Review: Various Artists - Shapes 25 (Tru-Thoughts Recordings)

"Tru-Thoughts has become one to the most respected independent labels in the world since being set up as a volatile hotbed of British soul, funk and multi-hued musical hybrids in 1999 by Brighton club-runners Robert Luis and Paul Jonas".

So said the well respected journo Kris Needs almost 10 years ago to the day and what has happened in those intervening years?  Only more idiosyncratic soul-driven quality, including Will Holland/Quantic (with "the mighty" Alice Russell on 'Look Around The Corner' and 'Furthest Moment'), Bobobo ('Terrapin'), Hidden Orchestra ('Spoken'), New Orleans' Hot 8 Brass Band (with their version of 'Sexual Healing') and Zed Bias (with the equally mighty Omar) with 'Dancing'.

There's loads more on this 30 track album and loads more that could have been included, as per my recent chat with Robert Luis at the WeOutHere Festival (more Lightning Head - see review HERE or BiggaBush's 'Different Style'- see review HERE - although the Magic Drum Orchestra are represented), Hot 8 Brass Band's cover of 'Ghost Town' (Jerry Dammers also being at WOH singing the praises of his Coventry connections with the Rhythm Doctor and  Madtone's EP 'LP Livicate' featuring Jasmine Tutum - see review HERE).

Back to 'Shapes 25', there's lots more to look out for including one of our favourites from last year Palm Skin Productions' 'Trickle Up' (see review HERE) and Nostalgia 77's 'Cheney Lane' (remember interviewing Ben Lamdin when the 12" of this came out).

What has changed over the past 10 years, you're not going to get these 30 tracks on vinyl all in one place but perhaps that's a good thing too as this is a "very special label".

P.S. by strange coincidence, Kris Needs was in Bournemouth last year to see David Kitt - see review HERE.

Artist: Various Artists
Title: Shapes 25
Release date: 13th September, 2024
Label : Tru-Thoughts Recordings
Catalog Number : TRUDD 537
Format: Digital / Bandcamp

PS. Also, check the Robert Luis Worldwide FM Takeover HERE