Steve O'Sullivan - "Fly Again" (Steve O'Sullivan Bouncing dub) (6:53)
Steve O'Sullivan - "Fly Again" (Steve O'Sullivan Tuff dub) (6:44)
Bluetrain - "Fly Again" (Bluetrain Special edition Loop) (1:17)
Bluetrain - "Fly Again" (Bluetrain Special edition dub) (7:17)
Bluetrain - "Fly Again" (Bluetrain Special edition Loop 2) (1:16)
Review: Keeping firm to the now well-trodden "Scientist meets" formula, this release through Convent once again hears Joseph Alpern aka. J Gabriel absorb the dubbing wiles of Hopeton Brown into his own minimal techno laboratory. 'Fly Again' follows up the first Scientist collab 'Too Far Gone' from 2023 with yet another red snapper, and comes backed by heated reworks from Steve O'Sullivan and Bluetrain, each of whose generosities know few bounds (they offer two and three remixes each!).
Review: Makin Moves pull another funny on us; their multi-volume exclusives series is called "Unreleased", despite each release in the series, by taut definition, constituting a release. But to call a track "unreleased", when it decidedly now isn't, does, we admit, help mythologise it to the extent that it makes it more desirable; the proviso here being, of course, that the tracks in this series are relegated to vinyl first, with no promises made as to a potential future digitisation. So do New Yorker Conway Kasey and fellow artist Johnny Melek deck out the final-vinyl front side with 'Jazz Fest' and 'Myrrr', the latter especially thrilling us with a formant-shifted Juliet Mendosa on vocals. On the other hand, Reggie Steele and David Harness enter into a nice remix interplay with 'Vulnerable', piggybacking on the original 2024 release's establishing anodynes.
Review: Roy Davis Jr, a staple of Chicago's house scene, partners with Jay Juniel for a reissue that encapsulates the raw energy of late '90s underground house. Originally released in 1997, this remastered edition brings new life to the gritty, soulful rhythms that first defined the era. Davis, known for his iconic track 'Gabriel', layers deep bass and atmospheric textures, while Juniel's experimental edge infuses the tracks with an unpredictable twist. Opening with 'Transition', a steady groove builds to 'Musical Sense', where spoken word and complex beats converge. On the flip, 'Funktion' and 'Digital Rhythm' hit with infectious basslines and high-octane energy. The remaster gives the original its due clarity while preserving the essence of Chicago house's emotional depth. This reissue isn't just a nod to the past, but also a reminder of why this sound still dominates dancefloors today.
Review: After years spent serving up tasty, digital-only singles, Polish imprint That's Right Dawg Music finally makes its vinyl bow via a six-track mini-album featuring some of their most-checked catalogue cuts. Demarkus Lewis kicks things off via the carefully crafted disco-house release of 'TGIF', before Federfunk slams down the jazz-sampling peak-time punchiness of 'We Keep It Groovin' and Jazzmik offers up the funky deep house bounce of 'Get Him Outta Here'. Over on the reverse, Oggie B cannily combines mind-mangling electronic stabs, pumping beats and orgasmic vocal samples ('Steady Old Foot'), Makson makes great use of vintage rap and disco guitar samples on the energy-packed house thump of 'Last Man Standing', and Casserta and Jonny C join forces on the bass-heavy garage-house bump of 'Party #1'.
Review: Part one of Refuge's new La Decima V/A 12" series hears select tunes from select artists, all of whom have made significant contributions to the label's catalogue over the years. Spanning everything from firmly driven nu-disco to scratch n' sniff garage house to Chi-style stompers, we're more than enthralled by this well-rounded resonator. The best of the bunch has to be Demuir's 'Vibez High', which moves unabashed and stringy, its clawing claps, freeze-locked funk licks and scraping open hats painting a vivid street scene set outside the house.
