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Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’ a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy’s rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the ‘60s to the early ‘90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand-new exclusive composition by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’ shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum.

A connection sparked from an early age; percussion has always deeply resonated with Gabriele. It led to years of studying percussion traditions across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, crafting his own songwriting skills in the process. An acclaimed producer and compiler, his releases on Yoruba Records, BBE and Soundway Records have garnered global support. Yet a growing need to rediscover the essence of his country’s cultural heritage laid the foundations for this new compilation.

In Gabriele’s own words, “Italy has always been a crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe converging over centuries. Ports like Naples, Genoa, and Venice played a crucial role as gateways for musical exchange, a melting pot of sounds and cultures brought by sailors, merchants and travellers. These influences blended with Italy’s own folk and religious traditions, creating Italy’s unique and emotionally resonant rhythms.”

Across the 12 absorbing tracks, there’s jazz influences, Italian library music aesthetics and experimental beats mixing with Afro-Cuban and Mediterranean rhythms. It’s a broad selection anchored by the drums. The synth-heavy, ‘80s jazz funk flavours of Gegè Munari's ‘Police Man’, sit side-by-side with the samba-infused ‘Napulitano D' 'O Brasil’ by Don Marino Barreto Jr. Tribal, earthly energy radiates from Naco’s ‘Volando Con Milton’, with Tullio De Piscopo serving up cosmic disco brilliance, and blistering jazz funk mastery coming courtesy of Agostino Marangolo. Taking the name of the compilation, a new original track by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’, blends traditional rhythms with contemporary energy, Afro-Latin influences with Italian jazz essence. Recorded live in one take, it captures a raw, unfiltered vibe.

“Each track tells a story, connecting the past with the present, and highlighting the deep-rooted traditions that shape Italy’s rhythms. The collection also offers a glimpse into the diversity of Italian music with a variety of styles from the organic, earthy beats to the more experimental and modern takes on traditional rhythms. It’s a reflection of how these rhythms have not only shaped Italian culture but also influenced global music.”

A pioneering force in African music, Jo Tongo has always been on top of the game. Since the late 60s he has been recording music under his early Jojo L'Explosif moniker. His debut album "Jo Tongo" was released 1976 on Fiesta/Decca and features classic tracks like Jangolo and Piani. Now, after decades of underground influence and global recognition, his second album Sa Discossa (1980) is re-released for the first time. Being an electrifying fusion of African rhythms, disco, makossa, reggae and funk it is reflecting his lifelong journey of musical exploration and cultural storytelling and claims its place as an essential recording in the Afro-disco movement.
Jo Tongo's music is inseparable from his life's story-a journey that spans continents, struggles, and victories. From his early years as a leading African musician before the global rise of Afrobeat, to his deep roots in classical training, and his time performing in France and Germany, his sound is shaped by a rich blend of influences. Having played in bands across Europe, from American military bases in Germany to the jazz and soul circuits of Paris, he absorbed the pulse of multiple musical worlds, creating a sound uniquely his own.
"My music is my life. I never saw it as a way to become a star-I am a simple man," Tongo explains. "I came into music to say something, to tell about life, to share my experiences with the world." His perspective on fame and artistry is deeply rooted in his Cameroonian background. "I wasn't interested in business. I wanted to build something with music, to create a sound that was mine."
But Jo Tongo's music has always carried a deeper message. His work reflects his strong political stance against colonialism, social injustice, and oppression. "I cannot stay silent while my people suffer," he says. "Music is a way to resist, to stand strong, and to remind people of their dignity and their power." Throughout his career, Tongo has used his platform to advocate for African identity and independence. His songs, layered with messages of social consciousness, have continued to resonate with younger generations who recognize the relevance of his words even today.
Sa Discossa is more than just a disco record. It embodies Jo Tongo's philosophy of resistance, identity, and celebration. The title itself is a blend of "disco" and "makossa," reflecting the seamless fusion of African groove and the dancefloor energy that defined the era. Tracks like Bunya, sung in his native language, carry messages of love, gratitude, and resilience-sentiments that remain as relevant today as they were nearly 50 years ago. As Tongo describes it, "Every day, give thanks and praise to your Lord. Every day, show me your love. Every day, let me show you my tender love."
Tongo's musical journey also took him through the world of reggae, inspired by his exposure to American and Caribbean artists. "At first, I didn't like reggae-it was too slow for me," he admits. "But then I heard Bob Marley, and I realized the power in its simplicity. The rhythm, the
message-it was all connected to something bigger." He later found himself embracing reggae as an essential part of his musical DNA. "I realized that my music and reggae shared the same roots. We are all connected, all telling the same story in different ways."
Having spent much of his career performing across Europe, Jo Tongo reflects on his connection with international audiences. "I've played everywhere-from Africa to Germany, from Paris to other cities in France and what I've learned is that music speaks a universal language. You don't need to know the words to feel the message."
Despite taking a step back from the stage in recent years, he remains open to new possibilities. "Music is like a fire-it never truly dies. I have a lot to say, and music is the best way to say it."
For Jo Tongo, music is more than entertainment-it's a language of truth, a testament to history, and a bridge between cultures. The rhythm of Sa Discossa lives on, stronger than ever. With Sa Discossa returning under the African Edge series on The Outer Edge label, Jo Tongo's legacy continues to resonate, proving that real music never fades.

