Label: Nacional Records
Country: Venezuela
Release Date: 2009.06.09

You gotta give it to them; Los Amigos Invisibles have earned themselves a spot as a major transcendental band that goes beyond playing ‘Latin rhythms’, they’re Venezuela’s most predominant asset and their sixth studio album is more than a continuum to a healthy career with plenty to say and breath. For the first time they dispatch the word ‘Venezuela’ from the album title, luckily the vision has not blurred a bit, but they are making precise alterations that step them out of comfort zone. I’ve always found their music very muscular, perhaps because I feel my muscles intensified while dancing to it, but also because their gozadera functions around sensuality, and although their first albums had an exceptional pedestrian sound to them, Superpop Venezuela was a turning point as it curved their exercise into an actual ‘erotic dream.’

Commercial reinforces moments of arousal and anticipation, and in a way this is their most romantic hour yet, but their scrumptious cynicism is bound to stay for everyone’s pleasure. On a recent podcast on Panamerika the guys from Jovenes y Sexys totally nailed it with their description of the band: “the most emblematic band from Venezuela and the one that best represents the idiosyncrasy of the lazy, vulgar and macho Venezuelan persona.” I think these positive adjectives would be hard to understand by other cultures, it really takes a Latin mindset (from a Latino or someone fully aware of our culture) to process the acid humor and commentary Los Amigos bring into their music and most importantly, as a behavioral impulse. I mean, just go to the album’s booklet, find the ‘thank you list’ and after listing their love partners they give the last shout out to “Manuela”, who keeps them company during extensive touring, if you get it (or not) than you probably get my point.

“Fuerza” is a fantastic introduction, they give themselves some pretty legit words to tell the world what their made up; “strength, power, durability …, versatility, potency, comfort, elegance, vanguard” among others, anything to get you ready for the incredible leading single. “Mentiras” is the denial anthem for those filthy naughty cheating guys; the first words of the song “esas son puras mentiras” place the listener right on the spot. Its narrative is so instant and urgent as if it was made for a sitcom, I mean this song would be great as a leading song for a telenovela, there’s not too many made for guys and those around would hardly strengthen the image of a Don Juan. The disc immediately follows with the single’s counterpoint, “Vivire Para Ti” is one of the sweetest songs to have flourished from them. It promises fidelity and to make love a reason to live, the response comes from Natalia Lafourcade’s gifted vocals that embrace the gentleman’s proposition as they get inspired and make love.

The band continues to expose its tropical rhythms to an audience that wouldn’t listen to salsa or merengue, but these guys keep contemporary tropical rolling into new horizons. Some of the standout tropical pieces include the smothering “Loco Por Tu Amor”, the half merengue half metallic “Merengue Killa”, and a trip to Brazil in “Es La Verdad.” But the juiciest song here has to be “Oyeme Nena”, it steps away from any spice of funk or house to reveal itself as a beautiful salsa; actually, the best salsa moment I’ve had since Marc Anthony’s tremendously impressive soundtrack for El Cantante. “Plastic Women” is bound to have some attention; a woman’s road to perfection in the hands of plastic surgery. And, don’t skip the interludes, they’re probably are the year’s best, in particular “Desnudos” and “Romantico Palman Izum” which you’ll be playing over and over as the album itself. By the end of the album you’ll be nodding your head in agreement with the album’s confident and proper intro. (by carlos reyes)