Review: Caleto Records's eighth outing takes the form of this various artists compilation featuring exclusively Polish producers. The Etat Cru duo of Olszewski and Pawlescu kick off with the wire and sinewy synths and tech house pomp of 'Jasmina' then Jerry M offers two cuts. 'Gutek' is a nice spaced-out tech cruiser with flashy astral pads and 'Gondin' rides on well-designed breakbeats with an old-school bassline. Robsessive's 'Look After You' is a deeper, dubber, grittier cut for late-night vibes and SIM ON's 'Brudas' is all glitchy and dystopian urban landscaping. Poland sure has plenty of talent based on this EP.
Gettoblaster & Terry Mullan - "Armando's Ghost" (5:09)
Gettoblaster - "Is's Bangin'" (feat Joe Smooth) (5:03)
Gettoblaster & Chip E - "Time To Jack" (edit) (5:15)
Review: This new 12" on Aliens On Wax declares that Chicago Jack Is Back and we are fine with that. The raw, early, street wise sounds of the Windy City are still some of the best house has ever given rise to and that is encapsulated across four new cuts from Gettoblaster and two collaborators. First it's Baggi on 'Throwin' Down' (feat Chip E) then it's Terry Mullan on 'Armando's Ghost'. The flipside has the solo cuts though both feature house legends Chip E and Joe Smooth making this the most authentic package of jack you will have heard in some time.
Girls Of The Internet - "Someone Somewhere" (6:35)
James Alexander Bright & Girls Of The Internet - "Where Is Your Love" (6:54)
Review: Hot since day, Girls Of The Internet have widened the eyes and perked the ears of many a squabbling listener since 2017, deploying many a nu-disco nutcracker through imprints such as Drab Queen and Palm Recs. The duo now stop by Athens Of The North, surveying a wide polar acropolis of deep repetition and strung sampledelia. 'Somewhere Someone' delivers peak energies crafted about a mystery sample, while the flipper, 'Where Is Your Love', hears a roomy linkup with James Alexander Bright, straining the A's comparatively full, gluey mien into a much stringier slice of vocal disco minimalism.
Review: It's worth noting this is a pretty impressive 125th EP from the Bristol label Shall Not Fade. The shine has not come off this always eclectic label in that time and next up to move things on is the dream team pairing of Lawrence J and J Peacock. 'Too Far To Come Back' opens up with some celebratory Daft Punk-style, hands-in-the-air and festival-sized house. 'Everything I've Got' keeps it a little deeper but filter synths still take centre stage with a balmy twist and 'Brother John' slows to heavy beatdown house with rapturous chords and vocals all swirling around to great and uplifting effect.
Review: Toolroom's Fool's Paradise offshoot has done a good job in offering up fresh, disco-inspired material, but it also acts as an outlet for key crew member Michael Gray's 21st century reworks of classic disco cuts. On this 12", the long-serving Essex producer puts his slant on Inner Life's boogie-era gem 'I Like It Like That', a 1982 Salsoul single fronted by a then young Jocelyn Brown and produced by Leroy Burgess and Patrick Adams associate Stan Lucas. Gray begins with a lightly housed-up - but suitably reverential - full vocal remix, ensuring plenty of space for the studio band's squiggly synths, bold pianos and dextrous bass guitar. Arguably even better is the B-side 'Dub', which alternates between heavy groove sections, extended breakdowns and effects-laden showcases of Inner Life's piano, bass and synths.
Review: The late great Whitney Houston has many hits in her back catalogue and plenty of them are ripe and ready for club-ready reworks. J& E Project do just that here by reworking her belting diva classic 'So Emotional'. First off they extend it with more drums for the dance floor, some 90s piano house chords layered in and splashy cymbals to make it all the more immediate. The vocal remains iconic and is sure to be sung back whenever this one gets played. A radio edit and instrumental also feature on this flashy pink vinyl.
