Review: A Vision of Panorama and Star Creature continue their successful collaboration with another lovely 12" for lovers of classic house. Following the sold-out Fusion To Illusion LP, this new offering blends deep beats with hints of boogie and r&b in a fine showcase of the duo's signature sound, which is effortlessly cool, timeless, and trend-defying. Featuring vocal contributions from Sykes and Stacie G, the A-side delivers smooth, loungey vibes and includes the 12" version of 'Purple' which has been previously available only as a 7". The A-side also includes the instrumental track 'Ear Dreamin',' while the flip focuses entirely on instrumentals and brings a futuristic yet nostalgic edge.
Review: Anatolian Weapons has always brought intriguing influence to techno. His exploration of rhythm and texture is central to what he does and once more here he takes us on a winding journey through slow down techno and mind altering synths. There is a new age charm to the synths of 'Desert Sun' while the drums chug below. 'The Desert Track II' is a snaking techno sound with creepy sci-fi melodies and twitchy pads off in the distance and 'Ivan's Track' kees it celestial with more otherworldly melodies and rugged mid tempo drums. Two further unhurried sounds make a great mix of airy melody and metallic drum forms.
Review: Anatolian Weapons' 'Beyond' EP delivers six tracks that expertly blend vintage techno with a futuristic edge, reminiscent of a sci-fi film soundtrack. Opening with 'Just Dance,' the EP hooks listeners with an addictive groove and a techy, 90s vibe that sets the tone. 'All The Bones' dives into progressive house territory, offering lush, evolving soundscapes. 'Ego Naked' stands out as a fusion of EBM and darker techno, injecting an intense, moody atmosphere. 'Reality Check' plays with an 80s aesthetic, striking a balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking production. 'Acid Grind' slows the pace with a deliberate acid chugger, featuring a liquid acid line that oozes depth and intention. Closing out with 'STR,' the EP peaks with a powerful, sci-fi-influenced track that feels otherworldly, pushing the boundaries of techno. Throughout Beyond EP, Anatolian Weapons navigates through various electronic styles while maintaining a cohesive, futuristic vision, making it a compelling addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.
A Soft Mist Production - "Upside Down Rainbows" (5:01)
Dr Sud - "Zaffiro" (Jazz cut) (3:59)
DatSIM - "Influx" (4:40)
The Rabbit Hole - "Tail Groove" (4:27)
Review: No matter your particular preference in the deep house world, this various artists' outing from Q1E2 Recordings is sure to have something for you. Mike Riveria & Marco Ohboy, for example, tap into an early sound on 'Euphoria' with its big, brash piano stabs and whistles, while A Soft Mist Production keeps it all cuddly and deep with languid chords draped over gentle drums on 'Upside Down Rainbows.' DatSIM brings in some space-tech vibes for a deft rhythm and neon infused sound on 'Influx' and The Rabbit Hole's 'Tail Groove' has a mad double bass sound jumping about beneath frantic jungle breaks.
Review: Balam's new single 'Caravana Planetaria' has already been widely tested on dance floors across the world and has reportedly never failed to make a mark. First up on the 12" is 'Caravana Planetaria' (club mix) which rides on raw drums with slapping hits and has darkened vocal loops adding the character next to spangled pads. 'Caravana Planetaria' (Guitar mix) brings more freaky energy and tense textures for the dark, later nights in the club and 'Caravana Planetaria' (Guitar instrumental) then closes out with an extra edgy sense of uneasy melody.
Review: This compilation captures the essence of the Balearic sound, offering a sun-drenched journey through diverse electronic styles. 'Stay Cool (& Less Horny)' sets the tone with its laid-back groove and infectious melodies, while 'Ketkeys' adds a touch of psychedelic flair with its swirling synths and hypnotic rhythms. On the flipside, 'Chug Love' delivers a dose of feel-good energy, its pulsating bassline and uplifting chords guaranteed to get bodies moving. 'Tiny Nancer' closes out the compilation with a dreamy atmosphere, its ethereal textures and Balearic-infused melodies creating a sense of blissful escapism. This is a must-have for those seeking a sonic escape to sun-kissed shores and blissed-out vibes.
