Review: Skylax has never cared for trends of fads and has always dealt in classically inclined house music from artists old and new. The French imprint now looks to Nicolas Aftalion for the second volume of his Spirit of House EP. He captures just that expertly with the opener 'Cruise In Paradise' riding a nice mid-tempo groove with heartfelt vocal hooks. 'A Message To Mad Mike' ups the energy a little with more prominent pads and 'Paris Is Burning' taps into a sense and soulful groove with lush, lazy drums. 'Soulful In Paris' has a nice 90s feel the way the chords and drums sit with one another and is sure to bring the good times.
Review: All that jelly and no toast - like when you find a bomb tune that's unavailable on 12". The new sublabel of Smile for a While is exactly about this. Clubby House Music by well-established producers as well as from lesser-known guys. French guy Alex Agore opens the EP with the Lowtone remix of "What Did I Do" - cut-up Garage House to the maxx. Max Chapman from London delivers another belter; a bassline-driven organ House tune with a minimalistic but very effective set-up. Oleg Poliakov - aka SKAT and one of the guys behind Circus Company - comes up with a sublime but powerful Tech House tune, in the original sense of the genre name. "Jazzve" is a tune by Russian producer Mutenoise. It's maybe the most original, innovative tune on this EP. Full of surprises and cutting-edge elements - hard to compare to anything else around these days.
Review: Aleqs Notal shares a machinic new EP of counfounding delights for the Industrial Light label, also run by the artist and based out of Paris. Named after the artist's debut release which shared equal sides with fellow producer Modern House Quintet, here Notal changes the game, occupying a full four sides of wax. The A-siders 'City Smile' and 'True I Am' bring atmospheres of motoric rigidity, functioning as premier schema for the human navigation of comparatively less human urban environments. 'Let Me In' and 'Confused Reaction' offer similar blueprints, though there's an ever so slightly upped acidity on the B2.
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Dimitri From Paris club mix) (6:14)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Dimitri From Paris dub) (7:16)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Masters At Work Clap Yo Hands dub) (7:25)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Moplen remix) (5:03)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Mousse T Fantastic Shizzle mix) (6:00)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Blackchild remix) (6:00)
Let Me Be Your Fantasy (Two Soul Fusion remix) (12:05)
Review: Anane's soulful vocal delivery takes centre stage on her reimagining of this evergreen disco cut - originally crafted by Love Symphony Orchestra in 1978 - rebooted here through a series of new mixes from some massive house names. Dimitri From Paris delivers two irresistible cuts, his club mix a vibrant and energetic journey through classic house sounds, while his dub strips things back to a hypnotic groove. Masters At Work's 'Clap Yo Hands Dub' injects a dose of infectious energy, while Moplen's remix takes a more atmospheric approach, its swirling synths and hypnotic rhythms creating a mesmerising soundscape. Mousse T's 'Fantastic Shizzle Mix' adds a touch of soulful bounce, while Blackchild's remix delves into deeper, more tribal-infused territories. Two Soul Fusion's remix closes out the collection with a smooth and uplifting vibe, its soulful melodies and infectious groove leaving a lasting impression. A true classic reimagined through the lens of a host of diverse, talented producers.
Review: French producer Anaxander follows up great releases by legends Reggie Dokes and Kai Alce on new imprint People Of Earth. He's had a steady output in the last few years releasing on the likes of Local Talk, Dame Music and Tasteful Nudes to name but a few. "Chords & Theories" is delightfully dusty deep house with a swing fuelled rhythm, emotive chords and epic piano stabs. On the flip "Stay Another Day" is the kind of classic early 90's Chicago deep house that's so sincere you could have sworn it was a lost tape from the Prescription or Alleviated catalogue from way back when. Finally "Naked Truth" gets a bit more uptempo on this soulful deep techno jam with rich synth tapestries and syncopated rhythms. Tip!
Review: There's not much info floating around about this one, though it appears to not only be the debut release from the freshly minted I Don't Know label, but also the producer behind it, Awly. As debuts go, it's a cracker. Straight-up peak-time vibes are supplied by A-side 'You Having Fun?', a Soundstream-meets-French Touch style slab of loopy disco-house hedonism peppered with dubby breakdowns and hypnotising nods to the deeper end of the house spectrum. Awly joins forces with Paolo Rocco on the 'Censored Mix' of squelchy P-funk-goes-house number 'What's On It', which includes some fantastic sampled chat in the breakdown, before rounding of a fine first outing via the organ-rich, garage-house influenced warmth of 'Are You Amazing?'