Review: Cameron Jack returns to Crosstown Rebels with his first EP on the label, delivering a standout offering that showcases two collaborations with vocalist Liz Cass and two solo productions. London-born, Ibiza-based DJ/producer Cameron quickly rises in the house scene, supported by key figures like Damian Lazarus, Blond:ish and Lee Burridge. 2024 sees him sharing stages with Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones, and DJ Tennis, further solidifying his presence. On 'The Late Shift,' he explores his late-night sound with 'Dusk Till Dawn,' a track that blends deep grooves with Liz's seductive vocals, and 'Move Your Body,' which invites listeners into an infectious dancefloor moment. The solo tracks 'Get High And Dance' and 'Won't You?' round off the release, keeping the energy rolling with captivating rhythms.
Fighting For Your Life (Blood On The dance Floor remix) (5:58)
Fighting For Your Life (After Dark mix) (5:36)
Review: Lockdown Records has put together this useful new 12" which offers up the notorious duo of Matt Early & Lee Jeffries. 'Fighting for Your Life' is a classic pop single that comes with the electrifying Blood on the Dancefloor Mix and the sultry After Dark Mix, both of which are inspired by the iconic sounds of Michael Jackson. They make for effective dancefloor weapons that come with a hint of nostalgia and plenty of weighty grooves.
Review: Last year, Home of House Records founder - and the producer responsible for the first release on the admired Kalahari Oyster Cult imprint - delivered his first new EP of music in over five years. The creative juices now flowing again, he's landed on another admired imprint: Hamburg stable Smallville. He begins in confident mood via the new age house-meets-vintage-Italian house hustle of 'Move Your Body', where Enigma style synth-flutes and elongated chords flutter around a squelchy bassline, before opting for a dreamier and more thickset classic deep garage-house sound on 'Feel The G'. The Italian producer reaches for more sublime ambient house chords, jazzy bass and eyes-closed melodies on flip-side opener 'One Kiss One', while 'Isola 89' sounds like his tribute to the 'paradise house' of Don Carlos and Sueno Latino.
Contemporary Outdoors (A Vision Of Panorama remix) (4:37)
Contemporary Outdoors (Byron The Aquarius Midnight instrumental remix) (5:29)
Review: Igor Jadranin returns with another interstellar EP that redefines genre boundaries. Blending boogie basslines, futuristic synths, vintage drum machines and lush flute, piano and vibraphone melodies, the producer delivers cosmic electro-boogie with a playful edge. Tracks like 'Gangster Electro' bring hard-hitting beats, while remixes from Byron The Aquarius and A Vision of Panorama expand the palette. Byron's haunting 'Midnight' mixes crunch with eerie vibes while Panorama's Nu-Balearic twist adds sunrise warmth to the original. It all adds up to a bold 12" from the much-loved Chicago label.
Review: The idea of the 'Dreamworld' has pervaded all dance music since its beginnings, and 2024 proves no exception to this rule, with the latest astral projection of its kind coming by way of producer Jalil. Debuting 'Dreamworld' for his local label Stillwell, this is an acid house EP of carefully lucid exploratory proportions. Jalil builds a jocose yet driven palette from found samples against sombre backings, working a seemingly endless spate of transitional hits and impacts about a central acid line on 'Oberheimer'. He then dashes this intro's sense of withdrawal with an audacious pinch-point in the form of 'Moods Of Madness', a favourite of ours, adding aqueous chord-data to an already osmotic pulse.
Review: Veteran Aussie artist Kaz James returns with a dynamic double A-side that finds him laying down some slick tech-house vibes underpinned with catchy grooves. 'Rocker In The Disco' has a fleshy low end that rumbles with real weight as spiralling chords add scale. It's a moody cut that keeps you on edge then on the flip side, 'Dance Her Right' maintains the energy with punchy basslines and catchy hooks. It's a more buoyant sound designed to lock in dancers and take them to the next level. Both tracks have become key features in his sets at events like Art Basel, Burning Man, and Pacha Ibiza and following the success of his hit 'Sun is Shining' he shows he still has plenty more to say.
