Studio Barnhus Sweden Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Is there a more fun and hard-to-pin-down label than Studio Barnhus? The plaything of Swedish artists Kornel Kovacs, Axel Boman and their mate Petter Nordkvist it has done it all from trancehall to bubblegum house via pop edits and plenty in between. Now they look to Stockholm boys Ari Bald & CJ Scott once more for a new EP that bangs hard and has a great sense of character, much like their label debut here last year. All four of these house cuts are full-flavoured slammers with heartfelt vocal samples and lovely naive melodies that really make their mark.

Review: Those pesky Swedish pranksters Studio Barnhus always like to surprise and subvert with the music they make and release and it is fair to say we never expected to find FaltyDL on their well regarded label. It finds the accomplished New Yorker paying homage to deep house while also updating the classic template. 'Our House Is Barnhus' is run through with serene strings as the paddy drums uplifting you and sprinklings of percussion keep things classy. 'Gut Punch' is the one though - a steamy and deep cut that channels early Prescription and Pepe Braddock into something beautiful.

Review: As you will likely know if you are reading this, Swedish label Studio Barnhus never releases anything predictable or traditional. It unearths producers who blend familiar sounds in unfamiliar ways and always bring some leftfield charm to their grooves. Enter Off & Train who here bring plenty of dreamy charm to their deep and scuffed up house opener 'Ewok'. 'Sunday' has lovely innocent melodies unfurling way up over some dusty drum breaks, 'Polestar 2' is a more chunky cut for sweatier moments but still retains a naive melodic air and closer 'Milpool' (Ode To Karl) brings squelchy space-jam vibes to a dreamy house music closer.