Review: Much loved Michigan techno and ambient virtuoso John Beltran wraps up the so far so excellent Back to Bahia 7 series with the a final volume that proves to be the most dancefloor focussed offering yet. Leading with 'O Patio,' Beltran shows his class with a blend of jazz-funk and MPB that comes with a rather sunny Ibiza-inspired twist while echoing the vibes of Latin greats like Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti. On the flip side, 'Belle Isle' is a perfect party anthem for those outdoor sessions - think beach gatherings or cookouts and you won't go wrong. This has been a brilliant series and while it's a shame it's over, this is a fitting way to end it.
Review: Celebrated composer, producer, techno talent and ambient craftsman John Beltran is a real Detroit don and now he is back on one of the city's own labels, Motor City Wine, with Volume 4 of Back To Bahia on 7". This one finds him going even deeper than before, starting with 'Laguna', which will soon uplift you with its Afro-Brazilian drums and live bass from James Simonson next to lush keys. 'Just Beyond The Sun' then gets fully Balearic with its mix of sultry trumpet, shuffling and Latin-tinged rhythms and wispy cosmic chords. A real delight.
Review: French producer Antoine Bourachot returns with his third release, delivering a trio of original tracks that blend his sharp ear for melody with a clear affection for groove-driven pop and club sounds. The warm, percussive edge of his productions hint at late-night sets and sunlit afterhours, bringing a jaunty mutant disco. Myd, Diogo Strausz and Art of Tones each offer their own take on the material, turning in remixes that stretch from laid-back funk touches to punchier zoomings into the floor. Bourachot's ability to sit comfortably between radio-friendly hooks and crate-digging sensibility makes this a record with plenty of replay value, balancing polish and playfulness in equal measure.
Review: IRMA has assembled a trio of top remixers here to add their own spin to some fine originals from Bright Magnus. Up first is the LTJ Xperience remix of 'Jungle Corner' and it is a low slung and steamy funk number with loose shakes of a tambourine and languid bass riffs drawing you in. 'Selim/Miles' (DJ Rocca 606 remix) is a blend of smeared synths and woozy guitar riffs over more lush downtempo beats that make it perfect for the midnight hours. Last but not least is 'A Way' (DJ Rocca Black Satin remix) which is a more psychedelic sound thanks to the drawn-out synth percolations that stretch through the mix.
Review: Broken Keys is a multi-talented musician and producer based in Los Angeles. His cut 'Assorted Colors' has become a real underground house classic that now lands on wax for the first time as a special extended 12" remix that really locks you into the languid grooves. The legendary Galcher Lustwerk steps up to add his own distinctive take on the original and infuses it with a techy yet atmospheric groove. Broken Keys explores a different facet of his sound with three distinct cuts on the flip that range from blunted beats and sun-kissed Balearic to chilled-out future soul. They make for a diverse package perfect for the after-club or Sunday morning listening.
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.
Shining Of Life Flutemental (unreleased version) (11:01)
Shining Of Life Flutemental (Lambros Jahmans remix) (5:15)
UNDUB (Space Ritual dub) (10:40)
Shining Of Life Flutemental (Space Ritual dub) (11:15)
Review: Some 20 years ago, Japanese producer donned the K.F alias (the initials of his given name, Kiyotaka Fukagawa) and delivered the astonishingly good 'Shining of Life', a sun-soaked Balearic house treat shot through with Japanese nu-jazz musicality, gospel-influenced vocals and expansive, life-affirming piano solos. This EP offers up previously unheard 'Shining of Light Flutemental' takes. Calm's own 'unreleased mix' retains some of the key elements of the 2004 original while adding morning-fresh flute solos and starry sounds seemingly inspired by Detroit techno. The 'Lambros Jahmans Sunset Mix' is a dreamy and immersive interpretation underpinned by an Afro-house style beat, while the 'Space Ritual Dub' is an almost entirely beat-free soundscape. On 'Undub (Space Ritual Dub)', the same producer wraps echoing flute and piano motifs around a tactile, hand percussion-driven rhythm track.