Now four releases in, Razor-N-Tape Reserve continues to deliver the deepness with this EP from the Netherlands' Junktion.
Although a relative upstart on the scene, Junktion has been getting some serious heads nodding lately with releases on Sleazy Beats and Outplay, and the Hot & Bothered EP continues to define his dusty and organic sound. From the summery ease of the title track, to the fresh take on the oft-sampled 'I'm Wishin' to the discofied chugger 'Fling Cleaning' followed by the slow-burning 'Visions of You,' this EP is a beautiful listen from beginning to end. And the kids are gonna dig it too.

DJ support from - Hector Romero, Marco Lys, Mousse T, Sam Divine, Vintage Culture, Ferreck Dawn, Mat.Joe, Claptone, Joseph Capriati, Claude VonStoke, Dennis Cruz, Huxley, Mark Knight, Format:B, Nic Fanciulli.

Riva Starr presents his fifth album 'Keep Me On The Dancefloor' on Snatch! Records.
An opportunity to demonstrate his growth as a producer and as an artist, the album showcases an unexpected Riva Starr sound – one that explores a fresh creative approach, focussing on songwriting, collaboration, and telling stories that are firmly rooted on the dancefloor.

Featuring collaborations with Chromeo, Flight Facilities, Harry Stone and more.
'The album was entirely crafted through writing sessions with talented musicians, writers, and singers. This approach brings something unique, as being in the room with other creatives adds an extra layer of creativity and depth, enhancing the production quality. Most of the tracks came together quickly, thanks to the incredible vibe and chemistry in the studio. Sometimes, the process needed a bit of back and forth and more than one session to perfect.' – Riva Starr

Fusing sounds that represent different eras of Riva’s career, 'Keep Me On The Dancefloor' wistfully and effortlessly glides between disco, funk, soul, filtered house, and even the guitar licks of classic rock; a sum of his career to date, it is a body of work that focusses on amplifying the positive moments, memories, and experiences that can only be found in music. Exploring what it means to connect with someone in the moment; a celebration of losing your inhibitions to the music and finding yourself completely in sync with someone you’ve only just met.

Charged with storytelling and heartfelt lyrics, his most personal work to date is the result of a considered approach to making music, one of collaboration with one foot still on the dancefloor, and the other firmly in the studio guiding an array of talent to build something unique with him. Moving away from the DJ-friendly cuts that have underpinned much of Starr’s career, the fifteen tracks on 'Keep Me On The Dancefloor' are much deeper. With singer Harry Stone providing catchy toplines and infectious vocals across at least half of the album, there is a clear maturity on display at every level.

Additional features come from electro-funk duo Chromeo on the irresistibly groovy 'I Was Lost', and Prince-esque vocals from Nic Hanson on '(I’ll Be Your) Paradise'. 'Know You Love Me' – the laid-back, sun-kissed cut with Flight Facilities – compliments the melancholy vocals of Biishop on “Wildfire” and the disco-infused 'It Feels Much Better' with Harry Stone.

