V/A - Soul Jazz Singles 2007

Funnily enough, despite being called Soul Jazz Records, it seems that in the past year this record label has not released a glimmer of jazz, or even a faint whisper of soul. They should really be called Electro Grime Records, as this seems to be their central sphere of sound. Another point of confusion is that although the tracks claim to be made in 2007, it sounds more like they've been transported via Tardis from the 80s. Admittedly, this is what some are aiming for (e.g. Flashback 86), but what's the use in the evolution of synthesizers when people are still intent on them making naff noises? Pass the Red Stripe features a very weak excuse for a horn riff, and on Private Lives, the fact that the singing is not only bad but annoying is covered up by some vocal distortion. Many others over the two CDs are mediocre, and only Dem a Bomb We and Body Mix stand out as songs with attitude. Maybe Soul Jazz need to wait longer before they can compile a collection that is of real quality. [Josh Coppersmith-Heaven]