Charlotte & Reinhard for WeCanDance - "To Be Free Again" (extended) (5:10)
Ollie Loudon - "LMT" (extended) (6:21)
Lily Ko - "Pure Rubber" (5:58)
Biancolato - "Resolution" (edit) (5:46)
Review: We're promised Mellow Magic and that's precisely what we get, across four tracks emerging from disparate corners of the globe but united in a common mission to provide beats that work on the more relaxed end of the dancefloor. Belgian duo Charlotte & Reinhard of Rheinzand fame kick things off with a slow motion Balearic version of a well known 80s MOR classic. Ollie Loudon's 'L.M.T.' finally makes it to vinyl after long being a secret weapon in Gratts' DJ sets, where handclaps and languid strumming meet a gentle but infectious groove. Flip it over for the more tracky affairs, as Japan's Lily Ko makes an impressive debut with 'Pure Rubber', an original mix of disco foundations and always snazzy but never showy 80s synth play. Melbourne's Biancolato finishes things off with understated deep house shuffling that adds just a touch jazzy keys and dreamy, wispy pads.
The Mechanical Man - "Uncle Swing" (feat Bob Vito) (4:31)
DJ Rocca - "The Box Above" (6:03)
Lex & Locke - "Soul Escape" (6:56)
Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.
Peter Seiler - "Timebend" (feat Sheryl Hackett) (4:32)
Eoism - "Ultraverse" (5:00)
Voertuig - "Cego" (5:19)
Voertuig - "808 Ambient Jazz" (3:45)
Eoism - "Even Flow" (5:45)
Review: Colkin from Raw Soul and Mauke Club sets the tone on this new FUTUR compilation, which has been curated by Benedikt Meger with a spherical acid house meditation. Peter Seiler's track, a standout from the reissue of his debut album Flying Frames, features Sheryl Hackett's soulful vocals and merges song structure with jazz improvisation. Eoism from Pulse Drift, Undersound, and Inch By Inch delivers low-swung electro flavours perfect for sunset vibes while the B-side opens with Voertuig of Tonal Oceans and Cobra Club who presents a seriously raw acid jam followed by an experimental, jazzy piece, reminiscent of the 90s downtempo era. 'Eoism' closes things with a floating, futuristic banger, going to make a well rounded (in more ways than one) and ultimately very useful piece of vinyl.
Review: This 12", a third release from the freshly minted (and relatively mysterious) Private Post imprint, arrives with little or no information about either the EP or the artist behind it, Conny. We think (though it has not been confirmed) that it's the same Conny who put out a fine EP on Krystal Klear's Cold Tonic imprint back in 2018. Either way, opener 'Bongo Groove' is attractive, undulating and dancefloor-ready in equal measure, with heady hand percussion, layered drums, marimba melodies and new age bells rising above a deep, warming bassline and metronomic kick-drums. On side B, he delivers a genuinely revolutionary rework of Steve Reich's American minimalism classic 'Music For 18 Musicians', wrapping elements of that outstanding piece around lo-fi, slow-motion hip-hop beats and trippy electronics.
Review: JIN09 marks a significant step forward for Cosmo, one of Seoul's most dynamic DJs and producers. Since her debut in 2017, she's become a fixture in the city's vibrant club scene, holding residencies at BBCB: Beton Brut + Concrete Bar. On her first solo EP for the Jin Records label, Cosmo weaves a dreamy, ethereal sound that taps into the traditions of house and balearic music. The A-side opens with lush, flowing melodies that gently chug along, creating an atmosphere that feels both expansive and intimate. These tracks, with their atmospheric textures and hypnotic rhythms, encapsulate a sense of cosmic journeying. On the flip, Cosmo delves into grittier, more tech-focused territory. Here, the beats take on a harder edge, with driving rhythms and a rawness that pushes the energy forward. While maintaining the ethereal quality that runs throughout the EP, the B-side brings a sense of tension and release that's sure to resonate on dancefloors. With this release, Cosmo demonstrates her versatility, effortlessly blending contrasting styles while retaining a cohesive, signature sound. It's a confident, forward-thinking EP from a rising star, and one that signals even more exciting things to come from this talented producer.
