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: Acusmouse and Ab Show's collaboration on Line Conductor offers a deep dive into the intricacies of minimal and tech house. While grounded in familiar rhythms, the EP brings forward an unpredictable flow, with each track layering textures that evolve with each listen. Acusmouse's 'Topass' anchors the release, its unyielding pulse driven by a hypnotic bassline, allowing the surrounding elements to form fluid, almost organic movements. Ab Show's side introduces a more cerebral take, with 'Subminimal Message' building tension through sparse percussion and unsettling atmospherics. Together, the two push the boundaries of the genre, never fully conforming but always offering something compelling, fresh, and deeply engaging.
Review: French electro house hurl-your-wayers DiskCard are a new, one-off label verging on guerrilla art operation. Their new EP from producer Alich is a cogent musing on the new age of cashlessness and so-called "dematerialisation" (a misleading term, since what we experience as end users of the "cloud" is only the endpoint of an actual huge increase in operating hardware across the board). Even so, it's almost unheard of to hear an EP inspired by the fiscal realities and precarities of the modern world, but here you have it: this 12" electro record doubles up as an (unfortunately unusable) bank card, and themes itself entirely after the anxious state of depersonalised fiscal hyper-convenience we find ourselves in today. The motto is, "for the music that matters, there is DiskCard": and, whether the label mean this explicitly or not, the fetishism of vinyl as a tradeable asset - in the "vault" of every small collector - has telling corollaries with today's largely privatised cashless money system. An ironically slippy verve thus suffuses the EP, with 'Automated Funk Machine' and 'Credit Limit Exceeded' giving banana-split sound design and funhouse electro moods, all informed by the producer's use of small synths and pocket drum devices, and akin to the irreverent ease with which we might part with our money nowadays. Speaking of...
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.
Review: There's something unavoidably magnetic about the intersection between ambition and self-awareness and this release, by Charonne, Nemo Vachez, Umberto and T Oceans, knows exactly how to tap into that tension. With each track, there's an undeniable undercurrent of both vulnerability and swaggeriproducers twisting minimal beats into something far deeper, dragging you through shadows with a mix of melancholy and movement. You feel the weight of their collective sound but also their defiant lightness, straddling the line between introspective and dancefloor-driven music. It's a textured, driving release with an ever-present air of mystery.
Review: This new one on mysterious UK label MoonVoid Records serves up a trio of previously unreleased tracks that were originally recorded in the early 90s on tape cassette by Benjamin Wetherill under the Amethyst Moon alias. Apparently this EP is the first of a few, which is great news once you hear them. 'Lifestheme' is a crunchy and wiry electronic workout with fizzing synths and dense beats. 'Human At The Controls' brings slower rhythms and snaking synths and hissing hits while 'False Alarm (Look Over Your Shoulder)' spins you out in silky cosmic synths and snappy metallic snares.
Review: Friendsome Records and Ams how up for a fourth time here with a new EP that is a perfect blend of sunshine and otherworldly atmospheres. Inspired by nature, to which Ams is reportedly deeply connected, and influenced by progressive house and trippy electronic music, this 12" showcases her true style and might be her best work yet with proggy vibes, old-school UK tech-house influences and dynamic rhythms. 'Bol B' is a fine start with chunky drums and lush layers of synth, 'Control Freak' is a psychedelic wonder and 'Clair De Lune' brings blissed-out ambience before the stunning melodies of closer 'Sunrises'.
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: Pressure Traxx secures the sounds of acclaimed minimal master and Romanian mainstay Dan Andrei on this fine new 12", Clockworks. The title track opens up and is coarse and rich in texture, with slapping hits taking centre stage while languid guitars slowly garner your attention. 'Theme For What' is another unusual one, this time with trippy melodies and tumbling drum loops, while 'Geek Groove Odyssey' layers up pulsing bass and bleeping sonar synths into a serene cosmic trip. 'Out Of Mood' is another tense tech cut with edgy synths keeping you in suspense as the dark drums march on.
Review: The cult Pillz label returns hot on the heels of a sold-out 12" last time around. For their next drop, they welcome Argentinian talent Stefano Andriezzi who is known for bringing great colour to his beats. This 'Elektronico' EP showcases his skill with four tracks that explore diverse underground moods with take cues from ravey electro, techno and hints of house. 'Elektronico' opens with turbocharged pads and bass making of an upright and urgent future tech house beat. 'Raves Weekend' is more fluid with a bouncing bassline and old-school rave sirens to get things going and 'Acid Computer' then pairs things back to a lovely organ line and 90s house vibe with colourful daubs of synth. 'Get Fanki' shuts down with a nice fist-pumping thump.
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.
Precious Times (feat Prince Morella - Roots version) (6:55)
Review: Since rebooting his dub fired Bluetrain project late last decade, UK techno legend Steve O'Sullivan has delivered a string of superb 12" singles and an equally as impressive album, Steady Pulse. Naturally, the latest Bluetrain missive is a hypnotic, dubbed-out delight. Lead cut 'Frozen Rose (Special Edition Dub)' is simply superb - a rolling and hypnotic affair that joins the dots between Rhythm & Sound's earliest minimalistic dub-house epics and locked-in dub techno - all solid beats, echoing vocal snippets, deep sub bass and aquatic melodic motifs. It comes backed by a fresh 'Roots Version' of much-loved 2022 single 'Precious Times', featuring the honeyed vocals of Prince Morella.