Music is a tonic for the soul, but it feels much better with someone else.

Der Italo-Disco Klassiker Dolce Vita meldet sich zurück — auf einer exklusiven, farbigen 12“ Maxi Single! Auf der A-Seite findest du die zeitlosen Original-Versionen, die den Kult-Song unsterblich gemacht haben.

Die B-Seite bringt frischen Wind: Hier erwarten dich brandneue, elektronische Remixes von Szenegrößen wie Klaas, DJ Blackstone, Block & Crown sowie BK Duke & Bootmasters. Die modernen Club-Edits verpassen Dolce Vita ein tanzbares Sound-Update, ohne den nostalgischen ItaloDisco-Charme zu verlieren.

Ein Muss für alle Vinyl-Sammler, DJs und Liebhaber von klassischen Melodien im neuen Club-Gewand!

Killer and classic tune from the Stingray archive! Worked with Dilly on licensing this, and Freddie McGregor 'Hand In De Fire'. Heavyweight Yard Roots style out of the UK. Originally released as 12" in the 90s, this is the same mixes as this now hard to find piece of UK Roots history! Classic Robert Nesta Marley, as sung by the legendary Vivian Jones.

This Convertion single is a mandatory staple in anyone’s disco, boogie record collection. A true timeless classic from the SAM Record label out of New York City.

“Let’s Do It” was a paradise garage anthem regularly played by Larry Levan and every other disc jockey upon released in 1980. Featuring the legend that is Leroy Burgess on lead vocals with production by Greg Carmichael. On the flip is a gorgeous track by “All I Want Is You” (Four Flights).

Originally released as a 12” the 7-inch version was only ever released on styrene vinyl until now. Remastered by Phil Kinrade and presented in a 7” Discobag sleeve and now officially released in full coordination with SAM Records.

Compiled by Philip King
“And then came the rise of synth pop : blokes with dodgy haircuts hunched over keyboard-operated
machines stuffed with wires and do-it-yourself tone oscillators making sounds like a brood of geese
passing gas in a wind tunnel. Whoopee! This is the way the ‘70s ended : not with a blood-curdling bang
bang but with a cheap, synthesized, emasculating whimper.”
NICK KENT, NME.

All The Young Droids: Junkshop Synth Pop 1978-1985 is a new compilation that charts the
underbelly of the epoch-defining sound of the synthesiser in 80s popular music. Compiled by Philip
King (previously seen compiling All The Young Droogs, Glitterbest and Boobs - The Junkshop
Glam Discotheque), the music here connects the dots between DIY synth enthusiasts grappling with
new, cheap synthesisers at the tail-end of punk and wannabe, jobbing songwriters enthral to the new
music pioneered by Gary Numan, Depeche Mode and Daniel Miller’s Mute Records. Featuring rare
tracks of auto-didactic progressive pop music, proto-techno punk, shoot-for-the-stars-land-in-the-gutter
chart flops and heralded, underground synth classics, School Daze paints a picture of beautiful failure.
Complete with extensive sleeve notes written by King and never before seen imagery, all 24 tracks
were remastered by RPM in-house engineer Simon Murphy, many from vinyl copies due to lost master
tapes. The story told on All The Young Droids is one of the dawning opportunity presented by both the
emergence to the market of cheaper analog synthesisers and the distribution networks plus indie labels
that exploded with the advent of punk music in 1976. While the music that sprouted out all over the
globe in the wake of these factors was decried as fake, plastic, a refutation of punk’s guitar-led
revolution, it’s telling that much of the music on All The Young Droids.. was created in bedrooms,
ramshackle studios and home-made set ups with often borrowed equipment. In the era of record labels
jumping to capitalise on the success of The Sex Pistols, The Clash (both on major labels, of course)
these artists struggled to stand out from a new gold-rush with next to no budget or PR team. With radio
and labels desperate for the new Yazoo, what resulted was a testament to necessity being the mother
of invention.