Review: Athens-based label Ethos is looking to build on the good start it made with its first two outings with a third raw and direct EP. DimDJ is a legend in Greece and has been since the 90s when he first began making his mark. His sound is not all about nostalgia though - he opens his Welcome To This World EP with 'This Little Face' which is a deep house reverie with painterly pads smeared over dusty drums. Nice analogue textures make it all the more lived in and a Beatless version strips away everything but the suspensory synths. 'Welcome To This World is another lo-fi and crackly deep house meditation and 'Hyper Tonic' flips the script with some undulating acid lines, more light synth work and hissing hi-hats.
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.
Ke Nako (feat Sereetsi & The Natives - Kid Fonque Refix) (9:50)
Ke Nako (feat Sereetsi & The Natives - Ntokzin remix) (7:40)
Review: Brownswood Recordings proudly launches a new 12" series, The Remix Editions, highlighting remixes and reworkings from their rich back catalogue. Known for their dancefloor roots, Brownswood emphasizes extended versions and remixes, cut loud for extra bass-weight for club subwoofers. Each release will be on 45 and limited to 500 units, making them highly collectible. The inaugural release features two reworkings of South African pianist Bokani Dyer's 'Ke Nako' (feat. Sereetsi and The Natives). Side-1 showcases Kid Fonque's hypnotic house refix, stretching 'Ke Nako' into a 10-minute cosmic dance journey. This remix skillfully blends South African electronic sounds with the nation's jazz underground. On the flip side, Ntokzin, a key figure in Amapiano, reimagines 'Ke Nako' with soulful chords, soaring vocals, propulsive percussion, and thick, wriggly bass lines. His remix creates a dynamic tension and release, crafting a perfect summer dancefloor banger. This series not only celebrates exciting contemporary producers but also resurrects forgotten club gems.
Review: Andy Meecham has released a lot of fine music as The Emperor Machine, but little as perfect as his recent album, Island Boogie. Here a trio of cuts from that set are given the remix treatment. Hardway Brothers (AKA A Love From Outer Space co-founder Sean Johnston) will grab the headlines for his takes on 'Wanna Pop With You', and rightly so. His 'remix' (A2) cannily combines elements of Meecham's original - synth, bass, bits of Severtine Mouletin's vocal - with oodles of hallucinatory sounds, psychedelic guitars and a tough mid-tempo beat, while the 'Dub' strips things back further whilst upping the trippy vibe. Elsewhere, Tigerbalm delivers a rework of 'La Cassette' that sits somewhere between dub disco and proto-house, and Meecham provides a skeletal, dub-wise 'Version' of his fine La Fox cover, 'S-S-S-Single Bed'.
