Review: Three standout tracks from Dave Lee's 2023 album Metamorphosis - which he dropped under his AC Soul Symphony alias - now get pulled apart and reworked by the one and only Dub-disco king Ray Mang. First comes 'It's Got To Be Love' with its super funky and bubbly bass and lush string elegance, then he flips 'Tradewinds' into a deeper, still lush and lavish instrumental disco gem that is seductive and warm for the winter months. Last but not least, 'K-Jee' brings an infectious groove to the dance floor with a little more percussive energy and upbeat bounce - but again swooning strings are the icing on the cake. All three of these are classy and sophisticated reworks from the one and only Mang.
Review: Bristol's Dream Software collective (and label) have long been fans of the mid 1990s work of Alex Silvi, best known for his releases as Alien Signal. So much so, in fact, that they reached out to the Italian producer and asked whether they could put out an EP of some of their favourite back catalogue tracks. That's what they've done here, flitting between the chiming melodies, warped electronics and shuffling beats of 'North Polar Stars', the chugging dream house-in-space flex of 'Brilliant Evening Planets', the stargazing proto-trance (with jazzy solos) of 'Quantum Limit', the intergalactic, acid-flecked dancefloor psychedelia of 'Violent Volcanoes of Lo' and the bleeping lead lines, immersive chords and bustling beats of 'Atomic (Esoteric Mix)'. An expertly curated and beautifully presented retrospective
Review: Whether or not Almacks is named after the word that was given to several social clubs in London between the 18th and 20th centuries or not we do not know, but people in those clubs might well have enjoyed getting down to the artist's beats. These new five cuts are all unnamed but all perfect blends of funk, soul, deep house and great samples. Those vocal chops lend lots of r&b loveliness and romance to the dusty, low-slung beats, hip-hop-inspired beats and middle grooves. There is also a bit of broken beat and Afro influencer later on. A heartwarming EP.
Review: Italian disco DJ and producer Corrado Alunni shares his latest nu-disco soul nostrum, 'Make It Feel More', which, owing to the title, is an EP whose aim is to enliven the largely electronic and mechanistic bent of nu-disco with a good bit of live-recorded pizzazz. Such is heard on the title track, which moves naturally through both augmented and diminished electric piano cadences, not to mention slap basses, to be poised against the beats. Then 'Perfect Direction' brings the boughed basses and disco hits to a new layer of chill; with this, and the ensuing 'Keep Moving', it feels as if we've kept finding new rooms, in which new room contains a new type of hors d'oeuvre to try. 'The Beat Goes On' closes on a snappier and vinyl-driven vexation, perfect for the snakier kind of dancer.
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: This release sees Anane's soulful vocals take centre stage, reimagining the classic house anthem through a series of captivating remixes. 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. This release is a must-have for any house music enthusiast, showcasing the enduring power of a classic anthem reimagined through the lens of diverse and talented producers.
Review: Anil Aras' latest effort strikes with unexpected force, blending deep house with subtle nods to dub and techno. The EP has a tangible weight, where basslines resonate with a satisfying depth and rhythms maintain a fluid, hypnotic quality. Aras doesn't rush, opting for a slow, deliberate groove that feels like a late-night conversation. There's no push for flashiness, but rather a focus on space, restraint and atmosphere, allowing each track to breathe and shift in an organic, almost meditative fashion.
Review: Bedouin return to their Human By Default imprint with a two-track EP that showcases their signature blend of organic house and melodic techno. 'Better Than This', featuring the soulful vocals of IVETA, is based around hypnotic rhythms and emotive melodies. The track's bouncy beats and intricate synth work create an irresistible groove, while IVETA's tender vocals add a layer of soulful depth. On the flip, 'Khazna' takes a more introspective turn, its deep house soundscapes and hypnotic rhythms evoking the ancient city of Petra. The track's haunting lead melody and lush, swinging woodblocks create a mesmerising atmosphere, culminating in a euphoric climax that's sure to ignite dancefloors. With its blend of soulful vocals, hypnotic grooves and intricate sound design, 'Into The Wind' is another impressive offering from Bedouin, further solidifying their position as leaders in the world of melodic electronic music.
