Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Big Love's popular compilation-style A Touch Of Love series returns for a sixth instalment, with boss man Seamus Haji once again showcasing a quartet of tried-and-tested treats. Fittingly, he kicks things off with 'Serious', a kind of hbrid heavy garage-house/disco house affair featuring organ solos aplenty and vocals from Chicago legend Mike Dunn, before Moon Boots joins the dots between sweet 80s soul and nu-disco on the synth-powered vocal number 'In My Life'. Heavy, French Touch-inspired disco-house vibes are provided by DJ Fudge ('Escapade'), before Dutch rising star Danou P - with a little help from pal Jamie 3:26 on vocals - delivers the organ rich deep house/garage-house fusion of 'Fly'.

Review: Brighton-based producer Pierson brings a refreshing diversity to his deep house and disco house offerings, blending multiple influences with an ease that keeps his tracks exciting and unpredictable. 'Forget It Mate' starts off with a slow groove that feels like a nostalgic nod to vintage deep house, but it's much moreithis track is a skillful blend of old-school vibes and modern energy. It seamlessly moves between different styles, creating a dynamic and infectious vibe. 'Mr Miami' follows with a lively piano-driven melody, uplifting the listener with its ambient house feel, where lush chords and smooth transitions create a feel-good atmosphere. On Side-2, 'Spank Dat' is a funky standout. With its rich groove and rare disco aura, it's a killer track for any dancefloor, offering a unique fusion of genres. Finally, 'Just No!' dives into a tribal, electro-driven territory. Its organic yet robotic funk takes on an 80s electro feel, offering a quirky, dynamic sound that pushes boundaries. This EP delivers something for everyone, effortlessly blending styles while staying rooted in deep, groove-driven house. A true example of the producer's range and creativity.

Review: After a top first appearance in the series, Dutchman Tammo Hesselink returns to the Mantis project with another deep, immersive release full of his signature hi-fidelity sound design and meticulous drum patterns. Blending dub's echo-laden atmospheres with industrial percussion and the sparse textures of minimalism, his sound design is as distinctive as ever as once again, rather than relying on melody, he sculpts emotion and intensity through texture, space and rhythm. Metallic hits and reverberant effects create a physical, tactile experience that is both abstract and structured, designed for powerful sound system delivery while rewarding close listening. Hesselink offers a cerebral yet visceral trip here.

Review: A rare gem from the golden age of early reggae, this 1970 cut by Justin Hinds was originally released on a Duke Reid 7". It gets a welcome reissue here but still has plenty of lo-fi aesthetics, vinyl crackle and dusty sound that keeps it authentic rather than overly polished. Hinds' soulful vocal delivery and signature rhythm style shine as they capture the spirit of the era with subtle flair. On the flip side, a slinky, instrumental organ version by Gus McIntyre adds serious depth and makes this an irresistible double-sider or cracking up nice and loud through some towering speaker stacks.

Review: Techno tachyons Midi Mode, based in Ireland, provide a home for "warped and twisted" sounds and those who create them. After five vaporwave-tinged, reality-bending debut EPs from the likes of Ikeaboy and Power, they now present their very first selectors V/A EP on a gooey green wax edition. It's quite the assembly of Eireann techno royalty, with a host of seasoned players lead by probably the country's most esteemed DJ, Sunil Sharpe, as well as Kerrie and Wexford's Lee Holman. Quality is, naturally, at a consistently high label - with closer 'Phase-One' proving an especially computational, objectivist, mad, pitiless track.

Review: Ah, Hot Creations, home to the hippest house music that cites disco and 25 year-old club anthems as its inspirations. Here, label head honchos Jamie Jones and Lee Foss revived their Hot Natured project for a sweet stroll through smiley vocal house territory in the company of one-time electrofunk revivalist Ali Love. "Benediction" is good for what it is - a vaguely deep, pleasant Hot Creations record - but the real killer here is the remix of former single "Forward Motion" by crusty old US garage head Mark "MK" Kinchen. He recalls those glory days of tough but groovy MK dubs with a rework straight out of 1993.

Review: Since its inception in 2023, Soul Quest Records has released some superbly deep and soulful records. To prove the point, the Hackney-based label has decided to serve up a compilation style EP featuring fresh cuts from current artists and new signings. Max Sinal joins forces with King Crowney and vocalist Liv East on the ultra-deep, super soulful warm-up sounds of 'Intentions', before Slxm Sol cannily combines loose-limbed drums, warming bass, sensitive chords, tactile Rhodes keys and soulful vocal snippets on 'NYBB'. Hitch 93 doffs a cap to Chez Damier on the excellent 'Uno Dos Tres Four', Rob Reckford delivers some bright MPC-house action ('Garden Party'), and Soul Grooves goes deep, gently dubby and spacey ('Blues Kitchen'). The gentle broken house sunniness of 'Edith' by Flying Moth completes a fine EP.