Various Artists - Tropical Disco Records, Vol. 25 [Tropical Disco Records]

Format: 12" in label sleeve. Vinyl only release.
CAT: TDISCO025

Tropical Disco continues to rewrite the disco handbook as they reach an impressive quarter-century of vinyl releases with the sublime Volume 25 in their series.

Featuring four jazz-funk-infused disco cuts with touches of electro and a big helping of dance floor attitude, this instalment continues to broaden and diversify the label’s sound. Joining the celebration are the Italian disco loving trio Musta — an artist whose releases regularly ignite the disco and house charts — alongside the highly rated Corrado Alunni and the enigmatic Fun Kool, both also hailing from Italy.

Opening the EP, and in fine form, is label co-founder Sartorial with ‘Hootin N Tootin’, a genuine jazz funk gem. Non-stop piano riffs, a grooving bass line that at times verges on acid, plenty of guitar licks, and choppy drums combine on a track that could sound just as good at a jazz-inspired pool party as it would in the funkiest club. ‘Hootin N Tootin’ is as musical as it is danceable, two key qualities that will allow it to stand the test of time.

Musta’s ‘El Matador’, meanwhile, goes for high energy and a fun, carefree approach. It’s a hard track to pigeonhole but one that shares the same infectious lineage as anthems such as Samin’s ‘Heater’, and it could well prove to be a breakout hit if it falls into the right hands over the summer. It is, without doubt, a piece with a big cheeky grin on its sun worshipping face.

Corrado Alunni’s ‘Funk Decision (Dub Mix)’ sits squarely in the tradition of early Soulfuric soulful house sound, a territory that Tropical Disco has recently flirted with to great effect. Heavenly live sax, guitar loops, and an irresistible moving bass merge perfectly into six minutes of brilliant, elegant, floor-filling groove.

Closing the EP, Fun Kool’s ‘Low Tow’ takes us on an 80’s inspired electro journey. Punchy synths, subtle cowbell, and Vangelis-esque keys combine on a track that immediately brings to mind Metro Area’s approach to the genre. ‘Low Tow’ deserves all the plaudits it will undoubtedly receive — a potential future classic.

That Tropical Disco continues to create EPs of this quality is, in itself, cause for celebration. Disco in 2022 is an increasingly exciting territory, thanks to the many directions it continues to open, and this release is a perfect example of the depth, diversity, and extraordinary quality of a genre overflowing with passion. We sincerely hope these first 25 volumes are just the beginning.