Label: Tru Thoughts
Country: Norway
Release Date: 2009.05.04

Kinny’s debut solo outing is an original, colourful and up-to-the-minute brand of modern soul, featuring the production talents of an impressive roster of guests – including Quantic, Nostalgia 77 and Hint. Working with seven different producers on ‘Idle Forest Of Chit Chat’ has enabled Kinny to push the boundaries of her own exceptional talent and expose herself to various styles and ways of working – from the tropical, live funk of The Quantic Soul Orchestra and Nostalgia 77’s deep modern jazz; through the catchy, soulful electronica of TM Juke and Souldrop; to Unforscene’s evocative soundscapes and a dose of lush, jazzy soul with a pop sensibility from Hint and Diesler. The result is an exciting melee of influences, all bound together by the unswerving class and charisma of Kinny’s persona.
A Canadian national with a mix of Jamaican, Native Canadian Indian, French and Swedish heritage, Kinny – aka Caitlin Simpson – has always been immersed in an eclectic pool of cultural and musical influences. With a voice that sashays effortlessly between vertiginous, soaring melodies, steely staccato verses and caramel-dipped dulcet tones, it will come as no surprise that Kinny was a classically trained opera singer before the spontaneity and freedom of jazz, reggae and soul music lured her into pursuing her true passion. Describing herself as a ‘freestyle improv vocalist’, Kinny fuses a classical mezzo-soprano sound with the jazzy attitude-soul of the likes of Erykah Badu. Her hunger to cut the ties of convention and embrace new ideas led her to move to Bergen, Norway in 2001, after visiting on tour with her first band, Third Eye Tribe (who became well known in Canada and beyond for their electrifying live shows in which Kinny laid improvised vocals over electronic and dub beats). Bergen is a thriving musical melting pot of a city whose scene she describes as ‘a huge wave of music, covering everything from death metal to dub’. Likening the environment to her native Vancouver, Kinny finds inspiration and intrigue in the extreme seasons, the peace and closeness to nature that abounds in sparsely populated countries, and the vibrant and diverse music scene – which also counts the likes of Röyksopp and Kings Of Convenience – and many of Norway’s famously ardent purveyors of death metal – among its number. Kinny’s dinstinctive sound will be familiar to many as the voice of Kinny and Horne, whose previous album, ‘Forgetting To Remember’ brought her talent to the attention of the world’s most respected musical minds and tastemakers – including Daddy G, who invited her to audition as a vocalist for Massive Attack; and Andy Smith, with whom she is working on a set of tracks for a potential collaboration in the near future. (press release)

Label: Tru Thoughts
Country: Norway
Release Date: 2005.05.10

Espen Horne the producer behind the Kinny & Horne project is a man of many talents. He has studied fashion design resulting in him selling dresses to Bjork (one of which she has wore in a video) and him getting a job at Dolce & Gabbana, before deciding that the fashion industry was not where his heart was. He happened to play as a professional goalkeeper for Wigan Football Club whilst studying in England, and now has settled with a day job involved with Graphic Design. Thankfully for Tru Thoughts his passion for music is something that he continues to pursue. Having previously recorded as Bobby Hughes (whose music has been licensed to well over 100 compilation albums as well as the soundtrack to Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), he decided to embark on a fresh new full sung vocal album project after meeting Caitlin Simpson aka Kinny in his homeland Norway. When Tru Thoughts A&R Robert Luis heard a 4 track demo he was straight onto the phone to Espen, and when they met up it was agreed that the K&H sound really needed to be given an album deal. Kinny is half Jamaican and half Native Indian and was born in Canada. She is a classically trained Opera singer, but her love for reggae and jazz always came first and touring with a reggae band resulted in her visiting Norway and deciding to live there. ‘Forgetting To Remember’ is an album of great songs combined with great production and musicianship with influences from soul, jazz, funk, reggae and hip hop fused in a unique way. The sound has been influenced by Espen’s many years of DJ experience and Kinny’s passionate voice and personal lyrics. We don’t want to pick out individual songs, so please take some time to listen to the album and enjoy it…it will be worth it.

