THE REFLEX — Backstab

The Reflex – Backstab opens the TMB imprint’s TMB004 12-inch vinyl with a fresh take on a classic Angie Stone vocal. The producer, known for high-grade revision projects, re-imagines the beloved chorus within a sleek disco framework that feels both track-ready and club-compatible, preserving the original’s emotional lift while adding a modern groove. Within TMB’s recent output, Backstab follows the earlier releases Woman / Nobody (TMB002, 2026) and Lolita / Camels (TMB001, 2026), and sits alongside the catalogued Real / Lady whose date remains unknown. This positioning shows a continued dialogue between The Reflex’s disco-oriented vision and the label’s penchant for soulful reinterpretations. Side A’s title track, “Backstab”, starts with the Angie Stone vocal front and centre, the groove brushed up into a tighter, dancefloor-focused rhythm. The arrangement builds momentum, making it suitable for early-set peaks where a familiar hook can draw the crowd in while the updated production keeps the energy forward-moving. On the B-side, “Find” offers a contrasting mood: a buttery male vocal rides over smooth piano chords and subtle riffs, while sweeping strings lift the track into an uplifting, summer-bright ambience. The track’s soulful flow and melodic richness provide a perfect closing statement or a warm-up moment for deeper sets. The Reflex’s recent discography on TMB and Flex7 Recordings demonstrates a consistent engagement with disco and house aesthetics. Earlier 12-inch outings such as Lolita / Camels and Woman / Nobody explored similar territory, while 7-inch releases on Flex7 like D-Y-D / Down Breaks and Feel It ’26 / Splicey highlighted a more experimental edge. This new EP continues that trajectory, refining the balance between nostalgic vocal samples and contemporary club sensibility. In the broader underground scene, Backstab arrives at a time when re-imagined soul vocals are a staple of dancefloors, yet The Reflex’s approach stands out for its restraint and focus on melodic uplift rather than sheer novelty. The record contributes to the ongoing conversation about how classic R&B material can be reframed for modern disco contexts without losing its core emotional impact. For DJs, the A-side works as a hook-laden peak track, capable of energising a set with its recognisable vocal and polished groove. The B-side, with its smoother texture, is ideal for transitional moments or as a mood-setter in a late-night groove. Collectors will appreciate the continuity of The Reflex’s evolving sound across the TMB catalogue, as well as the clear production values that make each cut stand out on vinyl. The release is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format of The Reflex’s recent TMB outings. Its straightforward presentation lets the music speak, offering both sides as distinct yet complementary statements within a concise two-track format. The Reflex – Backstab, TMB004, 12-inch vinyl, two tracks, disco genre, released 15 February 2027. Tracklist: A1. The Reflex – Backstab B1. The Reflex – Find