Back catalogue: Progressive House

Review: Novaj Records presents its second vinyl release - 'Space Energy', an electrifying compilation EP inviting listeners on an interstellar journey through a wide array of sonic cosmologies, in good stead with the nascent trend of space-age acid house emergent of late. Lauching into the boundless realms of space, the likes of Donnie Cosmo's 'Venus Transit', MLink's 'Frequencia' and Sunaas' 'Flash Dancer' are all as enchanting as they are out-of-body-experience-inducing.

Review: Volume One of a label retrospective of pioneering early 90s Prog House label Interactive Test Compiled by Alex from Utopia Records and enigmatic Interactive Test founder Franco Falsini. Falsini, responsible for many of the underground classics on the label he founded in Florence in 1991 was first known for his 70s Italian Prog / Cosmic group Sensations Fix. A trailblazer who continued to push the boundaries of electronic music two decades later with Interactive Test, accompanied by the up-and-coming talents of Trance hero DJ Miki the Dolphin, his brother Riccardo and an host of cult Italian music producers. Here we start with 5 tracks from the archive, all highly collectable, remastered for DJs and psychedelic music enthusiastic alike from the best sources possible. Authentic and original dance sounds still hitting the spot in our times.

Review: This is the thirrd release by the amazing Italian producer Ivan Iacobucci for the Perlon label. The previous two were so well received, this next one was destined to come out sooner than later. Perlon fans know what to expect from their label of choice and Ivan delivers the goods. Those addictively quirky and fonky jackin' minimal techno jams. The title track is that and then some! We especially like the sexy jam 'Waiting For My Love'. Expect the unexpected when you flip over the record as 'Close the Door' is a full-on acid banger that combines high energy techno into what sounds like a video game soundtrack theme song! Closing things out is the wild sounding 'Fear & Madness in the Desert'. We are smiling at the thought of someone playing out these corkers to audience. Expect to see WTF typefaces everywhere!

Review: The Revivis-run Santo Tomas label launches a new edits offshoot devoted to reworking less obvious, forgotten house and prog gems from the 90s. The A-side is a collision of techno, prog and trance with cosmic synths, twitchy pads and plenty of old school stabs. The flip is a little more stripped back - the drums slap, the acid lines grow ever more wild, and a steamy and sensuous vocal sample is run through the middle for maximum emotional impact. Two dancefloor destroyers, for sure.

Review: Sasha's Fleuron Drift epitomises classic progressive house, showcasing his expertise in the genre. The original track features a strong melodic build and consistent energy throughout, captivating listeners with its dynamic progression. On the B-side, the remixes kick off with Theo Kottis' remix injects a more upbeat and trance-like vibe, with futuristic and techy elements. The growling bassline adds intensity, while a melodic break and tension release keep the energy flowing. In contrast, Kassian's remix takes a more minimal approach, focusing on groove. Stripping back the layers, it emphasizes rhythm and movement, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that draws listeners into its depths. Overall, Fleuron Drift and its remixes offer a diverse range of sounds and styles, staying true to the essence of classic progressive house.

Review: First released in 1992 on Muzak, an Italian label headed up by Leo Mas, Fabrizio Lazzari, and Andrea Gemolotto, this crucial 12" played a pivotal role in shaping Italy's dancefloor electronic scene of the early 90s. Infused with influences from Detroit and New York, it forged a unique sound that is still fresh today. Now, it sees an official reissue with a great remix of 'Futureless' by Berlin-based Trent. This revamped version strips away the breakbeat elements, infusing the track with a new acid vibe. The reissue breathes new life into a timeless classic, bridging the gap between past and present electronic landscapes.

Review: Since debuting a decade ago, Sleep D has refused to settle on one specific style or sub-genre, though in recent years the duo seems to have settled on a sound that prioritises hallucinatory, TB-303-driven sounds, weighty techno grooves and nods towards mid-90s ambient techno. These elements are much in evidence on the Australian outfit's latest EP, though there are also audible nods to neo-trance and the formative years of the psy-trance movement. They first join forces with Ivy Barkakati and Furious Frank on the constantly rising, mind-altering neo-trance throb of 'Border Control (Ahora Si)', before reaching for seriously trippy electronic motifs, creepy chords, metallic-sounding electronic bass and sturdy house beats on 'Post Pump'. Closing cut 'Bass'd in Berlin', meanwhile, immerses us in ambient electronics and mutilated choral samples before introducing a seriously pulsating, trance-style groove.

Review: Frame Of Mind has been one of the best techno and house labels in the past couple years hailing from the Netherlands. This is the second appearance for Synaptic Voyager on the label in total. 'Epoch Ten' exhibits a premier example of the quality ambient techno the label has released in recent years. Fans of As One, FBA, Stasis and Sensurreal are sure to gravitate toward this track in particular. The 90s Detroit vibe is here in many respects. 'Ne Plus Ultra' and 'Reverie' are perfect tributes to the lineage there. The robot funk in 'Milestone' is particularly exciting with this early 90s styled foray into UK techno while 'Parallax' gives off a heavy Innovator and early Warp label impressions. If you are a fan of ambient techno then this is a quick and easy pickup.

Review: We're still not quite sure why fabric rebranded their much loved mix series because the fabric present series seems to be very similar in that it is unbound by genre and chases only the best DJs in the game. Saoirse is one of those and makes a fine entry here that is on the header end of the spectrum following on from efforts from the likes of Sherelle, TSHA and MCDE. Her functional, low slung sounds are perfect for late night moment slots in the groove with cuts from the likes of Luca Lozano, Rinse FM founder Geeneus and many more all making for a storytelling mix.