Precious Times (feat Prince Morella - Roots version) (6:55)
Review: Bluetrain is one of our favourite artists in any genre and a real dub techno don. He often drops his own work on his own label but here steps up to Kontakt with a couple of killer jams. First up he serves up a special edition dub of 'Frozen Rose' that is a signature sound for him: ice cold percussion and rolling east with watery, liquid, rippling chords disappearing off to an infinite horizon while shimmering vocals add extra layers of depth. Flip it over and you will find 'Precious Times' (feat Prince Morella - Roots version) which is another brilliantly heady back room sound.
Review: BBC Radio 6Music favourites Tom Ravenscroft and Nemone are already backing +33JOY's The Wellness Remixes, a year on from Bopperson & Bikbaye's original Wellness Project. This 12-inch release sees four UK-based producers reimagine the message for the dancefloor. Frankson brings an atmospheric, found-sound collage, perfect for closing sets, amplifying Bikbaye's powerful words. K15 takes 'Consumption' deeper, blending Rhodes melodies with shuffling percussion and sub-heavy basslines. Titeknots flips 'Changes' into a tropical journey, all hypnotic guitars and infectious grooves. Michael J. Blood wraps things up with a 15-minute, cavernous techno stomper, pushing boundaries and commanding the B-side in style.
Review: The latest from Bossibility and Look Perry on their Split Series is a precise, layered exploration of minimal and tech house that never quite settles in one place. Bossibility's contributions are subtle yet compelling, balancing clean rhythms with restrained complexity, particularly in 'Morphoder,' where the tension between the bassline and atmospheric layers steadily builds, leaving just enough space for the track to breathe. Look Perry's side offers a contrasting dynamicihis deep percussion on 'Way to the Dance' grounds the track, while 'International Beats' surges with a forward momentum that feels unpredictable, yet right on target. It's an unassuming yet compelling exchange of ideas and proof that simple elements, when handled with care, can pack a real punch.
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.
Review: Italian pair Carebears bring a freaky twist to their brand of minimal here. 'Phone Home' has a wonky dial tone that slowly disorientates you over loopy drums and bass and 'White Boards' then gets more raw. The drums are precise and militant and the mood is mysterious. Remixing is Thomas Melchior, who to our mind has made some of the most unique minimal cuts of the last 15-plus years. His deftness always shines thorough in his airy, hypnotic drums and here as Melchior Productions LTD he does that again, flipping 'White Boards' into something that is weightless yet rooted on the floor and dreamy but driving.
Review: Anorax has got a vital 10" here featuring a stone cold classic Balearic house tune from Don Carlos in two different mixes. First is the Paradise mix which is as Ibiza as house music gets - the swirling pads, the subtly joyous feeling in the piano chords, the blistered bassline. It all immediately transports you to the White Isle and gazing out to see as the sun sets and the party ratchets up a gear. On the flip is a Lute Mix which brings some more mellifluous melodies and makes the drums a little more bouncy. Both are brilliant.
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: This new collection offers up a quartet of tracks that are all tailored for slightly different moments on the dance floor. On side A, Dani Casarano kicks off with deep, hypnotic grooves that make for an immersive atmosphere before transitioning to punchy, bass-driven energy with other cuts. Side B introduces a new alter ego from Felian and Bruno Schmidt and the pair explore a robotic, looping groove with incidental breaks and nostalgic synths in the euphoric third track. Closing the release in style, Omar Akrhif & Lucretio present a minimalist masterpiece that is aimed at heady after-hours sessions.
Review: Kendrick Lamar's 'King Kunta' and Kelis' 'Milkshake' hear an unlikely pairing on the perfunctorily named Edits series. The former track - some might agree its dust is still settling, as it was released in 2015 - sounds almost twice as lively here, its "oh, yes, you can, oh, yes you can!" ad-lib sounding about as squeezed as a hand-wrung lime steeped in its own juices and then dried out in Saharan heat. There's a diatonic, electric piano hook added on top too; Kelis' flip has a similar feel, mashing up the noughts teaser hit with a dash of easily identified r&b goodness - we're 99% sure you'll recognise the instrumental, its having also originated somewhere in the familiar fires of pop musical preeminence.
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: You'll find fewer headier and more impactful hybrid tech-house/deep house cuts than 'Binga', the lightly breakbeat-driven gem that opens this EP from up-and-coming artist Philip Chernikov. Featuring plenty of trippy effects, dusty samples, driving bass and echoing, spaced-out riffs, it offers a neat summary of the producer's signature sound - and what you can expect from the rest of this fine four-tracker. For proof, check the sub-heavy, tech-house-with-breakbeats flex of 'Multicultural', the funky bass, spacey chords and restless beats of 'Dopey', and the delay-laden early morning delights of 'Gideon's Legacy', where dreamy chords, echoing vocal snippets and ultra-deep sub-bass catch the ear.
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.
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