When a potential album of the year (from myself), like Calm's 'Ambient Jazz' drops into the store this week, it feels like a nice milestone to mark the half way point (there or there about - ey?) of 2026. With lush, piano chords painting a palette of soft undertones, full, fat, upright bass riffs giving providing a groovy backbone, and far-out synth, electronic, and ambient soundscapes, Calm really has married the two worlds of jazz and ambient. When you hear the sound of a softcore Roland 303 acid line next to trumpets and jazz bass, you'll simply understand the world Calm is trying to being us into.
That said, I could talk about this album all day, but we have plenty of new releases in this week, from a new MAD Records drop, to some Slip n Slide collections for the house heads. Another fantastic week in the dance and electronic music world.
Calm - Ambient Jazz
This is just one of those records! Calm returns with another beautifully understated collection of ambient jazz and new age, environmental textures.
Built around rich tones, slow-moving grooves and late-night atmosphere, ‘Ambient Jazz’ channels those quiet, 2am moments when the world finally slows down.
Tracks like ‘After Dark’ drift effortlessly between jazz, ambient and Balearic territory. If you're into the deeper, more contemplative side of music - this one is for you.
Future classic incoming!
Black Rascals featuring Roger Harris / Cassio Ware / Blaze / Alex & Rai - The Sound Of Slip 'n' Slide, Vol. 1
Slip ’n’ Slide are on a mission to reinvigorate their back catalogue - and we’re here for it. Just like the King Street Samplers that are now rearing their heads, Slip ’n’ Slide’s unearthing of classic tracks and new remixes is the ultimate package for deep, soulful house lovers.
On this edition, ‘Keeping My Mind; by Black Rascals brings the horn-led, funky soulful house, the Klubhead Mix of Cassio Ware’s Fantasy is low-slung, groove-driven and deep. A personal standout is the ultra deep, ultra retro-futurist ‘Moonwalk’ by Blaze. Rounding off the release is ‘For The Love of You’ by Alex & Rai on a jazzy tip. Do not miss.
Le Ceez – Stick Together
Le Ceez is Chicago house through and through. Raised on WBMX, Ron Hardy, and Frankie Knuckles, he's got the kind of knowledge that can't be faked. While he's turned his hand to plenty over the years, it's his edits that really shine - expertly crafted, DJ-focused reworks cut-up by someone who knows exactly what moves a dance floor.
This debut EP for Stilove4music delivers the goods: classic disco energy, reworked by a real Chicago house head who lives and breathes the culture, every day, since day one.
Pascal Moscheni – Make A Romance
Pascal Moscheni makes his debut on M.A.D Records with a strong three-track EP packed with groove and character. Lead track Pasion Latina features vocals from Miranda Makaroff, delivering a warm, rolling house cut that's built for the dancefloor, alongside a remix from Tino.
Closing things out is Gambling & Arts, a bass-heavy club track with plenty of weight and energy. A versatile release that balances house grooves with peak-time impact.
Proper!
Love from the Archipelago – Reworks EP (Pre-order)
Love From The Archipelago returns to Oswego Music with another collection of expertly crafted reworks, taking inspiration from overlooked gems across the worlds of Balearic, disco and leftfield electronic music.
From dreamy synths and hazy grooves to deeper, more experimental moments, each track brings nostalgia, sunroof-down sunset cruising, and 70’s cocktails on the terrace vibes.
If it’s good enough for the Idjut Boys & Harvey - it’s good enough for us! Cracking stuff.
Inigo Vontier – Tech Mex (Now in stock)
Iñigo Vontier, hailing from Jalisco, Mexico’s Pacific jewel, has been hailed as the Mexican Moodyman. While any such claim that Moodyman has a localised successor or counterpart might seem hard to believe, once you hear these bangin’, squelchin’, oily slabs of machine funk, you’ll know exactly what the bold claims mean.
From ‘Desperado’s’ sleezy, funk-driven, basement gloop, to 'Calvin Klein’s’ streetwise jackin’ bravado, the whole EP sounds like riding a 1970’s muscle car through downtown in a Fear and Loathing deleted scene.
Absolute dopeness.
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EnjoyÂ
Tom