Label: Peacelounge Recordings
Country: Germany
Release Date: 2007.09.21

While working as a professional keyboarder and trumpeter in various bands, Matthias Becker was able to gather inspirations and ideas for songs, to try his hand at various ideas, to discard, re-compose and thus allow his solo project FLAMINGO STAR to mature. It paid off. Thanks to his versatility and his affinity to the most diverse genres from House and Funk, via Dub and Lounge to (Nu) Jazz and Blues. Many years of musical experience between clubs, cocktail lounges and live shows have effortlessly flown into the “one-man-project with a built-in band” that is Flamingo Star. Becker is supported by many skilled musicians such as bass player Bernd “Margot” Gontarski (Spice, Mousse T.), guitarist Chico Wedig (Electric Universe, Vison) and jazz drummer Lars `Soulsurfer´ Heindorf. Vocal support was provided by De:Phazz singer Pat Appleton, Ex- Be singer Gregor Blumenthal and two Sugerhat colleagues, Marko Hauburg and Britta Erchinger. Even mastermind Matthias himself can be heard on one track, namely on the pre-release single “Since I met you”… With the help of an elegant Bossa-guitar and sharp horn sections, the opener “Smoothpipe” provides a swinging introduction to the album. With “Since I met you”, Flamingo Star create an easy-going Disco House-Boogie, a chunky piece of ear candy that will make your arms and legs jiggle with delight. One of the most remarkable characteristics of Flamingo Star’s music is its openness for influences from all parts of the world. Thus it happpens that bandoneon-sounds from Argentina meet Drum & Basslines à la Roni Size/Reprazent in “Tango Malaguena” and cater for a bustling grooving mixture. “Django’s Dub” returns to Tango, but this time it is slowed down to Dub-speed. Care for some Caribbean Flavours? The salsa inspired “No puedo ver” proves that Matthias Becker is a trumpeter to be reckoned with. In “Baboo G”, Indian retro-Flair meets a tight bass and a funky Clavinet. The same energy is transmitted by the album’s title track “I wouldn´t wait no longer”, a driving uptempo number with more a touch of Brown craziness. Don’t be pooped by the title “Unhappy”, because this Blues-tinged groove is anything but sad. If you consider yourself open-minded, here’s a test: listen to the dis-oriental smokey Slow-Funk of “40 Thieves” at full throttle, certainly one of the more bizarre, yet tasteful tracks of the album. But FLAMINGO STAR also understand the more subtle forms of the genre. With tracks like “Timeless”, “Piano” and “Sputnik”, Becker creates some extremely stylish chilled-out tunes, islands of calmness in this multicoloured Beat Boutique.

Label: Gozadera
Country: Venezuela
Release Date: 2006.09.05

Formed in 1991, Los Amigos Invisibles was the first and currently the best Venezuelan dance band to be formed. The band’s fifth album release “Super Pop Venezuela” showcases the group’s distinct style, merging dance, electronica, and Latin music. The band routinely performs to sold out crowds in New York (where they currently reside), Los Angeles, Miami, and elsewhere. They were at both Coachella and Lollapalooza last year. A true melting pot of styles, they never disappoint nor depart from their mission “to keep the crowd dancing.” Unlike their house, trance, and rave counterparts, Los Amigos Invisibles does not rely entirely on a heavy beat, but rather on an amalgamation of flavors, all while maintaining that distinctive Latin flair. (by josh spear)

Label: Men of Business
Country: Dominican Republic
Release Date: 2005.10.04

The sophomore album from this group is impeccably amazing. The incorporation of both Spanish and English tracks breaks cultural boundaries. That in addition to the musical mashing of genres is what makes this group stand out. Putting together genres such as electronic, jazz, Latin and that’s of an orchestra is beyond the unthinkable and definitely unexpected. The title track “More Shine” offers some infectious jazz tunes, and exceptional lyrics. The addition of some powerful violin and funky percussion simply adds to its enjoyment. “Agua” is a brilliant electronic track and adds in some use of running water. The track is completely in Spanish, and whether you know Spanish or not you’ll be entrapped in the musical bliss. A percussion heavy “Karma” has so much rhythm and melody to it its almost overwhelming. The beat is so funky and fun backing the beautiful vocals the album is an instantaneous hit. (by geoff dellinger)

