patrice Rushen.

The album produced a hit-single entitled "I Thought It Was You". As a whole the album tends to lay more toward funk than a jazz record, and is reminiscent of much of the electro-funk of the time. This release marks the beginning of the 80s electro-era style that was more refined in Herbie's later albums such as Future Shock and Sound-System.

This next chapter of Timmion's talent scouting in the US will land home with the Purple Heart of Soul, and turn even the coldest of us to the love side. No prisoners taken. It's time for Jonny Benavidez to lay his falsetto over the ever smooth backing of Cold Diamond & Mink. With the sweet as candy mid-pacer "Tell Me That You Love Me" he should go the whole mile.

Those, who have an insatiable thirst for crossover soul sounds by groups such as The Commands and TSU Toronadoes, should snatch up this piece of wax without haste. Texas made and California raised, Jonny has polished his teeth for years in doo wop groups and sung backing harmonies for big names such as Archie Bell and Eugene Pitt from The Jive Five. Currently residing in Austin, Texas he's forming and coating even more sweet tracks for Timmion.

It might not break the charts, but for some with the proper ear for beauty, this will undoubtedly be the new soul record of the year. Have a listen, if you are one of those privileged people.

Love is timeless and has no boundaries. "Forget Me Not" has classic love song written all over it, but with this release Myles Sanko goes beyond that to explore the world of hope and loss that comes with Alzheimer's disease. When time is the enemy and one is left waiting patiently holding on to glimmers of precious memories that will soon be lost forever. This song is an anthem for real love, the everyday love.

"Forget Me Not" is the new single by Myles Sanko from the acclaimed album "Just Being Me". The digital version features remixes of "Forget Me Not" by Rob Hardt (Seductive Souls) and of "Promises" by Smoove. Both remixes will also be available as a limited 7inch vinyl single.

Following on from his hook up with Chris Read, we are happy to showcase the talents of Pugs Atomz once again, this time in collaboration with fellow Chicago compatriot, Mulatto Patriot. Sweat' will certainly make you do that on the dancefloor - a frenetic jam perfect for your workpout playlist. Flip to the B side for the smoother MFSB influenced Come With Me'. Both tracks are taken from the forthcoming digital EP, Highly Irregular. Original cover art by Erin Leann Works.

Eight years after "Moon in Libra" (SCCD/LP 407), the new S-Tone Inc.'s "Onda" consolidates the partnership between Stefano Tirone and his longtime friend and collaborator Tomaz Di Cunto a.k.a. Toco, who co-wrote 8 of the 10 album tracks. A strongly heartfelt Black Rio-inspired effort, ranging from groovy Brazilian soul-funk to mellow soulful chill moments, featuring historical (Laura Fedele, Manuela Ravaglioli) and new (Barro, Qinho, the 4Maré quartet) contributes on vocals, for a very personal and original result.

The album Rock 'n Soul was originally released in 1964 by Grammy Award winning Solomon Burke (†2010). 7 tracks ended up in Top 100 Billboard Hits at the time. "If You Need Me" went as high as #2 in the Black Singles Chart.

This extraordinary album is not only soulful but a confirmation that Burke is a genius when it comes to writing music and making it happen in a studio!

2007 - 2017 : Heavenly Sweetness is turning 10 years old! They are celebrating with 3 birthday parties, and 2 compilations! One is a best of the label's production, and the 2nd one is made of exclusive tracks, composed for this occasion.
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The artists make the strength of a label, that's why each Heavenly Sweetness artist has been offered a birthday present: the opportunity to collaborate with someone he appreciates, of just to record a new track.

The result is a great collection of new tracks or remixes with prestigious guests such as Ken Boothe (the golden voice of Reggae, recorded by Blundetto), the impressive encounter of Guts, Patrice, Féfé and DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson, a new intimist session with Roger Raspail, Alain Jean Marie and Vincent Ségal, remixes by Lefto and Hugo LW, new recording by Florian Pellissier Quintet and Cotonete, as well as the new artists joining the label: The Mule, and Edmony Krater. Indeed, Heavenly Sweetness is also moving forward and constructing its future!

2007 - 2017 : Heavenly Sweetness is turning 10 years old! They are celebrating with 3 birthday parties, and 2 compilations! One is a best of the label's production, and the 2nd one is made of exclusive tracks, composed for this occasion.
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One is a best of the label's production, and the 2nd one is made of exclusive tracks, composed for this occasion.

This compilation is a very subjective best of the label's production, from each album or single we had the chance to produce, with great artists.

