Bongo Boy Records – ‘Volume XII’

With a wonderful laidback reggae groove is the slinky sound of Ricky Persaud Jr.’s “Feel The Love”. Utilizing dub effects marvelously, the entire song’s optimism shines through. Vocals have a communal, party-like atmosphere.

Klyve shows off an impressive storytelling ability on the colorful sound of “Nocturnal Girl”. Luxurious in sound courtesy of the work of Tammi T, Nu Bryan and Keith Hines the entirety of the sound is imbued with great power. The story unfolds revealing the sadness and loneliness that some people live.

A classic house sound anchors the defiant style of ArrowFlow’s “Survive”. Intricate melodies neatly tie together jazz, RnB, even a hint of funk into the ornate textures. Debelah Morgan & Zo further add to the kaleidoscopic whirl of colors that pass through.

Tapping into the sound of the 80s is the nostalgic sound of Borge’s “Meaning of Life”. Reminiscent of an early 80s new romantic style, the piece is filled with great passion. Sung straight from the heart the song is downright addictive.

Effortlessly merging folk, ambient, and trance into a satisfying whole is Velinski’s “Living The Dream ft. Sertari”. Pitch-perfect, the song soars into the sky full of hope for the future. Everything simply works from the synthesizer washes to the honeyed vocals.

Official Web Page: https://bongoboyrecords.com/volume-xii/

Sung with true fire is LaLa QueenBee’s “Me La Estoy Gozando”. Throughout the entirety of the piece the spry melodies merges with the groove so tightly. Attention to detail is of the utmost importance as the song’s giddy spirit is undeniable.

On “Make Up Your Mind” Inches From Sin chooses a summery sunny style to their sound. The chorus adds to the welcoming, gentle spirit that guides the song forward. Rather tender the piece unfurls with great patience.

“Cash Mony ft. TCO & Jyojyou” shows off the undeniable swagger of STEEL. Deserving to be blasted as loudly as possible the song positively dominates. Full of confidence the song describes how to believe in oneself.

Waheed Ahmad brings rap and funk together in perfect unison with “Heat”. Flows are impeccable as Waheed Ahmad has a poetic quality to his effortlessly delivery. The many layers of sound add to the intricate mysterious quality of the piece.

Pamela Davis delves into a macabre temperament with “Hot Voodoo”. Featuring a shadowy big band feeling the song comes out swinging. Rather elegantly executed the song lingers in the mind long after it is over.

MBK sculpts a lovely IDM-influenced world with “Pull Up”. Rather hyperactive, the many elements of the sound create a virtual maze of methods. Lyrically powerful and possessing tight tempos the entirety of the sound is easy to get lost in.

Introspective to its very core is the timelessness of Pallab Sarker’s “Morning in Brixton”. Sung with true crystal clarity there is a comfortable Sunday morning quality to it. The string work is particularly fine, at times recalling the lush delicate work of late 60s singer-songwriters.

Pete Santora keeps things to the absolute essentials on the spacious scope of “You Were A Friend of Me”. Things feel spacious and airy throughout the piece, lead by Pete Santora’s soulful voice. By far the highlight of the track is the emotive piano playing with adds to the song’s gentle spirit.

Energy pours out of MBK’s hyperactive party spirit of “Lifted”. Lyrics add to the party atmosphere that permeates the piece. Jumpy electronics and nimble percussion adds to the song’s carpe diem mentality.

STEEL’s “Get A Job” rings true and has a good sense of humor. Rather smart and stylish, the way that it explores those who promise but do not deliver has a universal message to it. This, accompanied by a nearly physical beat, make it strangely hypnotic.

By – beachsloth.com