Samosa Vinyl, CD & Tape 20 Items

Samosa Records heads into the autumn with a crackling and enchanting EP from one of the masters of funky grooves and dusky beats, LTJ Edits.

Opening the EP on the A-side, we have the perfectly pitched ‘Somebody’. Tight bassline merges with church-like organ chords, a sharp guitar riff and a soulful vocal that you feel in deep your bones. Meticulously constructed, this track will resonate with anyone familiar with LTJ Edits’ work (and newcomers alike).

A2 brings us the title track, Mr Man. This masterpiece has everything you want from a slow, thumping groove. At 98bpm, it’s a trademark LTJ Edits smackdown, but oh boy - it has so much more in the trunk. Mesmeric, hypnotic - the familiar smooth mid-range tenor vocal gives you goosebumps on your goosebumps. An instant classic.

The B side kicks things off with mid-tempo stomper ‘Give All’. Make no mistake, this is LTJ Edits in the kitchen cooking soul food with a hint of blues and lashings of rare groove. A rolling, powerhouse of a track that also delivers a message to the masses, you’ll have this one thumping out of your speakers for a long, long time. Everybody needs it. Got to have it.

Finishing off this outstanding release is the cherry on top of the funky cake - simply entitled ‘James’. As soon as the guitar riff and bass starts, you get the meaning behind the title. This is all about the raspy, unmistakeable vocal, chanking guitar and funkadelic, bluesy bassline. A rhythmical, funk infused JB bath bomb from start to finish. After your first listen, you’ll want to go straight back on this ride.

The Mr Man EP is a serious chunk of vinyl and LTJ Edits has found a perfect home at Samosa Records. You have this in your record box and you’re ready for anything.

Samosa Records swings back into action for the summer months with Afrikano Vol. 1 - a scintillating four tracker EP from Various Artists which you will fall in love with on the first listen. On the A-side, the always impressive Vagabundo Club Social kick things off with the enigmatically titled ‘Mr. Mista’ - a hypnotic, (almost calypso inspired) rhythmic explosion of Mibra guitar, whirling organ, horns and a wicked high end laser sweep. This is a pure chugger, folks. At a deceptive 120bpm it will have you dancing til dusk. A2 brings us ‘Sweet Dance’ where C. Da Afro met De Gama: after a brief shuffle beat start (liberally peppered with rhythm guitar and organ stabs), the unusual duo make sure it’s all about the beat and horn breakdowns. Pre-drinks in Lagos, people watching and waiting for the night to start is the order of the day here. Cut this in half and it has ‘summer’ stamped right through it. Gloriously sweet. On the B-Side, Atchoum & Grincheux take centre stage with ‘Demokoussé’. Les Inferno applies the special retouch here, and straight away we’re treated to a gloriously produced trip through breakbeat inspired beats, deep, throaty horns and an outrageously soaring sax. Oh you want more? Well try the addition of the gorgeous spiritual vocals that put the bow nicely on this African sizzler. Finishing the EP on B.2 is Lego Edit and the aptly titled ‘Afromaniaco’. A pulsating, horn inspired shaker, this track grabs you right by the beat bone from the off and won’t let go. Lego Edit’s trademark deft touches and attention to detail is all on display here - sweet sounding African vocals weave in and out of the almost melancholy horn stabs and washboard beats. A soundtrack for one of those incredible sunsets, ‘Afromaniaco’ is the missing piece of this diverse jigsaw. With Afrikano Vol. 1, Samosa Records has found the perfect accompaniment to what is hopefully a long, hot summer. So Samosa, so brilliant.