Review: A double A-side featuring 'RESIST!' and 'I Keep on Making the Same Mistake', Ghost Assembly's latest offering is less a release and more a protest on wax. Abigail Ward, the force behind Ghost Assembly, has crafted two distinct yet complementary tracks that pulse with raw energy and emotional depth. 'RESIST!' (Extended 12" Mix) is a primal scream against the injustices of the world. This 111bpm acid track is a visceral call to arms, primed for ALFOS and Optimo crowds. Think of it as a sonic Molotov cocktail: squelching 303s intertwine with a driving 707 beat, while unexpected bursts of Arabic melody add an intriguing layer of texture. It's like DJ Pierre jamming with Omar Souleyman in a Berlin basement. A fragmented vocal sample adds to the urgency, culminating in an icy string coda. The 'Utter Kunt Mix' of 'RESIST!' takes a detour into dub territory. It's a stripped-down, bass-heavy reimagining that draws inspiration from Sleng Teng rhythms. It's a hypnotic, almost meditative experience, where echoes of the Mission Impossible theme collide with the playful energy of Les Negresses Vertes and the raw sampling aesthetic of 'Duck Rock'. It's unexpected, yet strangely compelling. 'I Keep on Making the Same Mistake' (120bpm), on the other hand, explores the darker recesses of the human heart. It's a cinematic journey through heartbreak and regret. A glacial breakbeat provides the backdrop for a mournful bassline that tugs at the heartstrings. Hazel Grove's haunting vocals are fragmented and distorted, adding to the sense of unease, before being consumed by a wave of melancholic strings. A fleeting French voiceover adds a final touch of poignancy. The release concludes with a stripped-back string-a-pella version, a haunting reminder of the track's emotional core.
Review: Belgian DJ and producer Gratts have joined forces with London-based vocalist Mr. Beale to follow up on to success of their well-received 'Sun Circles' release last year. Here, on the sublime 'Submerge Me', they are in fine form once more with a brooding sound that features the uniquely mesmerising mantras of Beale and plenty of raw, compelling and percussive grooves that full lock you in and get you going. Versatile Records' own Gilb'r then steps up on the flip and manages to take things even deeper with some fine liquid dub excursions to complete a top 7"
Review: Belgian-born producer Gratts and pioneering Chicago vocalist Robert Owens first collaborated on 'Brighter Future' back in 2021 after meeting in the streets of Kreuzberg years before. The pair now join forces again for follow up 'Today', a powerful and emotive, 90s inspired deep house cut with layered backings and Owens' lilting affirmations soaring above. The extended club version takes you straight to house music's ecstatic heydays, while the twelve also includes an acapella tool for those singalong moments. On the flip, Mark Hand's slower, soulful rendition takes things into sideroom territory. Finally, 'Mount Olympus', home to the Greek deities, fuses a rattling drum machine, arpeggiated synth lines and a potent analogue bassline - with added bonus beats to bang the box and get weird!
Review: After a decade-long break, Herbert returns with 'Part 9', a continuation of his influential Parts series that has been a cornerstone of leftfield house music since Part One debuted nearly 30 years ago. This release marks the beginning of a renewed focus on Herbert's innovative sound, with 'Part 10' scheduled for later this year and a new album expected early next year. Part 9 introduces collaborations with Momoko Gill, known for her work with artists like Tirzah and Coby Sey. The EP kicks off with 'Fallen,' where Gill's vocals meld with Herbert's minimalist, 90s-inspired production, creating a track that's both haunting and deeply rhythmic. 'Find Me' strips things down with an instrumental that showcases Herbert's skill in blending subtle grooves with engaging beats. The release closes with 'Curt,' a track that feels like a nod to Herbert's roots, fusing minimal elements with house vibes that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Review: Will Hofbauer and Igaxx collaboratively expand the all-too-easily received palettes of electro, techno, garage all in between, and even more yonder, proving to us that the boundary edges of each genre may be blurred without worry. Sharing three groove-bays each on this latest 12", Hofbauer indulges an across-the-pond sojourn, guesting on Japan's Ladybug label, which is managed by the also eminent Igaxx, who occupies the B with equal grip. Hofbauer's 'Cricket', 'Clod' and 'Cocodrilo' bring three endocrine C's to a singly sanguine side, echoing a Hessle Audio-esque experimental dance sensibility while secreting all manner of vital sonic fluids from his ears unto ours; the last track is especially alarming; cursedly toothy, its growly lead zombifying the elsewise rapid mix by way of an enthralled grunt. Igaxx's contributions are relatively supportive and yet mad, moving from the squelches and pipey ascensions of '4 5 SL Trip' to the parabreaks flows of 'Liquefy' and the sloshing cosmo-funk astro-vista that is 'Ray In Space'.
