Bonnie Tropical – Paradise Palms Records

If, like us, you’ve spent many lost hours in Paradise Palms' welcoming fronds, you’ll probably associate the Edinburgh bar with shiny plastic flamingos and blinding buckfast cocktails. You’ll also know that Palms’ usual live music ranges from grunge gigs to kooky spoken word and experimental electronica. In short, you’d be forgiven for expecting an acid-laced throwdown from the venue’s debut LP, Bonnie Tropical.

Instead, the compilation laces together 14 tracks that are as eclectic and forward-thinking as Palms’ parties, but with a shimmering sense of cohesion. Almost all of the featured artists are based in Edinburgh or Glasgow (or both), and the LP captures a celebratory (limited edition, heavyweight vinyl) snapshot of Scotland’s freshest dance music makers.

There’s floral french flair from Happy Meals and dreamy post-apocalyptica from Le Thug; rising star Wuh Oh weighs in with a trippy, keys-based jaunt and Glasgow producer Bessa lends Don’t Let It Get You Down to the mix to warm your heart and soul. Familiar faces Hi & Saberhagen and Chow Main represent for Edinburgh, Ikotu provides two and a half soothing, simmering minutes and Bugatti leads a kitsch, sweaty workout. If you’re proud of the sound of your city (or cities), then slather on the SPF and use Bonnie Tropical to weather out the winter.