At the time, the synthesiser was the music of the future, a shiny new machine that could paint like an
orchestra with a single finger and a 4-track. In the hands of Manchester avant-pranksters Gerry & The
Holograms it’s a pulsing, sardonic weapon.. the only instrument on the Messthetics classic lampooning
of New Wave fashion. In Hamburg, a 16 year old Andreas Dorau used it to write and record (with his
female classmates on vocals) a global smash in Fred Vom Jupiter (later licensed to Mute Records).
The hard-to-find English version (Fred From Jupiter, natch) is included here. Many artists with alreadystoried careers caught the bug and recorded synthesiser-fuelled peons to space, computers, the future
and, of course, love-interests. Harry Kakoulli, late of Squeeze, recorded a solo album in 1979 that
included the incredible power-synth-pop smash-that-never-smashed I’m On A Rocket. Similarly, Ian
North of Neo and American Power Pop stalwarts Milk ’n’ Cookies bought a Korg MS20 and used a
tape machine to record We’re Not Lonely, an absolute lost-classic of minimal synth pop. We’re Not
Lonely also features on the Junkshop Synth Pop sampler 7” twinned with John Howard unreleased
track You Will See, released April 12th 2025.

There are plenty of compilation debuts in evidence. Sole Sister were a mysterious trio who were
featured on the Scaling Triangles compilation of female-fronted, queer-adjacent post-punk /
underground music that also featured The Petticoats. Selwin Image were from San Francisco and
featured members of the recently defunct power pop/punk group The Pushups. Their stupidly catchy
The Unknown fizzes with New Wave energy - think XTC to Sparks but remains unreleased until now.
Dream Unit’s A Drop In The Ocean is an early synth wave cut, positively teaming with Joy Division
instrumentation, previously only released on a long-forgotten and super rare, self-released EP.
Incandescent Luminaire’s Famous Names belies an archetypal struggle of a small-town trying to
make it in a cruel industry but is a thrilling New Romantic-Synth Wave cross over with a OMD
gloominess that’s a joy to hear. Feminist Minimal Wave track I Am A Time Bomb by performance artist
Peta Lilly and Michael Chance is a revelation destined for new found cult status. It was released on 7”
and lost until now.

The flipside to the subterranean, never-made-it synth pop mentioned above are the ambitious, even
fruity attempts at success that have a perennial elegance to their confidence. New Jersey-ite Billy
London (real name Ed Barth) tried to cash in on the synth boom with Woman, released by a major
label, a lurching new wave track built on the Louie Louie rhythm and a wonderfully camp Lou Reedstyle sleazy vocal before exploding in the synthesised chorus. The song bombed but with a chorus like
this, you have to wonder why? Ex-Glitter Band member John Springate’s My Life is truly epic, with
doomed chord progressions and massive sounding drums turning into at least 3 different songs in the
course of the track. Before you wonder what’s going on the song resolves with a glorious return to the
main refrain.

The dry-ice-dressed dance floor is well catered for too. Design’s Premonition and Vision’s Lucifer’s
Friend are stone-cold minimal synth bangers, well loved but given a new lease of life here. The
Warlord’s The Ultimate Warlord was released in 1978, a homespun proto Hi NRG banger that was
later re-recorded by The Immortals in Canada who had a club hit with it. One-man- band Disco
Volante’s No Motion was re-issued by Synth wave label Medical in 2012 but makes its first vinyl
compilation appearance here. Close your eyes and you can imagine what Lawrence of Felt would have
sounded like with some cheap Korgs a little earlier in his career. Gibraltar-based trio The Microbes
imagined a computer programming people to dance - how prescient - and ended up with a propulsive,
robo-funk track with splendid rubbery bass playing over a tectonic drum machine. Previously picked up
by Belgian label Stroom TV, Dee Jay Bert & Eagle’s heavily Euro-accented I Am Your Master
demands the listener to “come to paradise!” In a frankly terrifying manner.
All The Young Droids is the first compilation to peel away from the narrative that dour, Minimal Synth
and Cold Wave were the only musical children of the first rush of synth pop. Philip King and School
Daze Records describe a much more complicated world: along with the austere, Brutalist children of
Daniel Miller (who produced Alan Burnham’s Bowie-Low-influenced Science Fiction here) was a
plethora of desperate cash-ins, accidental mainstream hits, ambitious pop dramas and major label
punts that went nowhere. Crucially, the compilation blurs the line between junk and treasure. What if the
two things are interchangeable. What if it’s all science fiction?