Samosa Records continue their hot streak with ‘The Difference EP’ - a superb four tracker from a producer who is all about the funk, Gledd. This wonderfully constructed EP kicks off with the first track on the A-side - ‘I Don’t Know’. From the get go, this is a slinky, catchy funky number. The warm, all consuming bass line jogs along, aided by subtle guitar riffs that light up the melody. The chugging train suddenly breaks for an outrageous blues vocal - deep growls and female backing singers take control before the track launches straight into the stratosphere. A guaranteed dance floor bomb. Next up on the A-side is ‘Amapola Sunrise’, a latin infused 125bpm slice of heaven. Gledd knows these rhythms inside out - and this hypnotic ‘love dance’ of a track proves it. You can only imagine the sunrises and sunsets this will provide the soundtrack to. It’s a deep, glorious journey into hedonism - let the lead guitar and sax take you by the hand to the rug-pull breakdown. Gledd at his incomparible best. Meanwhile, over on Side B, De Gama is setting out the party stall early with his ‘Re-Groove’ of Muni. When De Gama masters the grooves in the ‘Re’Groove’ workshop, the flames can be seen for miles. African horns, organ stabs and Mali-inspired guitar riffs combine with the superb vocals. It’s a tribal, ethereal and very spiritual funk dream, which is De Gama’s trademark. Closing off this excellent EP is B.2 - ‘Japan Lips’. In no time, we’re off around the seedy back street bars where gifted but washed up bass players hang out to find work. The bass line is as clean as a whistle as it kicks against the snares and cymbals of the beat, and the melody wraps around you instantly with rhythm guitar, jazz flute and breaks. Another mesmerising piece from a man who knows how to mesmerise. The perfect topper to this thoroughbred release. ‘The Difference EP’ is a welcome Samosa debut for Gledd and is sure to be a hit with lovers of the groove. This has to be in your collection. Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]

Italian Duo Souldynamic have been turning the heat up considerably over the last couple of years. Releasing a steady stream of original track, remixes and their well loved disco reworks they have popped up on some of the most respected labels out there from King Street and Tribe to BBE. Consequently their remixes have adorned the releases of some of the most legendary performers from across the electronic scene including Louie Vega and Dennis Ferrer. Their latest release the ‘West Side Of Afrika’ EP see’s them land on the irrepressible Samosa Records. They are having a glorious couple of years with one sell out chart topping release after another so it’s a well made match. Comprising four tracks of afro centric house music it’s a wonderfully warm and inviting release if you love your percussive African disco. Lead track Guinee fuses easy going percussion with an effervescent bassline and a wonderfully expressive vocal. It’s a track which is easy to get lost in, one for those communal loved up dancefloor moments. Faranah is a more laid back affair again leading off with layers of percussion its swirling dual vocals and brass stabs give it tons of feel-good zest. Over on the flip Bamako is the deepest cut on the release. It’s pounding bassline cuts through the speakers, creating immeasurable straight to the dancefloor energy. Wonderfully succinct playing and a ridiculously hooky vocal top matters off perfectly.. Final track Beyla is the perfect way to see the release out. Energetic brass stabs power the track. Couple those with some brilliant looped up percussion and it’s a track which will fit a variety of situations from the more laid back to the peak time. Indeed the percussive break down midway through is worth buying two copies for.

SR10 is the brand new spin off label from Samosa Records concentrating on 2 choice cuts from some of the finest producers at the label one each side of a 10” vinyl. It also see’s Samosa announce an exciting collaboration with another of the finest labels out there Tropical Disco who will be handling the digital release for this one down the line.
Launching the brand new imprint it’s only fitting for the label bosses De Gama and Les Inferno to lead things out.
First up is De Gama’s Sometimes Sometimes which see’s him creating a much more reflective track than his previous powerful peak-time percussive club jams. Despite its ever so bluesy laid-back sentiments it’s no less a sublime outing. Velvety smooth the lead vocal is definitely one of those once heard never forgotten magical musical moments. It’s a track of simplicity, a smooth bassline, subtle guitar licks and the wonderful vocal performance. It’s an entrancing life affirming track which has all the hallmarks of a track which absolutely must be listened to again and again. And yeah, maybe just one more time!
Over on the flip Les Inferno takes us off towards classic Philly territory with an equally subtle but ever so funky slice of feel-good disco in ‘Yeah C’Mon’. Smooth percussion, an ever so danceable bassline, brilliantly performed yet subtle keys and another absolute monster vocal. And did we forget to mention the disco flute? Yeah Disco flute, does it get any better. We think not?
This is a 10” which is quite simply undeniable. You must have this in your collection right now because you will need to listen to it time and again. Samosa continues its quest to dominate the disco vinyl landscape with yet another ridiculously superb release.
What are you waiting for just order this and thank us later.

