The Zuzu Club Recommends 15-11-2017

The Tibbs - Lies
Record Kicks



Based around Amsterdam and founded in 2012 by a bunch of deep funk and heavy soul disciples, The Tibbs made their debut on Record Kicks in 2015 with their acclaimed debut LP "Takin' Over". Take notice, because The Tibbs is the new name to watch!

A brand new single from The Tibbs taken and the forthcoming studio album of the Dutch combo, expected in 2018. The new single "Lies" is an afro-soul-funk stormer, able to set every dancefloors on fire. On the flip-side the equally explosive instrumental-soul version. 45 is limited to 500 copies worldwide and is an essential purchase for every Budos Band and Sharon Jones fans.


releases December 1, 2017

Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo

Khruangbin is a three-piece band from Texas, formed of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald Johnson on drums. Taking influence from 1960's Thai funk - their name literally translates to "Engine Fly" in Thai - Khruangbin is steeped in the bass heavy, psychedelic sound of their inspiration, Tarantino soundtracks and surf-rock cool.

Formed of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald “DJ” Johnson on drums; Khruangbin’s sounds are rooted in the deepest waters of world music infused with classic soul, dub and psychedelia. Their 2015 debut album ‘The Universe Smiles Upon You’ was heavily influenced by 60’s and 70’s Thai cassettes the band listened to on their long car journeys to rehearsal in the Texan countryside. ‘Con Todo El Mundo’ takes inspiration not just from South East Asia but similarly underdiscovered funk and soul of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, particularly Iran.

 
‘Con Todo El Mundo’ is in part dedicated to Laura Lee’s Mexican-American grandfather, a formative influence on the bassist. She says, "My grandpa would always ask me 'Cómo me quieres?' (how much do you love me?) And he'd only ever accept one response: 'Con todo el mundo' (with all the world). He created his own world to live in. Khruangbin is the world we’ve created.”

Opener ‘Cómo Me Quieres’ sets the tone with its exotic, spacious, slow-motion funk while in antithesis the album’s first single ‘Maria También’ is filled with urgency and attitude. ‘August 10’ is a classic Khruangbin track, infused with their signature bass-heavy sound, while also introducing new elements to their chemistry. There’s time for solid disco-funk in the form of ‘Evan Finds The Third Room’ and the band even finds space to nod to P-Funk with a chant towards the end of the evolving jam ‘Lady and Man’. Closing the album, ‘Friday Morning’ - “a song about jumping into love” - skips between laid back Isley Brothers-esque vibes via delicate tempo changes into gentle hymnal passages.

The trio continue to play live around the world throughout 2018 starting with a UK tour to follow the album release. A vibe-synchronous soul-unit travelling the planet, honing their craft, absorbing the sights, sounds and feels from cultures across the globe, processing them through the Khruangbin filter and gifting the result back...with all the world.

releases January 26, 2018

Folamour - Unami
The Classic Music Company

One of France’s most intriguing new artists. It’s business as usual for the fast-rising French producer, who is yet to put a foot wrong this year. Co-founder of Moonrise Hill Material and founder of FHUO Records (For Heaven Use Only), Folamour’s take on house music is exquisite, poetic and meticulously executed.

On ‘Umami’ Folamour continues to explore his signature blissed-out sounds, mixing sample-heavy house with intricate percussion and life-affirming pads, all dripping with decadent jazz and disco influences; pure hazy lushness. Each track tells a unique story, engaging narrative threads that pulse and dwindle on hypnotic frequencies. High points include the energetic workout that is ‘Devoted To U’, Hip-Hop infused ‘Kickflippin’ That Stuff’ and the endearing warmth of ‘Look At Me Or I’ll Steal Your Eyes’. ‘Umami’ is a stunning work of art from a very thoughtful producer; prepare to be very impressed.

released November 10, 2017