Review: Radiating in the love she received for her debut EP, Baka G returns to Happiness Therapy with a fresh EP full to bursting with breezy, colourful dancefloor delights. For proof, check title track 'In Circles', where joyous and jazzy synth riffs, kaleidoscopic pads and eyes-closed vocal samples dance atop a 90s garage-house influenced groove. There's plenty to set the pulse racing across the other original cuts on show, from the tactile take-me-to-the-sunset vocals and warming deep house grooves of 'Delta Leonids', to the piano-powered early 90s Def Mix flex of 'The Answer Is Dance'. Also included are two fine reworks: COEO's squelchy, dreamy and sunset-ready rework of 'Delta Leonids' and a wonderfully sparkling, acid-flecked and undeniably life-affirming Marc Brauner rub of 'In Circles'.
Review: An EP that radiates soulful charm and an authentic French house essence across its five standout tracks. Side one kicks off with 'Down For That S*** feat. Myriam C', a piano-driven, uplifting number with a deeper groove that feels both nostalgic and refreshing. 'Shuffle Up' keeps the energy high with spirited, uptempo vibes, exuding positivity in every beat. The side closes with 'La Madrugada', a jazzy, late-night house journey perfect for winding down while staying deeply engaged. On Side-2, 'Boulevard Saint Germain' serves as a heartfelt tribute to French house legend Saint Germain, showcasing rich piano melodies and elegant production. The extended mix of 'Shuffle Up' brings smooth, 90s-inspired grooves to the forefront, offering a melodic, club-ready expansion of the original. 'Lovenergy' EP is an excellent dance record in blending soulful, jazzy and uplifting house music, with a distinctly French flair. Maison Blanche crafts a record that is as much a homage to the roots of the genre as it is a celebration of its vibrant, contemporary sound.
Bob Sinclar - "I Feel For You" (Star B extended remix) (5:03)
Groove Armada - "Superstylin'" (Riva Starr edit) (6:18)
Review: The idea behind the Snatch Classics series, which is finally making its vinyl debut following a few tester releases digitally, is deliciously simple. It sees label founder Riva Starr and friends deliver fresh interpretations of classic cuts. On side A you'll find a fresh take on Bob Sinclar's "French touch" filter disco anthem 'I Feel For You' by Star B - AKA Starr and UK techno stalwart Mark Broom. Their version is chunky, energetic, loopy and bass-heavy, re-framing the cut as a tech-funk workout with added string-laden disco chops. Over on the reverse, Starr re-edits and pimps up Groove Armada's 'Superstylin', making it even more sub-heavy, dubbed-out and boisterous (albeit in a rather classy way, we think). Tasty tweaks of classic cuts: what's not to like?
Review: Chris Carrier is a long-time part of the underground. The Frenchman has released on a fine array of labels and served up plenty of ever-evolving sounds. For this one he digs into electro, tech, house and minimal starting with the praying loops and intergalactic turbulence of 'The Infinity Gate.' It's a noisy and intense one for the peak of the night while 'The Way To The Stars' is a more smooth grooving tune with nimble drums and bass. 'The Roaming' then rides on a bumping drum and bass comb that is run through with sleek and searching synth rays and last of all 'Spacevax' offers a clean and crisp electro-tinged beat on which to vibe while the sci-fi chords rain down from above with real elegance.
The Checkup & DJ Merci - "That Groove" (feat Mona Lee) (7:31)
The Checkup & DJ Merci - "I Wasn't Finished" (6:56)
DJ Steaw - "House Music All Night Long" (5:54)
DJ Steaw - "Yavin" (4) (7:11)
Review: The 'House Puff Split' EP series continues with The Checkup and DJ Merci, two key figures with distinctive sounds. This time out they offer a sound infused with the essence of '90s house, but also their signature soulful edge and skilful use of MPCs and drum machines. A standout is the collaboration with talented singer Mona Lee, whose smooth, powerful vocals blend perfectly with the vibrant drums and synths to make for an enchanting atmosphere that rally draws you in deep. The ever-on-point DJ Steaw adds two dynamic tracks that merge deep and acid house influences and make for two equally explosive weapons.
