by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

When Phonica Records opened in 2003, Soho was a very different place to what it is now. I was working just round the corner, and my initial scepticism at another record shop opening was quickly found to be misplaced. Because Phonica is not just an ordinary record shop, and in fact it has outlasted almost every vinyl-selling neighbour, to our great disappointment. What a treasure it is, though, one of those establishments capable of giving you a musical rush as soon as you step foot in the door. The number of times I have had to enquire to the patient staff what the current tune is (because it’s too new for Shazam!) I could have been saddled with a restraining order. Instead the staff are always helpful and enthusiastic, because they are working in a shop they love.

Why the long intro, you ask? It is because Phonica’s enthusiasm for their art and craft translates directly into the music they sell on their own label, and the tracks appearing on this packed compilation. In their 20 years they have responded to new trends while keeping the old ones happy, and again that is reflected in the music.

What’s the music like?

This is a treasure trove of dance music, a joy from start to finish – and with the added benefit of a fresh track selection that will fill the listener with joy. 18 new tracks is nothing to be sniffed at, and if you read the detailed commentary on the label’s Bandcamp page you’ll see exactly what fits where.

The many highlights can be condensed – only slightly – but include some lithe drum & bass from Tim Reaper & Comfort Zone‘s Subterranean. Daniel Avery contributes the typically brilliant Bells, then the jittery Read My Lips zips along with rushes of euphoria from Paramida & E-Talking. Nyra‘s Broken Needs is a cracker, no messing – while the shuffling beat of Gene On Earth‘s Club Jacket mining the best of 90s garage house. Dam Swindle‘s Alright (Just A Tribute) is also a mid-90s update, a kind of cross between Grace and Crystal Waters. Dauwd‘s Slam is superb, with hushed vocal and leading drum track, while System Olympia‘s Mezzonotte breaks towards 80s electro to very good effect.

The high standard continues, with nocturnal shades from Willow‘s Willbush, and an excellent disco-house hybrid from Austin Ato, Song For Mr Lewis with a great spoken bit in the middle. There is some classy, nippy deep house from Felipe Gordon & Bob The Egoist – Get Your Body Movin’ complete with tasteful flute solo. Eli Escobar‘s FindAWay2Day is a really good, zippy track while, Will Saul‘s For Joanie is superb, with vocal displacement and a slightly glitchy house beat and atmospheric pads.

Does it all work?

It does – nothing to quibble with here, other than electronic excellence and energy that translates from the big city to the bedroom studio.

Is it recommended?

Without doubt. Compilations like this are few and far between in electronic music these days, but Phonica have filled the gap with some aplomb.

For fans of… all sorts of house, garage and techno!

Listen

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Published post no.2,073 – Wednesday 31 January 2024