Back catalogue: Deep House

Review: D3 Recordings offshoot D3 Elements is only three releases deep, but already their releases are reaching "must check" status. Following their recent release of a superb EP from US deep house veteran Brian Harden, the Paris-based imprint offers up something a little different - an EP of gorgeously deep and melodic flavours that joins the dots between head-nodding instrumental hip-hop and floor-friendly 4/4 fare. There are plenty of surprises, too, including techno stalwart Terrence Parker delivering a flute-heavy downtempo head-nodder, some gorgeous beatdown from Detroiter Mike Clark, and a thrillingly string-laden chunk of deep house bliss from the aforementioned Harden. Recommended.

Review: A second edition of the Various Artists Backpack EP, from French house label D3 Elements pulls together some key producers; Detroit soulful house star Terrence Parker is back once again, and joined by D-Knox, Dan Curtin and TechElectro. Curtin gets the ball rolling with "House Spirits," a summery, feel good house roller with trilling keys and organic chords all making for a jazzy vibe. Then comes a more synthetic and abstract cut, "Stars That Never Die", from TechElectro aka the fearsome American techno duo of Solid Gold Playaz, who also release as Dark Matrix. On the flip side, D-Knox aka Groove Man offers "Summer Beach Time," a cool as you like track with breezy chords, radiant pads and wooden sounding percussion flapping along next to the drums. Then it is down to Terrence Parker to close with the laid back, deep and soothing "So Beautiful," a sweet as you like house jam with magic chords and plenty of heart warming grooves.

Review: Trinidadian Deep is an artist you can count on for the kind of inventive, well-travelled deep house that reaches beyond the conventional to deliver something truly spiritual. Coming to light on D3 Elements, this latest joint from the Ron Trent family member is everything you look for in higher plain house music. "NorthernLi" has a sprightly feel to it, all pattering percussion and synth stabs that could almost come from Carl Craig in the More Songs About Food... era. "In The Beginning" has a heavier feel to it, letting thick pads and keys swirl in the mix without losing that soulful, uplifting quality that makes Trinidadian Deep jams so infectious.

Review: The French deep house label D3 Elements is now a decade old and to mark the occasion it has assembled a superb three part EP series featuring plenty of talents both new and old. The second EP kick off with some Japanese stylings from Koizumi Yukiko and his piano laced bongo workout '526'. Taelue sets off on a deep and heavy bassline pulse that will make floors march and Nemanja Krstic's 'Aquae Sulis' brings some jazzy chord work and bubbling funk bass for a nice heartfelt vibe. Gnork shuts down with a skittish, stripped back broken beat that makes this another diverse offering.