MVP makes a most welcome return to the Samosa Records stable with his ‘Inner Funk EP’ – a deliciously groovy four tracker that showcases this Mexican maestro’s production talents to the full!

First on the A-Side is the title track, ‘Inner Funk’ – and right away we get down to the serious business of dissecting MVP’s ‘Inner Funk’. The rolling claps and bongo slaps get you into the groove before the most sumptuous of basslines lands. Tight rhythm guitar saturates like a heavy tropical downpour, clearing to a delicately early breakdown of brass stabs and bass picks which act as the apéritif to the vocal main course. Life can be beautiful. Happiness is for everyone. It can, and it is when the melody is this good. It turns out MVP’s ‘Inner Funk’ is the most infectious of the funk family. A solid gold, platinum plated masterpiece that will have even the most reluctant of dancers on that floor. Guaranteed!
A2 brings us to ‘Movie Funk’. Take your seat in the MVP Movie Theatre as the curtains draw back and the 70s-themed thrill ride unfolds in your ears. The plot of this blockbuster is about a sultry sax and a sexy trumpet joy ride through a seedy Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. The rhythm, the bass, the disco claps are one; all wrapped up and dressed in the finest of Zoot Suits - taking you to the third act where MVP cuffs you and reads you your rights. The credits roll and you simply have to do it all over again. Movie Funk is a stone-cold box office triumph of a track.

Over to the flip side and B1 – ‘Tasty Funk’. You’ll need to bring your appetites for this one, folks. A world buffet awaits as the 118bpm rhythm starts proceedings off. Once more, an infectious bassline tantalises the taste buds whilst precision organ stabs play with the senses. The intro explodes into heavy wobbly funk bass and wicked Alto Saxophone, which is soon followed by a magnificent Afro-infused vocal chorus that really is the cherry on top of this marvellously delicious cake. Transcendent. Heavenly. If music be the food of love, play this. A concoction of groovy atmospheric, funk-infused perfection is what it is.

Closing the EP off is B2 – ‘Tribe Funk’, a trademark MVP groove (one only this master is capable of) which kicks off with a driving fretless bass and filtered cymbals which cleverly conceal the true nature of this track. A daring, swirling heady mix of afro-horns, subtle steel drums and hypnotic organ chords; constructed with a beat so damn sexy you could dress it up and take it to dinner. The melody is a carefully constructed love potion that, once you drink it, it’ll have you under its spell forever. You can’t fight it, and you won’t fight it. Tribe Funk gets under your skin, into your brain and moves your legs for you. We dare you to drink!

Samosa Records have got MVP at the peak of his game with the ‘Inner Funk EP’. The sound of all four tracks is spectacular; a real credit to MVPs production skills and Samosa Records’ mastering standards. This is a slice of vinyl you simply must own – but be quick. This is sure to be a hot seller which will fly out of record stores!

Ste Hendry [Black Light Disco]