Let Me Tell You (feat Ddove - Tour-Maubourg Deep remix) (5:13)
Locura (feat Magycal N & Cesar - Black Loops 1am remix) (6:58)
Review: Released last summer, Cosmonection's debut album, Hidden Places, was a gorgeously sunny affair that blended organic deep house grooves with bags of Balearic intent. As you'd expect, this remix EP is more obviously club-centric in tone, though the music on show remains pleasingly picturesque. Lis Sarocca gets things going with a deliciously breezy, piano-sporting Mediterranean house take on 'Morning Dew', before Marc Brauner delivers a sumptuously starry, rolling revision of 'Clouds' that doffs a cap to both Italian dream house and chunkier, more bass-heavy U.S deep house flavours. Elsewhere, Tour-Maubourg offers up a sensuous, ultra-deep shuffle through 'Let Me Tell You' stacked with mid-90s synthesiser organ sounds, soulful vocals and chunky beats, while the Black Loops '1am' mix of 'Locura' blends squelchy synth-bass, smooth beats and dreamy pads to excellent effect.
Review: This beautiful EP, 'Sunset Thoughts', finally makes its way to vinyl after a digital release back in October. Cosmonection is a fast-rising Frenchman who makes an awful lot of music and is sure to blow up fully in 2024, and for this one, he works with fellow French artists and singer Soren Lyann. 'Bulles' establishes a lovely vibe with its organic chords and colourful little samples over a slick groove, then '"Wakin' Up With You' brings acoustic guitar and indie vocals over a hurried house groove. There is plenty more sun and subtle hints of acoustic guitar in 'Solar' and 'Ballad' shuts down another mix of acoustic strings, ad-libbed vocals and fresh beats.
O Ceu E Preto (Dimitri From Paris & DJ Deep remix) (6:13)
O Ceu E Preto (DJ Deep & Romain Poncet remix) (5:22)
Review: Cotonete are a genuinely unique proposition: an eight-piece French jazz-funk outfit who performed live for a decade before recording their first single in 2016. They've delivered a couple of great albums since, including this year's brilliant Victoire De La Musique. 'O Ceu E Preto', a Brazilian flavoured number, was one of the highlights of that album and here gets reworked for house dancefloors by French veteran DJ Deep and pals. On side A, he joins forces with fellow local legend Dimitri From Paris to deliver a chunky, bass-heavy vocal version that sits somewhere between Masters At Work's more Afro-house-infuenced efforts and Deep's own late-night dancefloor hypnotism. He explores the latter side of his musical personality further, alongside Romain Parcet, on a flipside dub that exquisitely deep, trippy and delay laden. It's a genuine triumph!
Tried For Love (feat Robert Owens - Terrence Parker remix) (8:12)
Walk With Me (Rick Wade remix) (5:57)
Review: Smooth house master James Curd has a bunch of his succulent sounds remixed by a heavyweight roster of remixes here. First up Art of Tones layers in freewheeling synth loops and tough disco claps to his remix of 'Sunday Queen'. 'Sublime Mind' gets the Byron The Aquarius treatment and becomes a cosmic star-gazer with zoned-out pads and sweet beats. Add in some signature soul from Terrence Parker and another perfectly tracky house tool from the always-on form Rick Wade and you have a classy EP.
Review: After establishing his name with a pair of rock-solid EPs on F*CLR Music, Glenn Davis established Deeper Groove Recordings as an outlet for his sparkling, melody-rich club workouts. A Place For You, his third outing on the imprint, is undeniably gorgeous - especially the EP-opening title track, where colurful synth riffs, sustained synth-strings and sun-splashed chords leap above a tactile deep house groove. The positivity, warmth and sonic colour continues on the chunkier and groovier 'Take Me To The Club', which is given a more thickset, classic U.S deep house-sounding rework by veteran deep house don Franck Roger. To round off an excellent EP, the Irish producer opts for a spiritually rich, piano-laden sound (and a killer analogue bassline) on 'Who Are People'.
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Art Of Tones remix) (5:52)
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Floorfillers remix) (6:15)
Review: Basile de Suresnes offers a seamless blend of nostalgic disco energy and modern house rhythms. The opening track brims with soulful samples and an irresistible groove, a nod to late-night dancefloor euphoria. Following this, a bassline-driven funk-infused cut keeps the energy rolling, blending deep rhythmic elements with playful textures. Closing the release, a high-energy finale showcases soaring strings and a pulsating beat, delivering a vibrant crescendo. This is a confident statement of intent for selectors seeking to bridge classic influences with a contemporary twist.