Review: Jamie 3:26, the Chicago house luminary, returns with the second instalment of his Danacefloor Damage series, a collection of re-rubbed disco cuts crafted with the dancefloor in mind, but possessing a depth that transcends the club. This time around, he's unearthed three gems, each an ode to his impeccable taste and his uncanny ability to breathe new life into forgotten classics. 'Flyin'' takes flight with a dizzying array of soaring strings and a groove that's as infectious as it is propulsive. 'Funkin' (Hardy Tribute Version)' pays homage to late disco/early house legend Ron Hardy, its driving bassline and soulful vocals a fitting tribute to his enduring influence. 'Jungle DJ Tool' injects a tribal energy into the mix, its percussive rhythms and hypnotic chants guaranteed to induce a state of dancefloor abandon. Jamie 3:26's edits are a masterclass in dancefloor manipulation, expertly balancing euphoric highs with moments of introspective restraint. A potent reminder that the classics never truly die when preserved in the right hands.
Review: Makin' Moves ushers in 2025 with a fiery four-tracker from Detroit's Javonntte, a producer whose journey through the city's vibrant musical landscape is etched into every groove. A veteran of the early 90s house scene, Javonntte honed his craft alongside luminaries like Blake Baxter and Amp Fiddler, his experience evident in the sheer breadth and depth of this collection. 'Chicago' is a pulsating homage to his hometown, its jacking rhythms and soulful chords imbued with the spirit of the city's dance music legacy. 'Good Vibration' exudes a radiant energy, its infectious melodies and uplifting vocals a testament to the joyous side of house music. 'What' takes a darker turn, its hypnotic groove and yearning vocals conjuring images of late-night introspection and soul-searching on the dancefloor. 'White Wing Dove' is a glorious ascent, its gospel-tinged chords and soaring vocals are exemplary of Javonntte's ability to weave spirituality and dancefloor energy into a cohesive whole. A great reminder that Javonntte's deep roots in house music continue to nourish his creativity
Review: 'Decide' was the third single from Jay-J's debut artist album, Love Alive. It comes on 7" via Anorak and has the wonderful vocal brilliance of Big Brooklyn Red adding some soul to J's sophisticated r&b production, all remixed byTortured Soul's Ethan White two different ways. 'Decide' (Ethan White Easy Trax mix) is as lush and soulful as house music gets with swirling pads and organic drum hits over the rolling bassline all working to seduce any floor. On the flip is his Lazy Boy dub which has more skip in the drums and the chords are brighter and more central, but the deepness remains.
Zopelar - "Move This Way" (feat Antonio Dal Bo) (6:28)
Retromigration - "Fret" (6:15)
Cem Mo - "Rushmore" (5:41)
Monty DJ - "Sat15" (5:25)
Review: To keep it in the family is to imply things stay pure and untainted, but the irony with the Keep It In The Family 12" series is that every record sounds raw and unsheltered. So, although 'Feel' and 'Move This Way' cycle through unperturbed and dreamatic sounds, their finish is rough, suggesting a well-wrought processing chain, the music having seen through many a prodigal battle. Retromigration's 'Fret' and Cem Mo's 'Rushmore' continue the mood of vintage deep raspiness, with one-up arpeggios closing out the final track with special glee.
Review: French producer Jehan is next up on Blur Records with a new EP, TV Screen, that shows that he has a sophisticated approach when it comes to bending free jazz with electronic music and a love of hip-hop. The latter of those is evident in the title of the opener, '92 Till Infinity', which pairs lazy keys with lazier beats and soul drenched vocals. 'Montre Suisse' (feat Donnie Moustaki) has dusty beats that sound like they might fall over themselves topped with warm organ chords and 'You Win' (feat Scruscru & Meowsn) then brings a sweet and swaggering deep house vibe. The flip keeps the slow burning and late night feelings alive with a trio of loved up, well sampled, blissed out beats.
Review: Kito Jempere delivers a fiery four-track package that will electrify dance floors with his first outing of 2025. A bold departure from today's mainstream dance sounds, his New Life EP blends adventurous beats with a rebellious spirit and the lead track channels New Order's Technique era but is infused with early hip-hop breaks and a mix of acid, happy hardcore and ghetto tech. 'LoveFilter' takes a dreamy, chilled trip across electronic landscapes while 'Killer Line De-Part' combines trance, grunge and '80s analogue vibes for a thrilling climax. Closing with 'Put Love Into Your Heart (Club Mix),' Jempere leaves us with uplifting, feel-good energy.