A journey through 10 years of music, a great introduction to the label's universe, but even the experts will discover unknown tracks.
Including well known artists such as Guts, Blundetto, Sly Johnson, Anthony Joseph, but also more confidential artists: Robert Aaron, Jacaranda Muse, Patchworks (and his tribute to Gil Scott-Heron)...

Mamie's Records is the new project of troublemakers La Mamie's. The crew of Djs, well known for throwing wild parties in Paris and its suburbs, top-quality sets, and their dedication to the Macki Music Festival, have decided to launch their own record label. Kodäma is a music duo formed in 2014 by Kiala Ogawa (singer and composer originally from Japan and Congo) and by T-time (bassist and composer). The word «kodama», meaning «echo» in Japanese, also refers to spirits conveyed by trees and forests. According to the legends, these spirits are responsible for the the phenomenon in which the mountains echo. Kodäma's universe is very linked to Kiala's cultural sphere with, as a major source of inspiration, her childhood's memories from the Japanese countryside. Kodäma is a subtle combination of electronic and acoustic sounds with Kiala's captivating voice, blending English and Japanese. From this mixture of sounds emerges a spiritual, experimental music marked by their own neo soul groove or future jazz

Steppas Records presents 'Osaka Steppas' Vol. 2, the second in a series of releases showcasing the Japanese underground dub movement. This edition features Osaka producers Dub Kazman and Roots Masashi. The Osaka Steppas' raw and unrelenting sound developed in the subterranean clubs of Osaka, a port city famous for its counterculture night life. Inspired not only by the sounds of Jamaica, but also drawing inspiration from UK and European soundsystem culture with enough bassweight to test even the toughest of soundsystems. Presented in a beautifully designed full colour sleeve inspired by the works of the legendary ukiyo-e woodblock artist, Hokusai. This release is not to be missed.

Many great singers passed through the hands of late great soul/R&B producer Jerry Wexler, from Aretha Franklin to Dusty Springfield, but Etta James was a singer he willingly waited 20 long years to work with. "Etta is a church in herself," he said in his autobiography, adding: "Her voice is a mighty influence, her musical personality able to express an extraordinary range of moods." He further described her as "A woman used but not spent, abused but never defeated, vulnerable but though sheer strength of will, victorious." Her legend lives on in her music. Press play and share her many emotions...

Steppas Records presents 'Osaka Steppas' Vol. 1, the first in a series of releases showcasing the Japanese underground dub movement. This edition features Osaka producers Sak Dub I and 2Shanti. Sak Dub I's raw and unrelenting steppas sound developed in the subterranean clubs of Osaka, a port city famous for its counterculture night life. Inspired not only by the sounds of Jamaica, but also drawing inspiration from UK and European soundsystem culture, Sak Dub I has enkindled a new sound; unembellished, incandescent, combustable dub. 2Shanti of Cotyledon Soundsystem contributes two equally tempestuous cuts of his dubstep inspired '20kg', contrary to its modest title this track delivers 20 tonnes of pressure with enough bassweight to test even the toughest of soundsystems. Presented in a beautifully designed full colour sleeve inspired by the works of the legendary ukiyo-e woodblock artist, Hokusai.

The Subversive Nature of Kindness is the sophomore effort from Thor & Friends, the avant-chamber ensemble formed by its namesake, polymath percussionist Thor Harris. The album was recorded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, produced by Jeremy Barnes from A Hawk & A Hacksaw and engineered by Barnes and Deerhoof's John Dietrich. It is hoped that the melodic meditations offered up will ease some of the terror of living in these uncertain times. The three primary members of the band are Peggy Ghorbani on marimba, Sarah Goat' Gautier on marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, organ, voice, mellotron and piano, and Harris on sundry percussion and wind instruments, including some of his own devising. The band has toured extensively over the past year and have performed live with many guest musicians. All these players have influenced the way the group hears its music and this had a significant impact on this new album. On this recording voice plays a more prominent role with the core trio being joined by several guest singers who provide wordless vocals: Stine Janvin Motland, an opera singer from Oslo, Norway, Michael Gira from Swans, Enrique Soriah, a throat singer from Oregon. It features more fully developed string arrangements by Barnes and Heather Trost. There are also contributions from similarly adventurous musicians including Jhno Delicateer on Armenian Duduk, violin improvisationist Aisha Burn, and Adam Torres, who provides finger-picked guitar. The band draws on classic Minimalist composers including Terry Riley and Steve Reich, but also amalgamateS such diverse influences as Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, Moondog and The Necks. They embody utopian optimism by rooting their art and operation in both improvisation and the involvement of neighbors and friends in their process, making use of what and who is around at any given moment.

Sixteen never-before-reissued tracks of the sexiest and coolest atmospheric female R&B. Compiled and designed by Jordi Duró. Killer!

