Released by Funk Night Records, 2024

Originating from Hämeenlinna, Finland, the DJ and producer duo Tuure Tammi and Juha Sarkkola are The Blassics (aka Mush Tone Ensemble & Odd Jazz crew). What started as a small instrumental funk project has since grown into a nine-piece instrumental band and that aims to distil the energy of their live shows into equally captivating records. Their style harks back to rough original funk 7" and draws on Afrobeat and jazz.

This is the funkiest record The Blassics have done – but that's also because the set really takes the "breaks" in its title seriously – and sets up every tune with some really massive work on drums! The snapping sounds on the kit are then topped with really wonderful horn work – maybe the "juicy" part of the title, and lean use of trumpet and tenor in ways that echo Afro Funk horns, but with a spare quality that's mighty nice! There's also some great flute lines and plenty of sweet guitar riffs as well – and one track features guest vocals from Mikiyas Getachew, while the others are all instrumental.