Review: Whatever you were expecting from an album named 'Superflous', forget it. An exploration into all the many paths of light that refract from the prism of house music, Bagarre commands the dancefloor with every track, placing specific emphasis on keys - a side of the genre that the mainstream has fallen out of love with in recent years. The silky smooth jazz house of 'Espirit Coubertin', a more classic NYC brand of vocal house (beset with 80s synth phrases) in 'Truman Flow' and a divulgence into some driving piano acid house with chopped up vocals in 'Annees Folles' to even a more modern, turn of the century approach with the big hit 'Eurovision' - I could go on. A wonderful and tight package, this LP almost feels like a compilation for how varied and versatile the tracks are. The packaging being one of the selling points of course, the carbon impact of the vinyl production promising to be compensated by a French organisation. You certainly don't have to feel bad about dancing to this now.
Review: Two house music institutions come together here as DJ Steaw lands on the Kaoz Theory label run by Kerri Chandler. He brings his usual stylish sounds to four cuts that cover all forms of house. First up it's a deep US garage vibe with jazzy chord work on 'Get Back To The Fonk' then 'Don't Stop' brings more punch low ends but no lack of emotion. 'In My Body's House' throws it back to the 90s with its muted sax stabs and organ basslines complete with wailing diva vocals and the blame and future facing cosmic house of 'Grey Matter' closes out a nicely varied EP.
Review: To celebrate Rutilance Recordings' 30th release, DJ Steaw returns after a three-year hiatus, presenting four tracks that capture his trademark French house grooves. True to form, the release features a standout collaboration with Mona Lee, delivering a soulful texture, and a remix of 'Feed Your Spirit' from long-time collaborator Gunnter, adding a deeper edge. Each cut reflects DJ Steaw's dedication to dancefloor energy, blending classic French house sensibilities with a fresh intensity that aligns perfectly with Rutilance's enduring style. This milestone release underscores the label's continued evolution and commitment to quality house music.
Review: Nu Groove is one of those labels that everyone who knows recognises as having played a key part in the early house movement. Based out of the New York scene on the East Coast it had a distinctive 90s deep house sound which DJ Steaw now taps into but with his own twist. His grooves are jacked up and analogue, densely packed but high on warmth and soul. 'Take It There' is a prickly opener and 'Seascape' then brings some acid. 'Close To U' has a more low-slung groove that is peppered with raw claps and last of all, 'Exotica' brings some cosmic synth work to crisp, funked-up and electro-tinged rhythms.
Review: French house innovator DJ W!ld has roamed through many different stylistic terrains over the years and now finds himself in stripped-back minimal mode for the excellent Trelik. 'The Night Owls' opens up with tight drum loops and off-grid synth daubs that hypnotise while making you move. 'Drunkin' is a kicking cut with well-designed drums enveloped by sub-bass and topped with swirling and smeared chords. 'Fashionistas' is another perfect bit of stripped-back body music with low slung kicks and little else but they are enough to keep you locked. 'Comment On Baise Dans Le Hardcore' closes out with another mix of physical kicks and heady synths.
Review: Three sumptuous offerings of quality grooves from the Aesthetic series, as Paris club scene fave Djebali and Argentinian DJ and producer Jorge Savorett join forces once again. This choice trio definitely veers on the side of the under rather than over stated, preferring to rely on warm rhythmic flourishes and enticing, inviting instrumentation rather than thumping firepower or gimmickry. The beats are tight and hypnotic, with perhaps just the slightest hint of a nod to the shuffling drum machine funk of early Derrick May productions like 'Nude Photo' here and the more head nodding repetition of Chicago jack house there. Aesthetically pleasing for sure.