A side brings Ameega oldscool participation, while the B-sdie is a Solo Amadeo 85 Uptempo Funk pure groove ! Montreuil power !

'Voyager' is the third full-length album from LA's Moonchild, whose candid style of soul and newschool jazz has propelled them onto a swirling, emotionally charged journey of the heart. Since 2014 they have dedicated their time and energy into honing dreamlike and ethereal compositions which explore the intricacies of relationships with emotional nuance.

Since cementing themselves into the vibrant LA soul scene, Moonchild have released two albums and collaborated or toured with highly-respected names in the soul-jazz crowd including Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, India.Arie, Leela James, The Internet (Odd Future's Syd tha Kyd & Matt Martians) and more. Along the way, Moonchild have accumulated a host of iconic supporters from Robert Glasper and Laura Mvula to James Poyser, Jazzy Jeff, Jose James, 9th Wonder and Tyler, The Creator who have all shown love for the band.
Praise for Moonchild...

Cult Japanese Reggae/ Cosmic Dub LP. Featuring an all star line up including: Sly & Robbie, Augustus Pablo, Minako Yoshida + core members of Soul Syndicate and The Wailers. Direct reissue of this 1980 original. Next stop in RH store's Japan series!

Sol Power Sound is proud to present their first release of 2016, a 3-song EP by recent Finnish expatriate, Tom of Brooklyn. After a massive release on Razor-n-Tape in 2015 (and slight change of moniker), the ever-mysterious Tom delivers a 3-song EP of breezy disco grooves inspired by his recent cruise of the islands.

On Theme Song from Deep Cock, Tom double-teamed with Deep Sang (of the Sol Power All-Stars). The tag-team duo came up with a tight and groovy title sequence for a film that will likely never see the light of day.

Look at Me is a moody slice of disco goodness that Tom put together for his now-legendary sunrise sets on the ship.

Make Me Wonder is a warm-weather jam that fills the B-side of the record. A seemingly endless funky groove, it was Tom's secret weapon at his all-day beach parties in port. He tells us he can't wait to play it at outdoor jams in his new home of Brooklyn, NY (and at Fire Island soirees this summer).

The biggest & Heaviest Dub Soundsystem in Leicester UK is Emperorfari Sound System and now they have reached out to local Dub Producer Vibronics to release their 1st vinyl single. This first release features the legendary Kofi, most well known for her work with dub don Mad Professor This single sees her back on form, delighting the crowds with this hit upbeat UK Dub steppa - all mixed and produced in his distinct style by Steve Vibronics.

Originally released in 2017, Zara McFarlane’s Arise represents a classic moment in Brownswood Recordings catalogue. Just before the global spotlight landed on London's new jazz generation, Zara McFarlane was already forging her own path - connecting jazz, soul, reggae and Afro-Caribbean traditions with a confidence and clarity that remains striking nearly a decade later. Arise captures an artist operating with singular vision, creating a body of work that sounds every bit as fresh and forward-thinking today as it did on release.
The album also stands as an early landmark in the career of Moses Boyd, who produced and co-composed the record while serving as Zara's longtime drummer and musical collaborator. Years before his Mercury Prize-nominated breakthrough, Boyd helped shape Arise into a deeply personal exploration of heritage. The credit list is remarkable: Moses Boyd, Binker Golding, Shabaka Hutchings, Nathaniel Cross, Peter Edwards and Shirley Tetteh all contribute to a record that now reads like a roll call of British jazz royalty. The iconic cover shot was taken by Adama Jalloh, around the corner from Brownswood’s North London HQ.

Upon release, Arise was met with widespread critical acclaim. The Guardian praised “A Class Act" and celebrated its exploration of African-Caribbean musical lineage, while Clash Magazine described it as “enchanting and intriguing”. All About Jazz called the album's fusion of jazz and Jamaican rhythms "spellbinding".
As Brownswood celebrates its 20th birthday, we're proud to return one of the label's defining releases to vinyl, with the original copies being highly sought after. Pressed on limited edition gold vinyl, this special anniversary reissue is both a celebration of Zara McFarlane's artistry and a reminder of a record that was both ahead of its time, and whose influence resonantes today.

