Recommended Listening

Ralf GUM ft Bongi Mvuyana - Used To Be [GoGo Music]

When I reviewed this on Ralf's album "Progressions" a few months ago I described "Used To Be" as soothing and compelling. Six months later I stand by that assessment of a track that is underpinned by a gnawing afro rhythm the sweetest of vocals and enticing brass. Ralf delivers his own laid back "Main Mix" and a shorter "Radio Edit" before we arrive at the equally impressive remixes. First to step up is Sweden's Opolopo whose remix is transformative to say the least. The striking electronic vibe is punctuated by a completely reworked backing track with deep synths and heavier throbbing bass which nevertheless allow breathing space for the vocals. Next we arrive at the Sir LSG Remix which is notable for a sumptuous keys and percussive African rhythms that goad you in the direction of the floor. The final version is delivered by Italy's Davide Fiorese and it's absolutely magical. There's a deep funky groove courtesy of a killer bassline and chugging rhythms which are then augmented by swirling synths, dreamy keys and those wonderful vocals. This is my pick of the mixes, although I should stress that everyone of them will see plenty of attention from me over the coming weeks. "Used To Be" is a stunning piece of music delivered with an array of exceptional mixes.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Sir LSG Long Player Review

Sir LSG - Moving Circles [GoGo Music]

The latest release from Ralf GUM's GoGo Music is the eagerly anticipated long player from South Africa's Sir LSG. There's an emphasis on musicianship and artistry that doesn't rely on any gimmicks or clichéd sounds. High on the originality stakes, the music makes no attempt to sound like anything you've heard from anyone else nor does it make reference to specific influences. You can expect a soulful journey tinged with jazzy vibes and underpinned with gentle but gnawing African rhythms. Every single one of the vocalists deliver performances that sit beautifully into the productions, oozing with soul and emotion while the rhythms persuade you to move your hips and tap your toes (at the very least). As a project, the album has taken four years to reach fruition an trust me it's worth great value for every single minute that's been spent lovingly crafting each of the tracks.

Moving Circles is out now and available to buy now through Traxsource and selected other digital music stores. Check out samples of each of the tracks in the embedded player below.

Reviewed by Dean Serafini

Promo Heat

This is the pick of the promos to arrive in my inbox this week. Brand new from Ralf GUM's GoGo Music imprint it's a beautifully constructed soulful gem with the sweetest of vocals. The mixes come from Sir LSG and Josh Milan so you know without evening listening that this is one to check out sooner rather than later. I'll add a few more words later this weekend, until then you can listen for yourself in the embedded player below.