Like a fine wine which matures each year Samosa Records steps into 2020 with a beautifully rounded fuller flavour release in the shape of Funk Purpose Vol. 3. In the same way as its predecessors the label has assembled an impressive team of heavy hitting producers to create an eight track EP which will surely cause serious mischief on dancefloors across the globe. As per Vol. 2 the release will be split into two separate four track 12”s which will be released a week apart.
Introducing the first 12” are Irish producers Get Down Edits. Their track ‘Coming At Ya’ sees a new electronic tinged direction for the label. Still harnessing bags of funk and soul it has a decidedly peak-time edge. This is a track which will perfectly fit for a wide range of rooms from straight up house floors courtesy of the frenetic kick to more adventurous disco floors. A golden start!
Next up and one of a raft of supremely talented Mexican producers who have deservedly broken through recently is Monsieur Van Pratt. His track 'U.F.O.' sounds like a 70’s space odyssey re-imagined for the 2020 dancefloor. Wonderfully laconic, its lazy funk draws you in beautifully.
Souldynamic harnesses a powerful but velvety smooth 70’s diva vocal on ‘Better’. Dripping in soul, its smooth strings add a wonderful warmth. Engaging and fulfilling it’s another peak-time moment.
Closing out the first 12” co-label boss De Gama is on familiar percussive ground. This is a producer who took 2019 by storm and if ‘Groove On’ is anything to go by 2020 had better watch out too. Hypnotic organs, bags of layered percussion and ass shakin’ breakdowns all come together for a track which will be a long-time DJ weapon.
First up on the second 12” is well loved Italian producer Moplen who keeps the percussion going strong with ‘Ain't No Dub About It’. Laser Synths, huge basslines and wonderfully expressive synths all combine with a monster funk guitar for a classic groove. Another 70’s-esque masterpiece as glanced through the sharp focus of the 2020 dancefloor lens.
German duo SoulBrigada are up next. Taking things down a couple of notches BPM wise with ‘Gonna Do’ they have created a lazy engaging groove which will see many a dancefloor off into a heaving mass.
Yet another Mexican Connection who came storming through the ranks in 2019 The Funk District is up next with ‘Anywhere You Like’. It’s got a decidedly Tequila soaked tinge to it. Packed with guitars, flutes and hypnotic vocal loops it’s another beautifully imagined slice of left-field disco.
Finally closing out the EP is Italy's DJ Rocca an artist so prolific in 2019 we were unsure where he managed to sneak a few hours of sleep in. Thankfully he also keeps the quality sky-high and so it is with ‘Da Lion Groove’. This one is a funk fuelled disco groove which is heavy on the brass licks and with enough energy to keep everyone dancing until the sure-fire arrival of Funk Purpose Vol. 4.
With a series this brilliant we can’t wait!

