Funky House Recommendations March 2010

Review: Steffi and vocalist Elif Bicer make a big impression with this charming, slightly old-school deep house tune on. The fun and playful vocal reminds one of 90s acts like St. Etienne, matching sweet-as-syrup female vocals with house grooves. Released on Ostgut Ton, the label behind the infamous Berghain/Panorama, this is definitely a groove for Panorama, where Steffi is a resident DJ.

Review: Skint's big hit makers X-Press 2 return with another collaboration driven cross-over anthem. With British vocalist James Yuill on board, "Time" signals a return to the dancefloor for the trio. Backed up by remixes from the seemingly unstoppable Riva Starr and New York based producer, Feygin who is a particular favourite of X-Press 2 themselves, this is a strong package that does the emotive original every bit of justice.

Famous vocal collaborations litter X-Press 2's back catalogue - who could forget David Byrne's vocals on their number two hit in 2002, their collaboration with Kurt Wagner on "Give It" and 2008's partnership with Rob Harvey on the club smashing "Kill 100." This time, the trio team up with British folktronica vocalist, James Yuill. His skills as both a songwriter and vocalist have made him the perfect fit with X-Press 2's sound. Emotive and heartfelt, the vocal performance sets the track alight and when added to driving basslines and big chords make it an instant dancefloor hit.

The first remix comes from up and coming New Yorker, Feygin who strips the track back to the bare essentials and lets the vocal do the work. Adding ample effects to the aforementioned vocals, he creates a haunting atmosphere that pulsates its way from beginning to end. Riva Starr's first of two reworks is big room, driving house remix. It is full throttle territory, perfect for peak time madness on the dancefloor. His dub version carries on in much of the same vein but removes the vocals making the driving sub bass the star of the show.