Issued exactly 40 years after Patrick Cowleys death, Malebox is a set of six previously unheard disco tracks from the heralded producer. Following the release of 2020s Some Funkettes, this EP concentrates on Cowleys disco-funk side, with no shortage of pounding beats and killer synth basslines. "Floating" is more laidback and vibey, but others such as the guitar-laced "If You Feel It" are no-nonsense dancefloor jams. "Low Down Dirty Rhythm" (which LaBelles Sarah Dash recorded and released as a single in 1983) is the only non-instrumental, with Jeanie Tracy verbally illustrating the songs gloriously sleazy rhythm. "Love Me Hot" is Hi-NRG at its unforgettable best, all pulsating neon synths and electro-disco beats. Cowleys posthumous releases have demonstrated his extraordinary range as an artist, but for those who just want to dance to pure disco, Malebox is where its at. ~ Paul Simpson
Rovi