Review: French label Skylax has a freaky new one on 12" here - it is a rare edit outing for the label that deals in raw house and techno and finds some well-known pop sounds reworked into devastating dance floor cuts. 'Acid Edit ' has swirling falsetto vocals and a menacing acid line lashing about over stripped-back and raw drums. It's a playful yet effective tool for sure. 'Acid Tool' then offers up the same sound but without the vocals do is a more strobe-lit and direct offering for heady dancefloors. A great pick-up for when you need a hit of timeless acid.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: For the latest release on his consistently impressive Mate Records imprint, Madrid stalwart Rafa Santos has turned to Parisian twosome Groove Boys Project. Their take on house tends towards the nostalgic and musically expansive, and the four tracks assembled here fit that description. They begin by joining the dots between Kerri Chandler style garage-house and dreamier European deep house on 'Keep On Dreamin' (Club Mix)', before expertly fusing elements of new age house, Italo-house and solo-laden US deep house on 'Sunrise (Underwater Mix)'. Over on the flip, 'The Jazz Palace (Long Ride Mix)' is a vibraphone-solo laden chunk of rolling deep house warmth and Rawai hook-up 'Djoon Trax (937 Classsic Mix)' sees the duo add delicious jazz guitar solos to a sun-soaked deep house groove rich in rubbery synth-bass.
Review: Wax Classic presents a collaborative 12" from French duo Groove Boys Project and Novaj, which maintains the label's sharp instinct for the finest deep house money can buy. Across four tracks they explore the depth and breadth of the sound, touching on early Italian dream house vibes on the gorgeous 'Amore' before bringing a sweaty late night exuberance to 'Night In Rimini'. 'Taste Of Heaven' returns to the sweet, soulful sway of grandiose pads and twinkling piano lines primed for the warm up, and 'Mondo Paradiso' taps into the deeper end of the Nu Groove legacy without missing a beat.
Review: Brooklyn-based deep and minimal house label Yuzu Music welcomes a close find of the operation to step up with this classy new four-tracker. Gunnter impresses from the off with a super silky and seductive sound on the loopy, bubbly, clean sounds of 'Narta' complete with hints of 90s reference but plenty of future synth work. 'Far Away' is heavy and punchy but with a nice bouncy kick and crisp percussion. 'Lamartine' is a heady one doused in cosmic synth work and mute neon glows and 'Smack' shuts down with a more dark and heavy house sound but still plenty of musical character.
Review: Hardrock Striker's prolific output as a label owner and producer maintains as we take a trip into the Italo dimension of his sound on this essential new Skylax 12". 'Dead Souls' sounds like it's paying tribute to the Joy Division track of the same name, here strapped to the snappiest of robo-disco beats and spelt out in thrumming arps and pointed bleeps. As well as two versions from Striker, Parissior also throws down a pair of interpretations which bring their own motorik magic to the the table, plus the odd new wave motif thrown in for good measure.
Review: Last time out, Stefan Ringer came well and truly correct for People of Earth, so the follow up EP was always going to be a tough challenge. French producer Hugo LX proves himself more than worthy of the job, however with this superb deep and spaced out four tracker. 'Freedom House Dance' is the opener, and rides on waves of cosmic synths and deft pads. 'Catching Thunder' is more business like thanks to the chattering claps and more direct and purposeful bassline. 'Track three layers in some doleful trumpets to a taught baseline to make for stylish jazz vibe and lastly, you're cast off into the universe on a wave of infinite pads and meandering leads.
Review: Expoz by JanaretT & Miroloja marks another successful collaboration between the two camps, delivering four tracks of beautiful spacey melodic techno and tech house. The A-side opens with the title track, 'Expoz,' a club-focused tech house anthem that balances techy elements with pulsating melodies, setting the tone for the EP. Following is 'Fraistival,' offering a slightly progressive house vibe with a captivating melody that flows seamlessly. On Side 2, 'Anomisk' emerges as a catchy builder, drawing listeners in with its infectious rhythm and evolving layers. Closing the EP is 'Vertu,' a chill deep house gem perfect for late-night sessions, exuding class and elegance while maintaining a melodic allure. The resulting collaboration continues to give us tracks that are both hypnotic and immersive.
Review: French producer Jehan is next up on Blur Records with a new EP, TV Screen, that shows that he has a sophisticated approach when it comes to bending free jazz with electronic music and a love of hip-hop. The latter of those is evident in the title of the opener, '92 Till Infinity', which pairs lazy keys with lazier beats and soul drenched vocals. 'Montre Suisse' (feat Donnie Moustaki) has dusty beats that sound like they might fall over themselves topped with warm organ chords and 'You Win' (feat Scruscru & Meowsn) then brings a sweet and swaggering deep house vibe. The flip keeps the slow burning and late night feelings alive with a trio of loved up, well sampled, blissed out beats.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.