The Soundway label continues its tireless international exploration. Aside from the Creole and African spheres, the British label has recently been focusing on the Southeast Asian scenes of the 70s and 80s, as evidenced by this compilation titled "Ayo Ke Disco..." Selected by Alice Whittington, aka DJ Norsicaa, this compilation of ten tracks explores the historical and even political contours of the South China Sea via countries such as Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In addition to this historical testimony, this album offers a stunning musical volume. Beyond the otherwise very respectable recordings from the Smithsonian Institute (in the absolute field recording sense) or the exotica tracks that were being released by the mile at the time, what immediately captivates is the modernity of the performers and groups present. Fatimah Razak opens the album with "Dahaga," a funk gem streaked with barbed-wire guitars and Malay percussion. The Rollies and their obvious passion for Parliament fuel "Disco" with striking vocoder effects. Pinoy culture is represented by the group Regalado and its title “Pinoy Funk”, also selected by DJ Coshmar for the documentary “Star Wax in Luzon Island” available via the Star wax magazine Youtube chanel. And Aria Yunior rounds things out with "Salah Tingkah," a psychedelic-rock theme coupled with surprising vocal prowess. Recommended for boogie-funk fans and fans alike, this gatefold LP is accompanied by an excellently crafted fanzine detailing the many ambient peculiarities: a fine piece of work.

Par Vincent Caffiaux.