Review: Bad Timin's next drop is a sort of greatest hits collection that brings plenty of its previous releases by Jex Opolis to vinyl for the first time. It kicks off with the perma-fan-favourite 'Music' which is high on unbridled piano joy and hard house beats that bang. 'Lizard (feat Precious Okome)' is another one with surges of big chord magic, 'If You Wanna' has silky liquid synths and cosmic arps ensuring maximum take-off while 'Wide Awake (dub)' brings a kaleidoscopic intergalactic trip. This serves as both a perfect introduction for anyone who hasn't been paying close enough attention, or a fine collection of greats from the always on form Mr. Opolis.
Review: UK house producer Jhobei steps up for Bizarre Trax's sixth release with a five-track journey that perfectly encapsulates his dynamic and ever-inventive approach to groove. From the outset, the EP leans into hypnotic, off-kilter rhythms and fluid basslines, expertly balancing heads-down sophistication with a playful, club-ready energy. The A-side pulls into deeper, more cerebral territory, while the flip side loosens up, embracing warmer tones and funk-infused melodies. 'Synthesize Hypnotize' kicks things off with rolling low-end pressure and tripped-out textures, setting the tone for an EP that thrives on movement and subtle intricacy. By the time 'Fuchsia Funk' arrives to close things out, Jhobei has shifted gears into pure dancefloor mischiefielastic bass, crisp drum programming and an undeniable bounce that nods towards sunlit festival moments. As ever with Bizarre Trax, it's forward-thinking yet undeniably fun, a balance Jhobei strikes with effortless flair.
Forever Sunshine (I:Cube Soup Less 2 Less Guit remix) (6:48)
Fibber's Aardvarck (Aardvarck remix - Jay Ka L'Abbé Chamelle Rew-Edit) (5:57)
Moon's Man (Stefan&Chair Jay Ka & Flabaire remix) (5:08)
Forever Sunshine (10") (4:26)
Fibber (3:53)
Moon 's Man (4:00)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve, plastic sleeve crumpled in one corner, but otherwise in excellent condition***
A powerful visual statement is presented on the front cover of the latest I:Cube and Jim Ka Ray release, on which McDonalds' french fries are likened to mollifying injections. Though the political conclusions we might glean from this are obvious and many, there is also an irony to the conceit; 'Jim Ka Ray' presents music that is almost equally as mollifying. Perhaps, however, the new alias of Jay Ka (aka. Kogui, who has formerly released with of Saft, As It Is and Phonogramme) would like to suggest that there are different forms of mollification; some that simply placate the soul so as to distract it from the world's injustices, and others that are more genuine, in that they serve to relax us by helping us articulate solutions. Music, luckily, is always part of the solution, as it resists the course of the world by form alone: 'Forever Sunshine', 'Fibber' and 'Moon's Man' ostensibly sound as mollifyingly Balearic as can be, but further listens reveal an attention to detail, a polish, that is not only rare in contemporary downtempo but evokes a subtler sense of emancipation, in that only the freer spirits among us could possibly have the talent or wherewithal to polish such gems. Enough blather; the remixes by the likes of Soup Less and Aardvarck (a name we haven't heard from in a while) are equally as subtle and tasty; dare we say far more nourishing than a L1.99 fry-fest.
Review: JKriv returns to Razor-N-Tape after two years away and in that time it is clear to say he has further fine tuned his sound. This latest offering kicks off with 'Blueprint' which is a nice loose sound with elastic acid lines and bright chord stabs. 'Intuition' (feat Megatronic) slows down to sun-kissed and lazy swagger with soulful spoken words and cuddly pads and soft shakers all soothing you to your core. 'Zone 1' then kicks on with a nice bright blend of nu-disco colours and soft acid undulations and 'Paula's Dance' (feat Pauha) closes with some steamy and timeless house that is perfect for sunset sessions.