Review: An elusive producer, shrouded in mystery, emerges with a fresh batch of irresistible edits. With a knack for crafting infectious grooves and a growing reputation amongst discerning DJs, this anonymous artist is set to ignite dancefloors with their latest offering. Having garnered support from tastemakers like Hunne, CC: Disco and Shanti Celeste, this release is guaranteed to ignite dancefloors and satisfy discerning DJs. 'Forgive Me 1' sets the tone with its irresistible energy, while 'Forgive Me 2' offers a slightly different flavour, maintaining the infectious groove while exploring new sonic territory. Expect a collection of expertly crafted cuts, brimming with energy and primed for peak-time moments. With its limited availability, this a must-have for those seeking to add some heat to their record bags.
Review: With a CV that includes releases on Skylax, Berg Audio, Raum Musik, Constant Black, Infuse and, most recently, Aku, Nick Beringer is one of the European tech-house scene's most reliable and storied producers. It's little surprise then to see him showcasing his wares on Maik Yells' Movetone Wax imprint. The Berlin-based producer impresses on both original cuts: the deliciously spacey, funk-fuelled tech-house shuffle of 'Shortcut', where intergalactic bleeps, immersive pads and rubbery bass catch the ear, and the more percussive, driving and mind-melting tech-house wonkiness of the electro-tinged 'Broken Bit'. Remix-wise, Tommy Vicari Jr slickly re-frames 'Broken Bit' as a sub-heavy dance through classical tech-house territory, while Pascal Benjamin adds warmth and the swinging shuffle of UK garage to his wonderfully starry interpretation of 'Shortcut'.
Review: Regular collaborators Biesmans and Johannes Albert tend to release at least one record a year together. 2024's 'Give Me Luv', is one of their most accessible and entertaining to date. It has already become a feature of club sets thanks to a digital release earlier in the year and has finally landed on wax. In its original form (side A), the track offers a delicious blend of snappy Chicago house percussion, undulating analogue bass, glassy-eyed chords and colourful nu-disco synths - all topped off with a superb part spoken, part sung vocal from the undisputed "voice of house" Robert Owens. Over on the flip they charge headlong into techno territory on the harder, darker, faster and undeniably bigger 'Detroit Mix'.
Review: Black Eyes returns for a second volume in the Hydro Trip series on the tasteful Lost Control label and do a fine job of serving up some delicious house depths. 'Message From The Deep' kicks off with dynamic kick drums and cosmic synths leaving painterly trails over the muscular beat. 'Master Of Hydro' brings weighty kicks and more smeared synth work that is late night and seductive and 'Wisdom Of The Stingrays' then taps into classic house with its empowering spoken word monologue and perfectly pitched and dusty drums. Walt J remixes to close out a tasteful and heartfelt EP in style.
Review: You might think you know exactly what to expect from Pressure System EP, the latest offering from Black Eyes, released via HOUSEWAX. The label's dedication to underground club music has always been clear, and this 12" doesn't stray far from that path. But beneath the surface, Matthew Jesus serves up more than the usual deep house fare, with each track revealing a different side of his craftsmanship. The opener, Hydro Warmth, starts gently, with soft keys and a laid-back vibe, offering a warm welcome. But there's more here than simple relaxationithere's an attention to detail that sets the tone without overwhelming. Then there's Blue Grooves, where the mood shifts. The bassline gets heavier, the track's raw energy becomes more apparent, and the melody takes on a darker edge, offering a solid deep house groove that's anything but background noise. On the flip side, Ancient Water Funk changes gears, opting for a more laid-back, funky rhythm. It's smooth, understated, and lets the funk seep through with a restrained confidence. Finally, Bohemian Waters rounds off the EP with a touch of spacey elegance, blending sharp drum patterns with a subtle, dreamlike atmosphere.
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.
Review: How-it's-done deep garage house and more from Berlin's Marc Brauner, who rejoins the Shall Not Fade posse for a bustling new four-tracker. The city's resident DJ's fourth record for the UK label, Brauner here trains his hand on melodic major synth toplines and smartly timed dotted rhythms, producing a vibe of the utmost slickness and finesse. The leitmotif is obviously street smarts, as indicated by the loiterer on the front cover, and 'Sketchy Sidewalks' before 'Ghetto Birds' both give this off as much, through their faint hip-hop sampleage and rubbery sound-sprays. 'So Hot' and 'Breakthrough' shunt things up a few modes, into relatively minor-keyed crystalline waters on the former, and soul-feeding breaks choppage on the latter.
