May: 6 disco releases you need to hear this month

MF Robots 'Night Is Calling (Reflex remix) (MFR)

With MF Robots popping up everywhere right now, it would seem that intergalactic jazz-funk disco is back in demand. It’s been a while since a jazz-funk band put out a track with so much weight to it, so it’s no surprise to learn the main man behind the project is none other than then Brand New Heavies’ Jan Kincaid. Match that heritage with Reflex’s slick production techniques, and you’re in for a treat.

10/10

Kraak & Smaak feat Ivar & Sanguita 'Toxic' 'Love Affair' (Snacks remix) (Jalapeno Records)

Snacks once again go in hard and heavy with their remix of ‘Toxic Love Affair’. The slow-paced synth groove of the original is transformed into a nu-disco dance floor chugger, with the vocals slightly sped up before being chopped and rephrased. Fat analogue synth stabs float high in the mix and overly exaggerated punchy drums push the groove, while a massive yet percussive low-end gives the mix that signature Snacks sound.

8/10

In Flagranti 'Expensive Trinkets' (Codek Records)

‘Expensive Trinkets’ sounds like a dusty discovery from a cratedigger’s day out in Istanbul, and it’s gonna have those audiophiles out there looking at you cross-eyed when they realise that this spiritual gem is hot off the press from In Flagranti. Retro synth drums are dropped over the rhythm section’s funk attack and a belting horn riff, and that’s not to mention the evocative chanting that sounds like a Greek siren enticing you overboard and into a trance; the whole track’s like a disco sailor’s buried treasure.

9/10

Soul Clap feat Nona Hendryx 'Shine' (Hot Toddy remix) (Glitterbox Recordings)

Crazy P’s Hot Toddy (aka Chris Todd) once again takes things to the next level, with this remix of Soul Clap’s ‘Shine’. A big marimba presence underpins the whole track, giving it a tropical edge, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is merely fresh juice – it’s one seriously shaken-up cocktail. The remix maintains the energy yet still takes it somewhere seriously deep: Nona’s vocals are kept minimal as Todd introduces heavy gospel chords and increases the analogue presence on the bass. This might just be the big one to drop at your sunrise set.

9/10

Chmmr 'Don’t Be A Stranger' (Full Pupp)

Even Brenden, aka Chmmr, has been smoothly sailing away in recent times, appearing along the way on labels such as Relish, Dødpop and Untz Untz Records. He now lands on Prins Thomas’ label Full Pupp with 10 gems inspired by the the sounds of Compass Point and Italo-disco. For fans of Wally Badarou and the sound that DJ Harvey championed on his ‘Sarcastic Study Master’ series, this is your destination. ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’ is full of exotic drum synths and warm summer keyboard vibes, and is certain to take you all the way from Ibiza to Oslo.

9/10

Birdee feat Chloe Amber 'Give Into Love' (Ism Records)

Having released serious doses of peak-time grooves on Southern Fried, Birdee is back on Ism Records. ‘Give In To Love’, which features Scottish singer Chloe Amber on vocals, might be one the disco smashes of the year. The experienced producer expertly throws down a loopy, bouncy shuffler over Chloe’s hypnotic vocal layers, in a manner that’s reminiscent of many early 90s proto-house productions.

8/10

Yam Who? is Mixmag's disco editor, follow him on Twitter