Name: II
Brand: Soyuz

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MRBLP300G

Colour

Gold

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: Yes

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-03-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

7119691297910

Total Cap

Gold LP

MRBLP300

Black

Extended format: No

7119691293813

Black LP

MRBCD300

7119691293820

Artist

Soyuz

Genre GB

Latin / South American 

Label GB

Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo is a British label that was founded in 1989. Originally located in a small record shop of the same name, it later moved to various locations in Soho and Shibuya, Japan. In 1999, the label's office was relocated to Brighton and its London & Shibuya shops were closed in 2003. However, a new shop was opened in Brighton in 2016. Since 2004, Mr Bongo has expanded into the world of cinema and also has a publishing division that produces and licenses music for third parties.
The label's rich history and diverse range of music make it an influential player in the industry. With its extensive catalog and commitment to quality, Mr Bongo continues to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and delivering exceptional music experiences.
Label Code: LC 12527

A vibrant selection of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Bossa nova, Afrobeat and everything in-between by Josh from Somewhere Soul.&nbsp;

“I hope these records bring you as much joy as they bring me.” - Josh

Find out more <a href="https://www.instagram.com/somewhere_soul/">here</a>&nbsp;

Somewhere Soul’s Collection

Soyuz stole our hearts back in 2022 when we released their album Force Of The Wind to critical acclaim.

 Here we proudly present the predecessor to that LP, the band's sophomore long player from 2019 that was previously only available digitally. It captures a pivotal evolving period in the band's career, the recordings giving a snapshot of what would become their sound on Force Of The Wind, yet with echoes of avant-psychchedelic-pop footprints from yester years. 

Produced at a time when band leader Alex Chumak had moved from Minsk to Kyiv, torn between the need to try something new and the homesickness it brought about. Travelling back to Minsk almost weekly, Alex joined fellow band members Mikita Arlou and Stanislav Murashko to lay down II at Studio 42. The album captures these transient feelings, contextualised through the broad scope of influences the band were nourished by. From MPB to Ethio-Jazz and the Italian library soundtracks of Piero Piccioni and Piero Umiliani, the album shines with touches of joy from across the globe. 

The opening track 'Verocai' is a tribute to the Brazilian maestro and 'Mirouze', whilst being named after a French favourite of the band, Jean-Pierre Mirouze, pays clear homage to Milton Nascimento and Lo Borges. A ghostly sample and invisible connection to music made miles away in a different era that has influenced and become part of the band's lives. This is further reinforced in the album's enchanting closer, the aptly titled 'Nascimento', another nod to the great Brazilian musician and singer. 

The beginnings of the cinematic, soul-laden jazz SOYUZ are now known for, are on display across the likes of 'Lyric' and 'Motive I'. The latter an orchestrated jazz instrumental with sensuous string sections, all of which were recorded on the warmth of a Studer reel-to-reel and waltzing Rhodes keys. 

Soyuz's wide ranging palate is further demonstrated in tracks like 'Business Partners' with its Krauty, kosmische, new wave production featuring Inturist, and the oh-too-short Anatolian-influenced interlude 'Corrida'. Elsewhere, 'Tezeta' and 'ES-2 Jazz' hint at the psychedelic haze of soul-funk, with the former featuring verses from Serbian rapper Petar Martic. 

For this new physical and digital release, the whole album was mixed from scratch by Ryan Power before Joker worked his magic on the remaster. More excellence is to come from SOYUZ, but in the meantime, we are thrilled to present this essential recording from the band's foundational years, mixed to a level that does it the justice it deserves. Remastered for its first time on vinyl. 'II' is the second album by Soyuz, initially released in 2019.

Music GB

Discover II by Soyuz, the second album released in 2019. Previously only available digitally, this essential recording captures a pivotal evolving period in the band's career. Remastered for its first time on vinyl. Label: Mr Bongo.