Review: No prizes for guessing the motivation behind this new EP, 5 Years Of B2 Recordings. It is a tidy and tasteful celebration of half a decade of top quality deep house from a range of key players. This one opens with Frenchman Brawther getting dubbed out and deep as ever with some nice lounge chords and blissed-out pads. Bengoa's 'Neftina Dub' has a subtle US garage shuffle to it that harks back to the 90s and Lex & Locke then bring rich paint chords and withering synth motifs to 'Atenas Blues' before Zaq's 'Make A Wish' shuts down with some cosmic rays of positivity. A fantastic EP so here's to the next five years.
Review: Beretta Music has long been a breeding ground for new talents emerging on the Detroit scene. It has platformed the likes of now global stars such as Seth Troxler and Ryan Crosson and it carries on that fine tradition here with new music from 313 native John "Zoetic" Briggs. He has already landed on the likes of Atjazz Records and here offers the Spirit World EP, which blends funk, jazz, techno and house. 'This Spirit World' is a vibrant and colourful jumble of Afro drums and percussion with fleshy synth bass. 'Innerspace' brings more worldly melodies and dusty deep house beats and label co-founder Ryan Sadorus remixes 'This Spirit World' into a smooth and dubby cut before 'Para Dice VII' shuts down with a late-night sound imbued with some pensive synth work.
Review: Cult minimal label Cabinet is back with another vital two tracker, this time from Brudan. It kicks off with the glitchy beats and silky, warming, machine soul of 'Time 2 Play' with its silky grooves soon to lock you into a heady vibe. On the flip is the more stripped back 'Music Makers' which is a little more minimal and abstract in its designs but is just as much of a seductive sound that worms its way deep into your brain. Both of these are tasteful tools for discerning selectors.
Review: A captivating mix of deep house that effortlessly moves between groove and soul. The opening track, 'Real Love (Remi Mazet Twist),' sets the stage with its understated percussion and bassline, building a smooth, infectious vibe that pulls you in without overpowering you. But it's 'Speed Garage From Jupiter' that really grabs your attention. It has that heavy, classic speed garage punchidriving, raw, and full of energy, yet still feels current. It's no surprise it's found its way into Ben UFO's sets, where it clicks with the crowd in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The EP closes with 'Ca C'est Ca C'est Sassy,' a track that adds a playful sophistication to the mix, showing Bulwer's versatility and confidence as a producer.
Review: US label Nu Groove and UK veteran Bushwacka! are two names that will forever be synonymous with underground dance music. To have them come together for a fresh new 12" is like catnip for the real house. This faults four tracker kicks off with the dark and menacing, stripped-back house sounds of the title track before 'Dance All Night Long' picks up the pace with some hefty kicks and woodpecker bass lines. 'Sometimes I Feel' is a jazzy one with busy chords and keys and a 90s bassline and 'How To House' shuts down with a more party-starting, playful vibe featuring chunky drums and myriad voices adding some atmosphere.
Review: Byron The Aquarius is a bastion of quality modern house music and the seance volume f this series on Phonogramme can't come soon enough. It finds the keys master and former hip-hop producer doing what he does best - laying down raw, dusty beats with captivating melodies. 'Co$mic Felacio (Freaking92)' stars with low-slung menace, 'Gift Of Gab' is a bright house stomper with smudged and smeared chords and 'Willie Wonkaaa' has a darker, more unsettling edge and squealing synth lead. 'Akirashi' is a nice chilled-out beatdown to close.
Review: We're big fans of Byron The Aquarius here at Juno HQ and it is hard to think why anyone wouldn't be. The master keys man and former hip-hop producer has been turning out a steady and quality stream of deep house deliciousness in recent years and that's what he does again here on US label Toucan Sounds. 'Baddest Behavior' (feat Brandon Markell Holmes) kicks off with chord-laced deep house bliss and a magnificent vocal, 'Freed 4 OG's' (with Coto Loco - feat Rasheeda Ali) is a more lively and percussive jam with more rickety beats and nimble chords and 'I Be Like Dat' brings lovely wet claps and low-key soul to a US garage groove. A series of remixes on the flip seals the deal.
Review: B2 Recordings does house music deeper than most and for its 16th outing, it is Cabin Luv Affair that steps up with a fresh four-tracker. 'Behind Red Curtains' kicks off and is a nice percussive number that is loose and seductive. 'Palmeiras 93' brings some sunshine, as you might expect from a tune with such a name, and the grovers flow freely and with a happy spirit. 'Look I Told You' heads back indoors for some early evening shapeshifting with nice dusty drums and jazzy chords and 'Not Afraid About This' is a nice vocal number with some hooky pads and a classy sense of soul.
