Tags: Detroit Techno

Review: Upstairs Asylum Recordings is one of the many seminal Detroit labels run by local legend Norm Talley. It's right in the middle of a busy run right now with no fewer superb run with three new EPs all dropping in quick succession. This one is a split EP with US duo Solid Gold Playaz taking care of the a-side. As always with this pair, their sounds are deep and dusty house with exquisite melodies tugging at the heart. On the flip, Gari Romalis steps up with the slick percussive skip of 'Detroit After Dark' then 'Panties' from Brian Neal brings jacked up analogue groves that lean into techno with a big fat bassline.

Review: Gari Romalis makes his long-awaited return to the Rawax imprint. The 'Another World' EP features four deep house cuts for the club atmosphere. 'Dance Wit Me' is perfectly suited for a DJ to level up the energy on the dancefloor. The melodic title track strides a more soulful approach while harnessing a nostalgic 90s aura. 'Down The Drain' is the most upbeat and serious one of the bunch. Certainly, a prime time groover that screams to be mixed by a house DJ. 'Iz You' rounds out things with the most epic piece on here. Showing Gari's versatility, this track is the way to end the late night perfectly. Four tracks for every point in a DJ set, you have Gari Romalis and Rawax together. Is there anything else to say?!

Review: Norm Talley's Detroit label Upstairs Asylum comes through with another various artists gem here: Gari Romalis kick off with the sort of smoky house depths you always expect from this imprint. 'Electronix (I'm Ya Dancer)' is dubbed out but dynamic, then G Major's 'Metro To Downtown' brings an injection of soul warmth and percussive looseness. Chuck Daniels & Hazmat Live's 'I Want You' is a darker, more heads down affair with freaky vocals and digital synth patterns over gritty, US garage styled low ends. Max Watts then cuts loose with the undulating dub techno depths of 'Velocity' to round out a varied EP.