Samosa Records releases are coming thick and fast in what could be their finest year yet. Lex & Locke are the latest talent to make their Samosa debut with their ‘Pacifica’ EP – a sublime three tracker which is mouth watering from the off. First up is Balandra. From the moment you hear the raw four to the floor drumbeat, you’re under its spell. The infectious bass riff moves the scenery around a little, whilst the subtle bongo attack teases what’s to come. And what’s coming is a funky, rolling cosmic lead synth that has no right to sound that damn sexy, no right at all. The vibe quickly grows into an interstellar journey, aided by an outrageously funky clav jam that gets inside your head. Balandra feels like the soundtrack to an ‘after dark’ undercover stakeout in a 1970s cop thriller. Detectives Lex & Locke are on the case and the evidence is compelling. A unique, 122bpm funk bomb which has the Samosa fingerprints all over it. A2 is Cabo Pulmo – continuing the vibe of Balandra, Lex & Locke lay down some serious grooves in what initially sounds like a live funk band jamming away in the studio without a care in the world. No soon as we get into the beat and the bass, there’s an immediate switch to a swirling, bold cocktail of funk infused with a touch of jazz that belies the 124bpm tempo. The production is expertly tight; layers of synth, electric organ and punchy guitar riffs make this ideal for both the sun terrace and the dance floor. You’re under arrest, and Lex & Locke are reading you your rights! The final track, Nine Palms has a real quirky, almost broken beat feel to it with its high-hat ride pattern and punchy bass drum. A wickedly twisted analogue organ riff is quickly introduced, which is cleverly used as both a rhythm device and the melodic platform that sets up the whole track. Lex & Locke seem to be total masters of a ‘free-style funky synth lead’, and we’re treated to another slice of this particularly tasty pie in ‘Nine Palms’. Whereas Balandra is the late-night stake-out, Nine Palms is the final act where Lex & Locke high five each other following another successful bust. The Pacifica EP has a wonderfully intimate and assured vibe about it and is sure to feature in many a summer soundtrack. This release also proves that Samosa Records aren’t afraid to go off the beaten path occasionally - and when it’s this good we’re more than happy to follow. Grab this amazing cut of wax while you can!

Ste ‘Esteban’ Hendry (Black Light Disco)

Samosa Records once again lights the Olympic Groove Torch, this time with a follow up to the hugely successful Italian Disco Machine Vol. 1. The stellar line-up for this gorgeous slice of wax features Samosa label co-owner Les Inferno, Shamako, M.B. Edit and CeZar – all bringing different and unique flavours to this ‘Festival dell'Italo Funk’. A1 is Les Inferno with ‘Boogie Bones’ (which could easily be Les Inferno’s alternative ‘soprannome’). Coming in at 125bpm we’re straight in with this groove. The subtle hints of The Trammps’ ‘Soul Bones’ become clearer as we motor a long from the intro through to the sublime funky bassline. This has Les Inferno’s dabs over it; with his laser-sighted cutter in hand, respect is duly paid to the original (the vocals sound as fresh as the day they were recorded!) - the end product being a perilously funky, disco bath-bomb to soap up any dance floor. The rhythm bone is connected to the boogie bone, and don’t you forget it! A2 is ‘I Like To Love’ - a sultry, sassy, sexual chocolate fountain of a track from Shamako, who hails from the Italian province of Macerata. This track oozes with cool downtempo funk plasma. The languid bassline is like a river current whilst the synth stabs, sensual sax and soaring strings carry you along the banks. The delicious vocal enters at a perfect moment – expertly combining the tight arrangement which swiftly travels into funky guitar territory. If you like your slow groove as sexy as Sophia Loren coated in a champagne glaze, this is going to be your go-to track. A pure delight. B1 Starting proceedings on the B-Side is Samosa favourite M.B. Edit with ‘All Night’. An absolute mid-tempo rump shaker, the pulsating synth bass and filtered organ builds with an outrageous low-end beat that really tess the speakers. Filthy guitar licks combine with a contagious vocal chant of “funk and soul, all night!” to lay the ground for one of the funkiest riffs you’re likely to hear. This, boys and girls is what Samosa is all about. B2 Closing things off on the B-side is CeZar with the trumpet-laden chugger, ‘Dancin’ & Feel Good’. A thigh slappin’, foot tappin’ Rose Royce flavoured boogie monster that connects the bridge from disco to funk, only to blow it up again. The beat grabs you instantly, as does the feisty, thrusting brass ensemble. Within no time at all the track explodes into a full-on Norman Whitfield style funk cloud burst which has you completely under its spell. Don’t resist it. The perfect cherry to top the most delicious Italian Disco cake. A fierce four tracker which delights, bedazzles and enchants in equal measure, Italian Disco Machine Vol. 2 cements Samosa Records’ place as one of the hottest labels out there right now. Grab it while you can!