High-value dance record business once again from Studio Barnhus, as Austin, TX-based label debutant Fennec jams onto one slab of vinyl four cuts of the sort of dancefloor-driving yet warmly welcoming house music the Stockholm label is not NOT known for.
Amassing a cult following from his bedroom studio over the past decade, Fennec channels the sampler titans of yore to craft club bangers for tomorrow, from the instantly captivating dancefloor call-to-arms "Jaunt" to the
frisky yet contemplative "Grilled Romaine."

From a 4x5m room stacked with vinyl, ashtrays, magazine drafts, and semifunctional synths, Stompin n Risin rises again—reincarnated but not revised.
Originally a spontaneous ritual from the days of blunted dreaming and one-eyeopen ambition, this track first snuck into the world under a different name (Jacobite Fool, courtesy of those tasteful Belgians at International Feel) and went on to become a cult curio. Now, it’s back—rebuilt with the very same machines that once hummed beside the mattress, but still left to run wild like they used to.
The rest of the EP stays close to that spirit: music as lived experience, jammed with friends, lovers, and ex-boyfriends (literally). Lucy’s Electricity is a shimmering daydream, born from a jam with Daniele Labbate, recharged by a whirlwind wedding, and soundtracked by a bittersweet guitar line courtesy of the groom’s bride’s ex. A track for walking into churches—or out of time entirely. A personal favorite of the artist, and maybe the only funeral anthem with this much static joy.
One takes things inward—made with the Moog One for open-air yoga sessions during the era of no-dancing-but-still-dreaming. It’s a sun-dappled, slow-motion dancefloor where breath and bass align. Love 2 Love closes the circle: an unearthed jam with long-time collaborator and platonic supermodel Hanne Uekermann, revived from hard drive purgatory and infused with new life. A love song to the music, the moments, and the friendship behind it.
This record isn’t just a collection of tracks. It’s a lived-in photo album, a soft pulse through oceanic memory, a reminder that all sound comes from life, and maybe all life comes from sound.

4 tried and tested big radio tracks in the "Rave House" genre - Hardcore, Rave & House collide with well known samples , big pianos and heavy basslines and sensible Bpms

4 tried and tested big radio tracks in the "Rave House" genre - Hardcore, Rave & House collide with well known samples , big pianos and heavy basslines and sensible Bpms

Drum Major
this conceptual production from new klan member Nico Babylon creates a hypnotic electronic blueprint focused on vintage synths and syncopated movement of rhythmic dimensions and craftsmanship.
plainly said..this is the next level of jakbeat moving forward!

This Nasty Possession
The Jak collaborates with Nico on this uber old school formula from the days of chicago underground in the mid 80s along the timeline of gherkin/gene hunt era. everything u hear on this tune was created by hand…
No samples were taken!

With Schokolino Choco Loco, Icelandic duo Stilluppsteypa brings a warped dispatch from the outside fringes of experimental sound--part valium-drenched dreamscape, part dadaistic radio hallucination. Like a nocturnal transmission from a parallel universe, the record drifts and mutates through layers of joyous abstraction, laced with a deadpan sense of humour, while at the same time it is strangely sensitive. This LP is less a collection of tracks than a slow-motion joyride through Stilluppsteypa's singular sonic universe--so hypnotic and absurd, it ends up warming your heart.

David Versace is an Australian multi-genre keyboardist, composer and producer based in Meanjin, Queensland. Growing up in a very musical household it was always important to express and embrace all types of music and sonics. His sound ranges from Jazz and Samba to ambient works and the odd dance-floor heater. David also plays in Meanjin nu-jazz dance outfit First Beige.

The new Ripen series was inspired by the live, percussive & soulful dance releases from Salsoul records and a curiosity of what Roy Ayers would sound like with a 303 in the band.
All the sounds including string quartet, horns, choir, percussion, flute spoken word, drums and synths were recorded in Sampology’s studio on the south side of Brisbane, Australia.

The 12” EP includes four songs + extra DJ tool creating a lush and live environment, bringing his previous nature themes further onto the dancefloor.

‘Spirits Ripened’ featuring NMMWL is a spoken word and string arrangement, a pause between kick drums and congas on the remainder of the release.

The second 12” volume of Ripen series set to release in the second half of 2025.

Small Great Things boss Luca Olivotto is back on his own imprint with the four track ‘It’s Too Dark’ EP.

In recent years, Italy via Berlin artist Luca Olivotto has been etching his mark on the underground House scene through his labels Small Great Things, Endless Music and recently minted At A Glance, as well as his Small Great House events series. Here the story continues with a fresh collection of works from the prominent House producer and DJ.

Opening is title-track ‘It’s Too Dark’, a six minute excursion through bright piano keys, swinging drums, soulful vocal stylings and a bumpy bass hook. ‘It’s Over’ follows and dives into deeper House territory with warm strings, organ stabs, and choppy subs intertwined with crisp drums, soft Rhodes and cut up vocals.

Opening the flip-side is ‘I Found You’, upping the energy levels again with a high energy melodic drive, hypnotic vocal lines and heavily shuffled drums. ‘See Thru’ then concludes the release and leans into a more Disco-tinged House realm with intertwined funk samples, sweeping filter work and intricately processed vocal chants running atop a sturdy rhythmic foundation.

Kick N' Dance is dedicated to the House music from Chicago & New York.For the second release, we have honored to have Berlin- based Nat Wendell onboard. Since 1998, his mission has been the same : to captivate the audienceswith his unmistakable sense of swing. A move to Berlin in 2010s saw releases onessentials labels. For this KND002, we have two sides of Nat : « Raw Love » with aWarm Tech House style, completely dedicated to the dancefloor . We dive deeperwith the track « What I Need » where a sensual voice meets subtle keyboardnotes. Nat brings his New York influence.

Following a string of huge sold out shows together, Sonny Fodera and Dom Dolla now team up for new single ‘Moving Blind’ via Sweat It Out / Solotoko.

Moving Blind weaves husky vocal hooks with elastic synth leads and bumping basslines, making for a hypnotic house groover destined to be heard in its natural club setting and intimate home dancefloors alike.

DJ Support :

Pete Tong, Mistajam, John Summit, Just Kiddin, Riva Starr, Sam Divine, Claptone, Biscits, Ferreck Dawn, Dombresky, Simon Dunmore, TCTS, Robosonic, Marco Carola, Andi Durrant, Joachim Garraud, Slipmatt, Paco Osuna, Fatboy Slim, MK, Riva Starr, Rudimental, and Richie Hawtin

Getting You Back to the Game of Life Records’ opening release, ‘Comme des mots’ LP is a journey through diverse sonic textures and energies from label-founder Lil Ronin.

Getting you back to the game of life is the headline of a physical and mental health therapy center. Casually popped in your conscience from an advertising board and let you in a strange place. But what is the game of life?
This label could be that space to get you back, to forget and perhaps find a form of youthful innocence again.

As a first solo project Lil Ronin freely experimented between different influences and genres that present his intimate universes, juggling with abstract, ballad and more dancefloor music, mostly recorded in Parisian suburb Alfortville between 2022 and 2024.

‘Comme des mots’ means ‘like words’ and evokes the ambiguous presence of his voice in the album, hidden in different characters, sometimes raving other times being conscious. Finally becoming a schizophrenic presence guiding you for the trip.

The cover follows the same ambivalence showing a typography with a distinct message that loses its readability in abstraction. The record also includes an insert with a childhood photo of Lil Ronin.

The LP was mastered in Paris by artist and engineer Krikor KOUCHIAN,
(past works for Simo Cell, Maoupa Mazzocchetti, Tolouse Low Trax…);
The design was created by sculptor artist and designer Marie-Mam-Sai BELLIER,
(past works for Erwan Sene’s JUnQ LP - PAN record, Zulu’s Hear The Sound Of My Feet - Association fatale etc.); The handmade drawings are by Vincent BENTOLILA (associated with the ‘Isengard’ label and parties in Brussels) ; The cover was handmade through silk-screen printing by the Lyon-based printer Olivier BRAL (whose past projects include Brigade Cynophile, Ateliers Dénudés, and Megabasse).