Review: Kaoru Inoue's latest EP continues the journey of his acclaimed long player Dedicated to the Island, which was recently released for Record Store Day 2024. This six-track sequel features a series of self-reworked tracks from the LP, a first-time vinyl release and previously unreleased material as well as a remix by Argentina's SidiRum, who is a leading tastemaker in the tribal and slower house scenes. True to its title, the EP emphasises enhanced rhythmic elements and delivers a blend of organic, left-field electronic sounds. Inoue's talent for crafting atmospheric, innovative sounds will only improve with this superb 12".
Review: Intrallazzi and Dario Piana have been friends and Milanese scene contemporaries since 1981, when they both fell in love with the distinctive Afro-Cosmic sound of local DJ (and later Piana collaborator) Daniel Baldelli. Since then, they have both made records aplenty under a variety of aliases, but this EP on Leng marks their first joint release. The headline attraction is opener (and lead cut) 'Out of Control', a dubbed-out cosmic disco chugger propelled by echo-laden percussion and a deep, low-slung bassline, smothered in psychedelic synth and guitar sounds. Fellow Italian producer LTJ Experience remixes, offering up a stripped-back and acid-flecked interpretation. Elsewhere, 'Lazise' is a TB-303-sporting cosmic shuffler and 'Saocraffen' is a Baldelli-influenced fusion of Afro-cosmic funk and ethereal Balearic sounds.
Review: Ruvenzori makes the move to vinyl with four artists breaking new ground in the field of organic, spiritual house music. There's a Balearic tint to these harmonious jams, which melt into each other like one extended blend for the terraza of your dreams. 'Uluwatu' features Stan Tone and Izhevski collaborating on a swirling masterpiece with the steady tick of minimal tech house as an undercurrent for ascendant chimes, fluttering guitar licks and vocal murmurations. On 'Ayomi' Talemates joins the pair as they match emotive piano chords with sampled vocal loops, capturing an endearing, eyes-closed vibe in the process.
Review: Neptune Discs specialise in progressive downbeat, upbeat and acid convections, and as a label theme themselves after forgotten marine kingdoms. Though Poseidon has thrusted his trident at us here, there's actually a fourth track/prong on this tenth edition in the Dutch label's V/A catalogue, adding extra implosive impact to an already power-packed depth charge. Standouts here, in our estimation, have to be the faster currents of the bunch, taking shape as Tifra's 'Headspace' - whose breath-of-life melodic sequencings and CPAP pads allow us mammals a moment to come up for air - and DJ Life's 'Carapax' - whose gnatty lead buzz is like a desiccant for contaminant waters.
A Reference To E2-E4 By Manuel Gottsching (Mad Professor Qantas Crazy remix) (11:52)
Review: 'E2-E4' is of course a legendary bit of music written by a legendary composer. Here, Alex Kassian serves up his own extension version of it and takes us on a 12-minute electronic trip that will be perfect for the more adventurous DJs and dancers out there - not least in Ibiza this summer. Next to the escapist original is a flipside remix from the one and Mad Professor. He heads out on his own with plenty of mind-melting effects, dubby undercurrents and mesmeric leads that encourage minds to wander. A real pearler for the hotter months and beyond.
Review: Ben La Desh shows off his elegant take on deep house on the Dirt Crew label here with five well appointed tunes. 'Heel Goed' has loopy, subtle broken beat loops taking you on a trip through the cosmos next to swirling pads and daubs of colour. 'Lift Adrift' is a gorgeous tune laced with ambient beauty and 'Fine Rise' is warm, comforting and inviting. The drums are paced and the pads are spaced out. There is some meticulous drum programming to 'Asanti' that again heads off up amongst the stars and 'Expanding Signal is a perfect back room sound for cosy and intimate dancefloors.
