KonKoma – KonKoma
LABEL: Soundway Records
FORMAT: EP
GENRE: World – African
DATE: 25/06/12
London based Afro-funk outfit KonKoma’s self-titled debut is out today through Soundway Records.
Rooted in 1970s, Ghana KonKoma is the brainchild of saxophonist Max Grunhard and producer Ben Lamdin (Nostalgia 77). The idea was to create a band around two highly esteemed Ghanaian musicians – Alfred Bannerman and Emmanuel Rentzos. Both are mercurial talents who over the years have graced the stage with the likes of Bobby Womack, Hugh Masakela and Peter Green as well as being long term members of the Afro-rock band Osibisa, but it wasn’t until KonKoma that the two old friends have had a band built around the two of them.
With their name hailing from the name of a tribe in Northern Ghana, KonKoma adds a progressive edge to their rich blend of Afro-funk, jazz, soul and traditional African rhythms as well as acknowledging the 70s recordings that spawned the sound. Produced by Max Grunhard and Ben Lamdin, the album was recorded and mixed by Mike Pelanconi (aka Prince Fatty) in Brighton.
Check it out here:
Netsky – 2
LABEL: Hospital Records
FORMAT: LP
GENRE: Dance – Breakbeat / Drum & Bass
DATE: 25/06/12
Having already released two stunning and high-selling singles this year, Netsky is back with the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2010 self-titled debut on Hospital Records.
“2” takes the 23 year old’s signature sound and brings in live influences with elements of electro-house and dubstep alongside the euphoric, hands-in-the-air D+B he has become known for.
Across the 14-track selection including previously released singles “Give & Take” and “Come Alive”, there are a number of featured vocalists from names we know and love such as Dynamite MC and Diane Charlemagne, to international talents like million selling Belgian soul/funk singer/songwriter Selah Sue, The Times’ “female artist to watch” Bridgette Amofah and Philly rapper Jimmy Jams.
Challenging the “difficult second album” concept with a genre-spanning panorama of uplifting melodies and exciting new tunes, Netsky – “2” reaffirms once more the young producer truly is one of Belgium’s premium exports.
Ondatrópica – Punkero Sonidero
LABEL: Soundway Records
FORMAT: Single
GENRE: World – South America
DATE: 11/06/12
“Punkero Sonidero” is the first single from Frente Cumbeiro’s Mario Galeano and Will ‘Quantic’ Holland’s new all-star Colombian band, Ondatrópica. This release is ahead of their worldwide album release on 16th July.
Ondatrópica brings together an all-star cast representing both the classic and modern styles of la musica Colombiana, and features legendary figures (Fruko, Anibal Velasquez, Wilson Viveros, Michi Sarmiento to name a few) from Colombia’s rich musical past, alongside younger Colombian musicians including members of both Mario’s band Frente Cumbeiro and Quantic’s Combo Barbaro as well as some specially invited guests.
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Natasha Anastasi – Natasha Anastasi
LABEL: Rise International Music Ltd
FORMAT: EP
GENRE: Pop
DATE: 24/06/12
“Natasha Anastasi” is a tribute album to the late singer Natasha Anastasi, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2005. The release is out today through Rise International Music Ltd.
Alongside tracks by the talented Sylvia Young Theatre School student herself are tracks from George Michael, Boy George, Cat Stevens and Anthony Costa from Blue, who all contributed exclusive unreleased material.
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Various Artists – Chemo Presents… My Mate Does Beats
LABEL: Kilamanjaro Music
FORMAT: EP
GENRE: Hip Hop – Alternativ
DATE: 25/06/12
Out today through Kilamanjaro Music is “Chemo Presents… My Mate Does Beats”, a compilation put together by respected UK Hip-Hop engineer and producer Chemo.
Chemo curates a collection of instrumental musings, abstract Hip-Hop cuts and rough beat sketches into a compelling whole, showcasing the exciting wealth of talent amongst British Hip-Hop producers and beat makers.
This release features 24 tracks ranging from the dark and dusty boom-bap of Anatomy and Apollo through the driving organs of Beat Butcha, to the oddball bounce of Paul White and even Lamplighter’s minimal electronic touch. Through its diversity, “My Mate Does Beats” manages to intrigue and captivate in equal measure.
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Bwani Junction – Two Bridges
LABEL: Aksatak Records
FORMAT: Single
GENRE: Alternative – Indie Rock / Alternative Rock
DATE: 25/06/12
Bwani Junction’s first single, “Two Bridges”, is out today through Aksatak Records. The single comes with two remixes by Mr Hudson’s BIGkids and Torzion.
The single is taken from the Edinburgh four-piece’s debut album “Fully Cocked”, which they recorded at Glasgow’s legendary Chem 19 with award winning producer Paul Savage (previously known for his work with Franz Ferdinand, Brakes, Mogwai, Teenage Fanclub) at the controls. The band’s unique sound has attracted the attention of the industry and fans alike, sourcing their sound from an array of genres including an injection Afro-beat that sets them apart.
Recent winners of the Best Breakthrough Act Award at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards this year, Bwani Junction have also attracted support from BBC Radio 1 (including Chris Moyles show), BBC 6Music, Five Live, NME, Artrocker Magazine, The Sun, Record Of The Day, among many others. An addictive, dazzling debut album, electrifying live shows and a band with a voice, Bwani Junction are the soundtrack to the summer – and beyond.
“Afro-beat somersaults, dueling guitar solos and swaggering, tumbling drums… these guys have tunes and they aren’t afraid to use them. Be afraid!”, Artrocker 2012
Belleruche – 16 Minutes
LABEL: Tru Thoughts
FORMAT: EP
GENRE: Alternative – Electronic / EBM
DATE: 18/06/12
“16 Minutes”, the second single from Belleruche’s album “Rollerchain” is out today through Tru Thoughts.
The track recently won Steve Lamacq’s Rebel Playlist, which led to support across BBC 6Music and a string of other radio stations. Other tracks on this release are three other songs by the electronic/soul band, remixed by Bam Bam Sound, V.c. and Ross Pth.
“Eccentric…creative…clever…plenty to appreciate, applaud and enjoy on this album” – BBC
“A new, more progressive, complex and electronic sound” - DJ Mag 8/10
“enchanted, hypnotic, and most importantly, magnetic” - Hangout Altsounds (USA)
Check it out here: