Geordie soul crew Smoove & Turrell are a prime example of artists that excel at releasing music in the album format. Five LPs deep they are still producing exciting and challenging albums that have the winning combination of song-craft with tunes that makes you want to dance while also lyrically contain a deeper message.

Their album ‘Mount Pleasant’ typified this as they came correct with a storming collection of tracks spanning a wide variety of influences including 80’s electronica, jazz, blues and rock alongside their usual funk and soul sensibilities. Now they return with the first of two album remix releases for your listening pleasure…

Russian producer Valique kicks things off with an 80’s sci-fi funk influenced chunk of house fuelled by drum machine rolls and an army of synths ready to drop bombs. Always keeping the dancefloor in mind, he utilises John Turrell’s soulful performance expertly in this track that takes the listeners on a real journey. Including an extended version for the dance heads out there.

Long-time collaborator with the crew - Basement Freaks kicks his rootsy mix of ‘Billie’ off in a jazz blues tangent before the synth horns hit and things get more familiar with the Basement Freaks signature funk sound.

Another of their Jalapeno Records bedfellows and the official band GP - Dr Rubberfunk gives us a jazz/funk take on the lounge-y track ‘Flames To Feed’. Tastefully does it on this rework which respects the original arrangement and vocal but features a tasty drum shuffle from the Dr and some deft touches on the keys to boot.