Review: Laars taps into the rich nostalgia of the mid-90s with a release that will resonate with anyone who longs for the early days of trance and progressive house. Side-1 kicks off with 'Breath Control,' a track that could easily have been spun by Sasha in his heyday. It starts with progressive house rhythms and a subtle breakbeat before edging towards trance, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. 'What If You Fly?' follows, channeling the early 90s progressive house vibe, reminiscent of the sound championed by labels like Guerilla Records. It's a mid-tempo journey that captures the essence of that era. On Side-2, 'Concur' ups the tempo slightly, with a sound that harks back to 1994-1995 when trance began to blend Goa and analog psy elements. This track brings memories rushing back. Finally, 'Delight' closes things out with a more chilled, spacey vibe, perfect for winding down. A true homage to the golden age of progressive house and trance.
Lex, Dennis Liber, Rosa - "Una Sera D'Estate" (feat Max Giovara) (7:02)
Lex, Dennis Liber - "End Of The Line" (5:56)
Dennis Liber - "Playa Eden" (feat Sariela Camargo) (8:32)
Dennis Liber - "Hidden Island" (feat Ricardo Benitez) (4:17)
Review: Rocksteady Disco welcomes Dennis Liber & Lex for a standout debut here. Their four-tracker captures the magic of musical nights spent down in Mexican hotspot Tulum with organic and airy grooves aplenty. 'Una Sera D'Estate' (feat Max Giovara) exodus late-night warmth and loved-up vibes with its melodic bassline and disco-tinged house drums. 'End Of The Line' is more lively but is no less direct with its big drums and pointed bass phrasings. Liber then goes solo for the dreamy, Italo-tinged yet tropical 'Playa Eden' and wonderfully escapist closer 'Hidden Island' complete with Balearic beats and the sound of singing dolphins.
Review: An elegant fusion of deep house, jazz-funk and disco all showcasing the Japanese house producer's refined touch. Side-1's 'Sei-Un' is a sophisticated blend of jazzy piano melodies, funky undertones and soulful house grooves, creating a warm and inviting soundscape perfect for late-night sessions. The track's seamless integration of jazz elements with modern production highlights Loftsoul's craftsmanship. On Side-2, 'Brilliant Funk' lives up to its name with dynamic grooves and an infectious vocal presence that channels the vibrant energy of early 80s funk. Its polished arrangement and nostalgic vibe make it a great dancefloor cut. Together, these two tracks for a vibrant mix of funk, house and jazz music.
Review: Lumberjacks in Hell reunites with LYMA for a new release featuring two tracks which are both rooted in a decade-old origin story. Initially conceived years ago, these songs were revisited and reimagined by LYMA who incorporated the skills and experiences gained over the past ten years. They explore themes of heartbreak and unreciprocated love and 'Mist (Mistified)' carries a Jai Paul-inspired swagger while 'The Fool Ain't Me' delivers a left-field indie disco groove. The release also includes two remixes by Ray Mang, which are typically refined.
Review: Jenifa Mayanja is a favourite amongst true deep house heads. Her work is smoky, jazzy, and emotive, and has come on labels like Underground Quality before now. Here she arrives on the sixth EP from fledgling but already cultured label Sole Aspect and shows off her sophisticated sound once more. 'Rise To The Top' is full of elegant harmonies and jazz melodies that dance on pulsing rhythms, 'Like A Dream' brings spiritual vocals to bold chords and dusty drums while 'Our World' has piano lines floating high over the languid drums and bass. 'Rose Colored Glasses' has fresh melodies and challenging synths that defy usual genre norms and bring all new ideas to deep house. This is music that elevates mind, body and soul.
Review: Forest Jams takes us further into the unknown with Mori Ra's Mantra, an EP of four cosmic edits for curious minds and forest wanderers. Osaka-based DJ Mori Ra is known for blending Balearic, cosmic and electronic disco and has graced labels like Rotating Souls and Macadam Mambo. In Mantra, he becomes a mystic guide offering sonic parables hidden in four tracks, including 'Catharsis', which launches us into a digital odyssey and 'Seinn O!' exploring communication through atmospheric chants, while the Japanese titles on the flip captures the dystopian bustle of a simulated city and brings reflection in the form of a timeless tunnel of discovery. Wonderful.