Last Night (feat Harriet Brown - MAD vocal mix) (7:11)
Last Night (6:27)
Phone Sexting (5:23)
New Life (5:19)
Review: One-man dance music production line Tom Carruthers - a regular contributor to L.I.E.S and the man behind the admirable Nonstop Rhythm label - makes his bow on Make a Dance's M.A.D imprint. Fittingly, the fast-rising duo kick things off with their take on title track 'Last Night', delivering a vintage-sounding house cut featuring sublime lead vocals from Harriet Brown that sits somewhere between Frankie Knuckles' turn-of-the-90s productions and Larry Heard's late 80s deep house jams. Carruthers' gorgeous instrumental original mix follows. Over on side B, 'Phone Sexting' sees Carruthers blur the boundaries between proto-house and early Chicago jack tracks, while 'New Life' is a picturesque slab of deep techno loveliness.
Review: Beatnik Collective's second release is a nostalgia-soaked trip back to the golden age of tech house, a time when chunky basslines and infectious grooves ruled the dancefloor. This four-track EP is a DJ's dream, packed with weapons-grade cuts that are guaranteed to get the party started. Charleze's 'Spartan Groove' sets the tone, its driving bassline and relentless energy recalling the heyday of labels like Strictly Rhythm and Relief. Robin Graham's 'Que?' adds a touch of playful mischief, its quirky samples and hypnotic rhythms conjuring images of sweaty warehouse raves and euphoric crowds. On the flipside, Rob Pearson's 'Goldfish On Tv' takes a deeper, more atmospheric approach, its lush pads and intricate percussion creating a mesmerising soundscape that's perfect for those hazy after-hours moments. Kerouac's '4 Da Haters' closes out the EP with a raw and energetic groove, its distorted bassline and infectious vocal samples a nod to the golden age of hip-house. All round greatness,
Review: The opening track on this release struts with a rolling bassline that could anchor any dancefloor. Layered atop are sharp, metallic percussive hits, interspersed with an eerie, almost celestial synth line that creeps into focus. The music has a cinematic quality; each moment feels deliberate, as though you're stepping into a tightly woven narrative. There's a tension at play here, too-the kind that builds anticipation without ever snapping into predictability. Instead of delivering straightforward house tropes, this EP leans into shadowy, off-kilter rhythms that refuse to settle, keeping you just slightly on edge. These tracks are about crafting mood and movement, creating space for subtle builds and unexpected breaks. The result feels more like a journey than a destination-a story told through restrained but impactful instrumentation.
Review: There's a different swagger to Chris Stussy's latest release, a tracklist that's as confident as it is infectious. From the opening beat, you're drawn into a pulse that never quite lets up, carrying you through layers of deep bass and slick rhythm. It's clear this is music made for the dancefloor, but there's something else to it i a subtle energy that goes beyond the usual house formula. You can hear the growth in the artist's sound, a new level of clarity, groove, and precision that feels fresh without abandoning its roots.
Review: Cinthie Christl continues her successful partnership with Aus Music, this time giving birth to 'Rave Baby' - a bouncing and gurning (but not bawling) tribute to the skittish, breakbeat-powered hedonism of turn-of-the-90s UK house packed to the rafters with crunchy breaks, stabbing bass, fizzing electronics, gargantuan riffs and all manner of familiar rave-era samples. She reverts to her more familiar garage-house-inspired deep house sound on 'I Warned You Baby', where skippy beats and gorgeous piano riffs dominate the mix, before rounding off the EP with the slightly heavier, fuzzier and more percussive 'What's Poppin', which sounds like a tribute to the rave-era production work of Roger Sanchez and the big-room friendly madness of mid 1990s Junior Vasquez cuts.