Label: Divucsa Music
Country: Spain
Release Date: 2006

En la busqueda, is the title of Nomhadas’ first album. A traveling and rebellious sound. Their music: brightly positive. An expression of Moorish, Mediterranean reminiscences and echoes of the Orient on electronic sound and tribal rhythms. From Reggae to Hip Hop, Funk to Drum&Bass, Pop to Electronic music, Folk to Trance, from Celtic inspiration to a mix of Flamenco-Andalusian music, Nomhadas boldly cross borders towards a breath of fresh air. Their luggage: their instruments and a lot to tell.
This music arises from a gamut of languages such as Maya, Sanskrit, Spanish, Galician, and English. A mix of different cultural influences but spiritually united in music, since the essence of music transcends temporality and borders. An effort recorded and produced by Collin Preston and Javi de la Rosa at Chiclana de la Frontera (Cadiz). “This is the result of different trips we made thanks to music. It emerges from the need to create the moment we are encircled by. Our instruments, (Sitar, Darbuka, Didgeridoo, Bass, Tibetan Singing Bowls, sequencers etc.) native to different places of the planet, join in one voice as if the never had been separated or as if their ancestral differences are uniting them spiritually”. Nomhadas already has featured on the cover of World Music magazine. Karma and Chango, the flagships of Nomhadas, participated in the last record of Professor Angel Dust, “Pachuco Watusi”. They also work and have been involved in the last record of the flamenco-punk group, Desmaskaradas. (by womex)

Label: Play Out!
Country: Belgium
Release Date: 2008.04.21

LOTUK – features a highly impressive cast of guests, highlighting not only the broad spectrum of ARSENAL’s interests but also of those who inspired their music. John Garcia, formerly of the influential Kyuss, is guest on two tracks, Diggin’ A Hole and Not A Man, while Seattle luminary Shawn Smith (of Brad, Satchel and Pigeonhead) brings his funk-inspired lament to the album’s title track. Elsewhere Mike Ladd (Ninja Tune) delivers a furious tirade on Turn Me Loose and longstanding Brazilian collaborator Mario Vitalino Dos Santos brings a glorious South American vibe to proceedings on Egun and Selvagem. LOTUK is far more than vain wish-fulfillment, however: ARSENAL’s desire to uncover new and magical voices led them to enigmatic Nashville chanteuse Cortney Tidwell, who contributes to Who We Are, while Scott Masson from Chicago indie popsters Office kicks things off on Estupendo. And though the final track may feature another hero of theirs, former Husker Du-legend Grant Hart, the results remain far from predictable, Hart reading from a mysterious but heartrending letter to a former lover. Like the album itself, it’s unexpected, compelling and utterly original. (by playout)

Label: Because Music
Country: Mali
Release Date: 2008.11.17

African superstars Amadou & Mariam release their new album, ‘Welcome to Mali’ through Because Music on 17th November. The new album features Damon Albarn as guest producer on the opening track, plus special guest appearances by Keziah Jones, ‘M’, Tiken Jah Fakoli, Toumani Diabate and Juan Rozoff. The album was recorded over the past twelve months in Bamako, Dakar, Paris and London and was produced by their long-time manager and artistic director Marc-Antoine Moreau and Lauren Jais who, together with Manu Chao, were co-producers of ‘Dimanche à Bamako’.
‘Welcome to Mali’ expands their horizons and yet remains true to their core sound, putting the spotlight firmly back on their unique mix of sweet melodies and funky rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy guitar and the duo’s compelling voices. The album’s opening track, and first single, ‘Sabali’, will be released digitally on the 27th October, is the couple as you’ve never heard them before, an extraordinary mix of Albarn’s ethereal keyboards, Mariam’s haunting voice and a timeless Africa-goes-global vibe. (in myspace)

Label: 2020 Vision
Country: United Kingdom
Release Date: 2008.10.13

2020 Vision present new signing Crazy P (formerly Crazy Penis) with their fourth album ‘Stop Space Return’. A masterpiece of modern disco music that captures the energy of one of the world’s finest live dance music acts. Stop Space Return captures the sound of a band at their peak and effortlessly blends their influences of classic NYC House, 70’s funk & disco, soul instrumentation, pop melodies, electronica and sun kissed beats to delicious effect. Their pedigree as recording artists is already clearly documented by three superb previous albums – their first two classics A Nice Hot Bath With and The Wicked Is Music on Paper Recordings and their last album Night on Earth on Shiva, which sold over 20,000 copies & made them bonafide stars in Australia and the UK . Crazy P are part of a unique group of bands such as Groove Armada, Roisin Murphy, Basement Jaxx and Hot Chip, who can properly take electronic music onto the stage and more importantly rock crowds of over 20,000 people. (by chaos)