Review: Paul Johnson's 'In The Kitchen 95'' reissue brings back one of his most beloved works, originally crafted in 1992 and reimagined in 1995. This red vinyl 12" captures the energy of Chicago house in its purest form. The first side kicks off with 'Come On Children (Remix)', a high-energy funk-driven house track that gets the feet moving. 'Buzz Buzz (Remix)' follows with its warehouse-style house beats, perfectly capturing the raw, underground vibe of the era. 'It's House (Remix)' wraps up the side with addictive minimal techno grooves that emphasise Paul Johnson's signature sound, mixing deep house with elements of techno. The second side continues the momentum with 'Movin Baby', offering a funk-fueled techno journey, while 'I'm A Freak (& Your Girl Is Too)' adds a playful touch with its minimal grooves and vocal samples, reinforcing the sense of fun and freedom inherent to the house music culture. This reissue is a nostalgic reminder of Paul Johnson's influence, blending deep house, funk and minimal techno into a timeless dancefloor experience. Paul sadly passed away in 2021 but it's great to see and hear his legacy live on forever.
Review: Long time deep house don Jovonn is back with more of his sophisticated sounds, this time on the Body N Deep label in the Netherlands. 'Hightower' opens proceedings with some old school drum swing and vamping chord stabs. Add in some raw claps and you have a timeless jam. 'Seductive Dance' is just that - another irresistible house sound with steamy vocals and a 90s baseline to get you moving and grooving. 'Sunburst' shuts down with rolling percussion and smart FX under an atmospheric vocal. Faultless as ever.
Review: Definitive Recordings was a "house" label launched by Plus 8 co-founders John Acquaviva and Richie Hawtin in 1992 as a kind of softer flipside to their main label's hard and abrasive sound. There's some genuine gems sitting in the catalogue though, as the imprint's ongoing 'classics' series of reissues proves. This one, from one-shot artist Meredith Ledger as Juicy Fruit, was initially released in 1993. In its original form, 'Liferaft' is a wide-eyed and dreamy slab of early morning deep house perfection that sits somewhere between UK deep house of the period and NJ garage-house. On the flip we get remastered versions of the two original remixes: Acquaviva's 'LFO'-goes-house interpretation (an absolute stunner) and an organ-rich garage-house style dub from Stickman.
Review: Chicago's Tied label rolls out a 17th release as good as all the previous ones, this time with a four-track various artists EP that showcases emerging talents from deep, spacey electronic realms. Just_Me's 'Laser Brane' launches the journey with electro-funk propulsion, while Lumieux's 'In Your Space... It's Me In Space' drifts into cosmic grooves and ambient textures. On the B-side, Constratti's meticulously crafted 'Bind' delivers intricate synth delays and solid rhythms that capture the feeling of interstellar motion. Label head Max Jacobson and 97 Till close with 'Orion,' a break-infused and celestial house cut built for late-night floors.
Neverender (feat Tame Impala - extended remix) (6:42)
Neverender (feat Tame Impala - Rampa remix) (6:27)
Neverender (feat Tame Impala - Kaytranada remix) (4:41)
Review: A momentous move from neon-soaked electro outfit Justice hears them team up with the like-minded thrower-backers Tame Impala for a "why didn't anyone think of this before?" EP, 'Neverender'. Released hot off the plate of a recent Alexandra Palace show, the just duo are heard to tip the lady's scales towards miscarriage, following their last LP Hyperdrama with a single tort of regret. Kevin Parker's unmistakable countertenor floats above the track's nightridden house mix like a beamer trailing its driver's emotions in its exhaust fumes: "Because I remember / The hardest of times I / don't forget / Neverender." An ode to "can't unsee", it also comes backed by remixes by Kaytranada and Rampa.