Third Son & Baldo - "This Is Your Brain On Music" (5:12)
Review: 'Selected Label Works 11' from Permanent Vacation offers a top-tier selection of deep house gems that span Balearic, leftfield and nostalgic 90s influences. Clint's 'Bliss Science' opens with a classic piano house sound, boosted by a heavy 90s-style techno break, capturing a warm, nostalgic vibe. Aldonna's 'Pisa 97' takes a more melodic techno route, showing off crisp production and a dreamy progression that feels perfectly suited for deep listening. Sam Goku's 'Walking Drums' is tribal and atmospheric, punctuated by a wicked drop that infuses energy into its hypnotic rhythm. Rosa Red's 'Rhapsody', reworked by Known Artist, delivers a futuristic, epic trance sound reminiscent of early 90s rave euphoria. Rounding out the compilation, Third Son & Baldo's 'This Is Your Brain On Music' leans into late-night acid trance and techno, creating a deep, pulsing vibe for darker hours. This compilation is a deep house journey brimming with genre-spanning textures and rich grooves.
Review: Steve Cobby is surely one of Hull's finest musical exports. The musician and producer has mastered many different sounds across the downtempo and electronic spectrum and here he dips his toe into deep house with a new limited 12" on Declasse. 'Hot 4 U' opens up with a gorgeous vocal sample and plenty of reverb on it so it pings around the mix over dubby drums. 'Santa Eularia' is a more jazzy and percussive, stylish sound with a smooth cruising groove for sundown or sun-up magic.
Review: James Cole's 'Lovely Girls' EP is a polished collection of deep house with a touch of minimalism, ideal for those who enjoy a mix of soulful and techy grooves. The title track, 'Lovely Girls', balances deep, rhythmic layers with soulful inflections, while Mike Sharon's remix reimagines it with a dubby, atmospheric twist, emphasising the vocals in a restrained yet impactful way. 'My Sweet 18th' continues the mood with melodic, lush tones that create a warm, immersive feel while Diego Krause's remix gives it an uptempo boost, keeping it grounded in classic house while enhancing its drive. This EP stands out as a tasteful blend of deep and tech house with a range of moods and tempos.
Review: Marc Cotterell's 'Feel The Groove' EP is a vibrant, disco-infused collection that merges classic grooves with modern production. The title track, 'Feel The Groove', is a light, fun disco gem, capturing a funky 70s mood with a fresh UK garage twist and that xylophone magic touch. 'Get It Right' takes the funk further, building up to a filtered disco crescendo that's perfect for late-night floors, oozing with energy and sleek edits. On the flip side, 'My Groove' offers a deeper vibe, giving the EP a well-rounded feel with its rich bassline and smooth production. Finally, 'Work Me' is catchy and playful, bringing a polished sound that keeps the rhythm flowing. Altogether, 'Feel The Groove' is a solid pick for those craving both nostalgic and modern dancefloor moments.
Review: Crackazat's 'In The Sky' EP offers a dynamic blend of jazzy and future house elements, delivering an engaging experience for both the dancefloor and the soul. The title track, 'In The Sky', is an uplifting tune driven by infectious piano breakdowns and jazzy undertones, creating a perfect mood for a carefree night out. It's a track designed to elevate, with its airy vibes and feel-good energy. On Side-2, 'Burnin'' brings a surge of 90s-inspired energy, with a high-octane piano banger that channels classic New York house vibes. The track is a nod to the genre's roots, brimming with nostalgic energy while still feeling fresh and relevant. The closing track, 'Dark', shifts to a deeper, hypnotic groove with rich bass notes and tribal influences. Its deep, pulsing rhythm creates a captivating atmosphere with Crackazat's versatility and range within the deep house spectrum showing brightly. With its compelling mix of energy and soul, this EP is going to be a much needed dancefloor go to.
Review: Cody Currie has long been one of Toy Tonics' most reliable artists. Over the years he's developed a trademark sound that combines his skill as a multi-instrumentalist with a penchant for high-quality house grooves. Currie is on top form on this EP, serving up songs that blend elements of neo-soul and jazz-funk with club-ready house sounds. Check first 'No ice', where bittersweet chords, emotive blue-eyed soul vocals and clipped guitar licks ride a simple drum machine beat and fluid bass guitar, before admiring title track 'Touched', a more upbeat and sub-heavy house workout. Elsewhere, 'Warp Zone' (featuring Ally McMahon) is an all-action slab of boogie-house brilliance set to dominate dancefloors over the winter, while 'Fool' is a fine blend of jazz-funk colour, Andreas and Oscar smoothness and infectious house grooves.