Review: First released way back in 1991, minus a title (that appeared when it was reissued the following year), Mr Monday's 'Daybreak' has long been considered a Balearic classic by those of a certain vintage. Genuinely sunset and sunrise-ready, the original mix is a warming, tactile and pitched down treat full of slow-motion acid house bass, kaleidoscopic chords, spacey synth sounds and sparkling piano motifs - all rising above a languid beat that's perfect for wearing early morning shuffling and seated early evening head-nodding. This Thank You reissues also boasts two previously unheard versions: a deliciously dubbed-out, delay and reverb-laden 'Bonus Beat' take, and a near 10-minute 'bonus dub prayer', full of whispered female vocals, stretched-out grooves and dub-flecked percussion breaks. A genuine must-have!
Odopt - "11000 Versions Of A Simple Track" (Berlin mix) (5:37)
Remotif - "HAJKSD15" (6:39)
N Tropic - "One Night Stand" (Full Circle & Kris Baha remix) (7:45)
53X - "Simulaatio" (5:38)
Review: Avidya is back with a third EP to build on the head-turning success of the first two and it is another trip to the outer edges of the dancefloor. Odopt from Born Free and 777 Recordings kicks off with a snappy cut that is deceptively simple but devastatingly effective with its gurgling and acidic bass. Remotif is a fast-rising talent who impresses with the heavy techno sludge of 'HAJKSD15' and Full Circle aka Alexis Le Tan and Joakim link with Kris Baha to offer a remix that is all twitchy electrons, busted drum loops and fizzing pads before 53X's 'Simulaatio' is another brilliantly loose jumbled of wiry electronics, sci-fi effects and techno chug for a fantastic closing beatdown.
Review: Motor City great Omar S is not just a don when it comes to programming drums and laying down his irresistible synth lines and heart aching melodies. He can also play a wide array of instruments, and in fact does just that here as he plays all instruments played you can hear across all three cuts of this new one on his FXHE label. Things kick off with the wonderful 'Featuring Omar S (instrumental)' and then 'Sayoungaty Nig' is a hazy, lo-fi ambient sound with occasional synth smears and a barely-there rhythm implied by the odd kick drum sound. 'Featuring Omar S' is a signature deep house joint with bristling metal hi-hats, rickety drums and edgy drones that keep you on edge as more soulful chords rise up through the mix.
Review: Osmose's Deep & Dub EP on Smokecloud delivers a diverse selection of deep house tracks with a unique flair. Side-1 opens with 'Mystic House,' which blends a vintage 70s sound with a loose rhythm section and smooth organ feel, creating a delightful, jazz-infused atmosphere. 'Afternoon DUB' follows, reimagining the late 70s classic 'Afternoon Delight' into a dub version that adds a fresh, rhythmic twist. 'GSK (Guitar Sax Keys)' fuses jazz, funk, and house, showing a seamless blend of genres that keeps the groove dynamic and engaging. Closing the EP, 'Live Magic' is a late-night, atmospheric groove that's both soft and sexy, perfect for winding down. Overall, the Deep & Dub EP is a journey back in time with each track offering a distinct and enjoyable experience rich in 70s inspired nightlife.
Review: Since 2013, Brighton & Barcelona duo Payfone have been crafting atmospheric, mid-tempo grooves on respected labels like Golf Channel, Leng and Defected. Their latest track keeps up their quality levels as a synth-driven, drum-machine-powered journey featuring deep Moog bass and striking vocals. On the flip, San Francisco trio 40 Thieves aka Corey Black, Layne Fox and Jay Williams provide a remix that is patient, slow-burning and underpinned by an undulating acid line. It's a moody, sultry production that continues Payfone's knack for sophistication and late-night allure.
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