After unleashing their new 10” label with a ridiculously classy double header from De Gama and Les Inferno back in May Samosa Records is back with another outrageously brilliant release in Sr10-02. This time round they feature the work of yet another incredibly talented Italian producer JazzyFunk. Samosa has become a real melting pot of Italian talent across all of their labels and JazzyFunk has delivered in aces here. As with Sr10-01 it features one track per side and JazzyFunk has provided two tracks of sublime and relentless groove. ‘All Night Love’ has 70’s disco power shining through from every angle from the ever so hooky guitar licks to the laser synths. Add in brass stabs aplenty and some divine vocal harmonies and this is a straight to the centre of the dance-floor anthem. Over on the flip ‘Sexy thing’ is ever so slightly deeper. It’s packed with one of those relentless string laden grooves from which it is simply impossible to escape from. Sax loops glide across the top providing another hook, it’s an impossibly brilliant track. This is a wonderful EP which is destined to fly off the shelves on release.

Italian DJ and producer Sourires joins the Samosa stable for his debut with an explosive release that will take your breath away!!!

The EP kicks off with the title track, Pampasosa - a furiously groovy number which gets up right in your face from the get-go. Like an unstoppable train, Pampasosa hurtles along at 127bpm with its horns blaring and furnace blazing. De Gama is on the Re-Groove here, expertly applying the bells and whistles to this all powerful locomotive stomper.

A2 brings us ‘Liam’, which sounds like a track very close to Sourires heart. Think of glorious evening sunshine after the rain for this emotionally charged piece of music. The bass has you hypnotised, the strings make you soar and the vocal haunts your dreams. It bares its soul to you and you can’t help but love it for that.

On the B-side, ‘Keep Rolling’ (De Gama Re-Groove) gives no illusions as to what its intentions are. A rolling, bass-driven start builds to filtered vocals and punchy brass - we’re in house territory but it’s so much more than that. A prime-time fist pumper of a tune, this will have dance floors offering their souls to Sourires in exchange for good times.

Finishing off this four tracker is ‘Flavor’ (De Gama Re-Built). At 124bpm, it sneaks past you and taps you on the shoulder. Continuing the house vibe, Sourires brings us a swinging beat accompanied by dreamy vocals and subtle filtered keys. Strings and delicate guitar licks build to a glorious breakdown which reveals itself in full technicolour. Summery, sassy and sexy stuff.

Sourires has deliverdd a modern classic with the Pampasosa EP. This has to be in your record box for the summer - just watch the dance floor go!

Samosa Records reaches its 30th release in style, and who better to mark the occasion than label boss De Gama with the superb ‘Tropical Gangster’ - a three tracker slice of vinyl heaven that’ll blow you face first into your summer paddling pool.

Opening this super-tropical affair on the A-side is afro beat stomper Karibu Funk’ - and it wastes no time at all in introducing us to its tribal rhythmic awesomeness. The beats, the vocals, the outrageously funky bass and horns are a musical representation of an African sunset. A serious groove.

A2. brings us ‘Lucky Fellow’; a twisting, turning bouncy bass-bomb of a tune with a flute riff that would charm the clothes off you. De Gama is very much in Pied Piper mode here - you’re powerless to resist the sexy overtures of the drums, the haunting synth lead and solid bass line. Sizzling hot.

On the B-side De Gama offers a cool ‘Piña Colada’ after all the heat of the A-side. This Piña Colada, however, offers an oasis of many delights and flavours. What starts as a furious latino drum call breaks to a tropical bassline and hypnotic keys. The vocals are the cherry on the cake of an amazing arrangement of layered sound. Goosebumps.

'Tropical Gangster' is an exceptionally special Samosa release befitting the occasion of reaching the 30 milestone, and another example of the consistently brilliant output from Samosa Records. Expect this one to sell out fast.

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]