Review: Job De Jong's latest release for PIV Records delivers a four-track exploration of deep, groovy house with a touch of underground flair. 'Move' opens with a driving bassline and crisp percussion, setting the tone for what follows. 'Undercurrent' takes a slightly darker turn, with layered synths and a hypnotic rhythm, while 'Wonky' introduces an experimental edge, pushing the boundaries of the deep house sound. Closing with 'Our Sound,' the EP rounds off with a warm, soulful vibe that's both refined and captivating. Throughout, De Jong showcases a masterful understanding of the genre, crafting a release that'll appeal to house heads and underground enthusiasts alike.
Review: UK legend Dego and killer keys-man Kaidi Tatham have been in a rich vein of form of late, dropping brilliant EPs on Eglo, Sound Signature and Rush Hour (the latter under their 2000Black alias). Here, they return to Eglo with four more slices of warm, rich, soul-flecked fluidity. As with previous outings, much of the material has a laidback jazz-funk feel, particularly "Orbiting Uhara" and the delicious "The Vault Descends" (think bustling bruk rhythms and darting boogie synths). They also offer up some tougher, synth-laden bruk-funk in the shape of "Man Made", while "Black Is Key" sees them unfurl a head-nodding vocal roller.
Review: After years spent serving up tasty, digital-only singles, Polish imprint That's Right Dawg Music finally makes its vinyl bow via a six-track mini-album featuring some of their most-checked catalogue cuts. Demarkus Lewis kicks things off via the carefully crafted disco-house release of 'TGIF', before Federfunk slams down the jazz-sampling peak-time punchiness of 'We Keep It Groovin' and Jazzmik offers up the funky deep house bounce of 'Get Him Outta Here'. Over on the reverse, Oggie B cannily combines mind-mangling electronic stabs, pumping beats and orgasmic vocal samples ('Steady Old Foot'), Makson makes great use of vintage rap and disco guitar samples on the energy-packed house thump of 'Last Man Standing', and Casserta and Jonny C join forces on the bass-heavy garage-house bump of 'Party #1'.
Review: Diffrent makes a powerful entrance with his debut 'My Sound' EP on Bristol's Time Is Now label, building on the success of his summer hit 'A Little Closer,' which had clubs across Europe buzzing in 2024. Here, he dives into the UK's rich foundations of garage, bass and breaks, delivering a weighty yet finely tuned sound that's unmistakably his own. It's the kind of chuggy, speed-garage flavour that's capturing everyone's craving right now. For a debut, 'My Sound' lands with impressive force as each track brings fresh flair and a distinctive character. From the first drop, it's clear Diffrent is carving out a unique spot in modern dance music, positioning him as one to watch.
Review: Whoever is behind the Discotecas series has certainly got access to some seriously good re-edits. As with its predecessors, volume six in the series lands with no info about the identity of the editor (or editors) involved. Whoever it is, they've done a bang-up job - as inspired opener 'Perceptive', a deliciously dubby and spaced-out take on a hybrid electro/proto-house gem from the mid 1980s, proves. The retro-futurist fun continues on 'Kazbah', a fine revision of a brilliantly odd, breakbeat-fuelled Arabic acid record, while flip-side opener 'Bass Instinct' sits somewhere between bleep & breaks and early speed garage. Closing cut 'Ask a Dream' is arguably the best cut of all: a sublime slab of saucer-eyed early deep house of the kind that should probably be listened to as the sun comes up.
Wie Schon Du Bist (feat Armin Teutoburg-weiss & The Dusseldorf Dusterboys) (3:46)
Amor (feat Cesar Lacerda) (3:43)
Review: DJ Koze teams up with Arnim and the Dusseldorf Dusterboys to craft an evocative tribute to East German soul icon Holger Biege. Building around the haunting line "Du hast erzahlt, gelacht / Mir gezeigt, wie schon du bist" from Biege's 1978 classic 'Bleib doch', Koze creates a track rich in both nostalgic warmth and forward-looking soundscapes. This release showcases Koze's unique ear for blending past and present, turning Biege's heartfelt lyrics into a fresh, emotional journey that pays homage to a timeless soul legacy with a truly modern twist.