Search the name 'Burnis Moleme' and the returns are sparse. You'll discover that his track 'Where Is The Answer' appeared on Soundway's excellent Nigerian disco compilation, Doin' It In Lagos. And there are a few entries about this PMG re-issue of Light My Fire. But other than that, he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. He's not even a minister of religion, the career path most Nigerian stars from the 80s chose to follow. Thankfully, we still have Light My Fire. Produced by former Funkee Jake Sollo and backed by a hot team of session musos including Friday Pozo, Nkono Teles and Joseph 'Jojo' Kuo, Burnis delivered a slab of slick Afro Disco Boogie for the ages. 'Boju Boju' and 'Where Is The Answer' would start a party on any dance floor, while the title track would keep you on it until dawn. Burnis had a sensitive side too, showcased on tracks like 'Scott Angel' and 'No Place To Hide'. I suspect Burnis Moleme was simply a casualty of the Nigerian label wars between EMI, Phondisk and Tabansi in the early 80's. Tabansi hoped that Burnis might be the next Kris Okotie, but Felix Liberty took that mantle instead. But that does take away from what 'Light My Fire' is - a beautifully produced slice of Nigerian disco boogie by a guy who could write catchy songs, sing like a sex god and look good in a shiny purple suit. - Peter Moore

On his long-awaited second full-length solo album Die Cut, the trailblazing DJ and producer underwent a creative birth reflected in its 17 tracks. The artist augments his signature approach famously earmarked by impeccable sample selection, searing scratching, and big-screen worthy arrangements with the inclusion of A-list musicians, songwriter structure,' and a whole lot of team spirit including Los Angeles producer, curator and purveyor of culture, Carlos Nino. Cut Chemist called his longtime friend to act as associate producer and production coordinator. He holed up in Comp-ny Studios four blocks from home and invited a revolving door of high-profile musicians to contribute such as drum superstar Deantoni Parks (The Mars Volta), rap legend Biz Markie, actress Erika Christensen, tune-yards, Farmer Dave Scher, Dexter Story, and more. They comprised his studio band'. Between his high-profile reunion with his rap group Jurassic 5 at Coachella 2013, he dedicated nearly two years to arranging crazy amounts of cutting room material' before starting the mixing process during 2014 with Benjamin Tierney (Kamasi Washington, The Gaslamp Killer Experience) and Andy Kravitz (Billy Joel, The Fugees, Cypress Hill, Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince). Operating out of The Exchange in London, Mike Marsh completed mastering in 2017 as the final product brought a comprehensive and airtight vision to life. Die Cut features a variety of artists including Biz Markie, Chali 2Na, Hymnal, Dean, Mr. Lif, Deantoni Parks, Laura Darlington and more.

Calling all students of late 70s Nigerian Boogie. Class is in and you're about to get schooled by music professor Josephine Mokwunyei, aka Joe Moks. Spotted by legendary producer, Odion Iruoje, and nurtured by his protege, Alex Tony Okoroji, Joe Moks pioneered a wonky, hi-tech style of funk that would become the sound of 80s Nigeria. Her album Boys And Girls is brash, bouncy and fun, decorated by scatty synth lines and propelled by the 'magic hand claps' of Nigerian rhythm legends Steve Black, Goddy Igidigi and Ifi Okwechime. The title track and 'You Look Without Seeing' are spaced-out party starters. 'Closer Than Skin' boasts a super slinky bass line and 'Love Is Gonna Pay' is a slice of Bony M Euro pop. And, just beneath the froth, strong intelligent lyrics demanding respect and equality. 'Being In Love Is Being Involved' was the blueprint of new kind of relationship Nigerian women were looking for. Joe Moks only made one album. She made a few appearances on Victor Uwaifo's TV show before becoming a professor of Music and Theatre Arts at the University of Benin. But forty years on, Boys And Girls remains a lesson in fun and intelligent Nigerian boogie. - Peter Moore

2017 REPRESS! This was more a project than an actual band formed by German jazz drum legend Klaus Weiss. He formerly worked with another jazz legend from his mother country, Klaus Doldinger and gained fame in the German jazz circuit of the 60s and 70s. His 1971 works with NIAGARA was the offspring of the vision to create an orchestra made entirely of drummers and percussionists. Despite the fact that there is definitely no regular melody instrument to be heard on this album, the two lengthy compositions are arranged in such an enthralling way, that they have a rather catchy and memorable feel. Among the cult drummers featured on this album are Udo Lindenberg (yes, this icon of German rock and pop started as a drummer!) and session hero Keith Forsey. So what both compositions offer is an ever pulsating rhythm inferno, a maelstrom of different grooves and sounds. If you go for this album to find some pop tunes, you better change your mind. If you wish to be enchanted and hypnotized by a massive wall of percussion sounds and be dragged deeper and deeper into a state of trance, which is utterly addictive, you are welcome. This album goes deeper as most psychedelic rock with dreamy melodies and heavy organ work. You cannot compare it to anything else, so open your mind for the ultimate rhythm experience and join in if you dare. Only if you dare.