What Is House Muzik (Ricardo Villalobos What Is dub - Emanuel Satie edit) (7:31)
What Is House Muzik (Jazzuelle Deeper Acid mix) (7:34)
Review: Way back in 1994, while he was riding high with the stomping, raw and druggy Wild Pitch sound, DJ Pierre released 'What is House Muzik?' as Phuture Scope. This clear vinyl reissue from Get Physical celebrates the track's 30th birthday, accompanying the acid house pioneer's original Wild Pitch mix - a typically stretched-out, Sound Factory-ready concoction with raw loops, weighty beats and bass and fizzing synth stabs - with the original spoken word acapella and two later reworks. The most notable of these is Emmanuele Satie's on-point edit of Ricardo Villalobos's epic 2015 dub, which cuts it down to playable length while retaining the Chilean's wonky and out-there mix of barely audible orchestral samples, crunchy beats, weird noises and spoken word snippets. Throw in Jazzuelle's tidy 'deeper acid' mix and you have an essential reissue.
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: Part one of Refuge's new La Decima V/A 12" series hears select tunes from select artists, all of whom have made significant contributions to the label's catalogue over the years. Spanning everything from firmly driven nu-disco to scratch n' sniff garage house to Chi-style stompers, we're more than enthralled by this well-rounded resonator. The best of the bunch has to be Demuir's 'Vibez High', which moves unabashed and stringy, its clawing claps, freeze-locked funk licks and scraping open hats painting a vivid street scene set outside the house.
Klima Project - "Velvet Moon" (Patrice Scott Reshape) (7:48)
Review: Sole Aspect takes us around the world and to the studios of artists based across Madrid, Switzerland, Los Angeles and Detroit on The Mystic Embrace EP. Opening it up is Ernes Joey & Robbin Hauz with 'U Should Know' (feat Shea Doll - Age Of Rage remix) which is a version by Dubbyman alongside Dan Piu with some delightfully jazzy keeps, seductive deep house drums and aching vocals full of heart. The original is a stripped-back sound with less melodic luxuriousness but the still superb vocal front and centre. Dubbyman then mixes Klima Project's 'Sweetback' into a mid-tempo, cuddly back room deep house sound and Patrice Scott Reshapes it with some crystal-cut synth lines that bring cosmic charm.
Review: Given that he's already released music on Numbers, Diynamic, Bosconi Music and Peggy Gou's Gudu imprint, it would be safe to say that Dukwa (real name Marco D'Aquino) is an established and successful producer. It's little surprise, then, to find him popping up on Bristol's wildly popular Shall Not Fade label. He begins in confident mood with 'Searching For a Match', where exotic female vocal samples and cybernetic synth sounds ride a bouncy and energetic house groove, before opting for loved-up chords, squelchy bass and loose-limbed beats on the ultra-positive 'For You'. The Italian's love of bold piano riffs and life-affirming moments comes to the fore on 'Talk To Me', a chunky and bass-heavy slab of peak-time excellence, while 'Chameleon' sits somewhere between vintage Isolee releases and revivalist Italo-house.
Review: Habitat Recordings out of Germany continues with its vinyl series and now clocks up a ninth outing that is well worth the attention of those who like their house sounds emotionally wrought and dramatic. Dyzen is behind this one which comes with one single and one remix. 'Try' is the A-side cut and it's a sweeping and progressive sound with subtle trance chords adding a sense of euphoria next to sweeping pads and a catchy pop vocal hook that will take dancers to the next level. Mano Le Tough brings his classy touch to a remix, pairing things back slightly and making it into a dubbed out deep house anthem for hands in the air moments.
Review: Tom Ellis' Grounded EP seamlessly blends minimal house with soulful elements and a touch of tech, creating a collection of tracks that are sure to energise the dancefloor. Released on the Onysia label, this EP highlights Ellis's ability to craft sophisticated, danceable grooves. Side-1 opens with 'Moving Target,' a track that exudes classy deep house vibes, setting a refined yet rhythmic tone. Following this, 'Grounded' introduces intricate minimal sounds, showcasing Ellis's knack for subtle yet engaging production. On Side-2, 'Next Year' delves into a deeper minimal groove with tech influences, delivering a sick, immersive listening experience. The EP closes with 'Process Trust,' a soothing and peaceful track that incorporates minimal and glitch elements, offering a serene conclusion to the collection.
Review: Tom Ellis has always worked away in his own little world, crafting immersive electronic music with lush synths, plenty of his own pensive piano playing and a blend of influences from deep house to minimal. His next outing is on the Onysia label and showcases his deft touch across four jams, starting with the jazzy minimal dancer that is 'Moving Target'. 'Grounded' has more propulsive drums but still a lightness of touch that makes it arty and heady then 'Next Year' and 'Process Trust' shut down with cosmic twists.
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