Review: Freerange's City To City series returns with its second edition, this time spotlighting Lisbon. Known for its stunning views, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, perhaps one of the city's best-known hotspots is the iconic Lux Fragile, which has shaped the city's sound since the late 90s. Longtime resident DJs from Lisbon are now gaining global traction; to butterfly-net the essence of the coastal metropolis, this new mix LP hears six original tracks from local talents, chief among whom are Megatronic, progressor and ambassador for the city, and Yen Sung & Photonz, two names closely tied to the circuit's deeper-underground corners.A
Milk & Sugar & James Hurr - "I Love Music" (extended mix)
Crusy - "Hey Girls, B-Boys" (extended mix)
Illyus & Barrientos - "DANCE" (extended mix)
Review: Top table house label Toolroom is back with another window into its current sounds. This 17th sampler is one that will likely get hammered at the annual parties in Miami for this year's conference. KC Lights & Welt open up with 'Fly' which is catchy dance pop with summery vocals. Milk & Sugar & James Hurr keep it on a similarly light and airy tip and Crusy's 'Hey Girls, B-Boys; reimagines a classic with extra rawness. Illyus & Barrientos shut down with more synth laced peak time house sounds on 'DANCE.'
Mark Knight, Darius Syrossian,James Hurr - "I Got All This" (5:56)
Low Steppa, Jewel Kid - "Big Busta" (5:05)
CASSIMM, Mahalia Fontaine - "Say Yeah" (5:48)
Wh0 - "Sunglasses" (6:58)
Review: Toolroom is a house label for big moments big tracks, big rooms, big DJs and main stages. This 15th sampler offering gives a snapshot of where the label is at right now with some new cuts from its biggest players. The boss himself, Mark Knight, kicks off alongside Darius Syrossian and James Hurt n 'I Got All This' which is bouncy and full of energy. Low Steppa, Jewel Kid offers the deeper, low sung and bass heavy menace of 'Big Busta' and CASSIMM, Mahalia Fontaine then come through with 'Say Yeah' (extended mix) which is a a passionate vocal anthem which throws it back to the early days of house. Wh0's 'Sunglasses' shuts down with a blaze of melodic stabs and filtered sweeps to lift you off your feet.
Mark Knight & James Hurr - "You Take Me Higher" (6:12)
Friend Within - "Chain" (5:43)
Martin Ikin & Winnie Ama - "Control It" (4:51)
Flashmob & Raumakustik - "Club Talk" (5:45)
Review: Toolroom's 'sampler' series, which rounds up previously digital-only releases and sticks them out on action-packed 12" EPs, reaches its sixteenth instalment. Given the format, you'll be unsurprised to discover that there's plenty of bona-fide peak-time heat on show, starting with Mark Knight and James Hurr's excitable, filter-heavy, string-laden disco-house bomb 'You Take Me Higher'. Friend Within offers a scintillating blend of heavy acid bass, glassy-eyed female vocal samples, weighty beats and subtle disco samples on the superb 'Chain', while Martin Ikin and Winnie Ama opt for even heavier drums, warped bass, creepy electronics and dead-eyed spoken word vocals on the sweat-soaked 'Control It'. To round things off, we're treated to the tech-tinged funky house bounce of Flashmob and Raumakustik's percussion -rich 'Club Talk'.
Review: Damian Lazarus and JOJO ABOT's work here is a powerful collaboration that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from the Crosstown Rebels label. On the surface, it's a pulsating dancefloor track, but there's so much more lurking beneath the surface. Built on a foundation of driving rhythms and intricate textures, the track weaves JOJO ABOT's bewitching vocals with hypnotic grooves and subtle amapiano influences, creating something that's both immersive and unpredictable. The Major League Djz remix elevates the energy, turning up the intensity with a deep, groovy progression that feels like it could keep the party going for hours. Meanwhile, Raxon's rework introduces a darker, more atmospheric edge with his signature off-kilter bassline and sharp, rolling percussioniadding depth while still maintaining the track's core essence. Warrior Dance shows Lazarus' unerring ear for talent and his ability to curate soundscapes that speak to both the mind and the feet.
Review: Eight further sonic spirits are conjured on the seventh edition in Damian Lazarus' annual compilation series. Emphasising deep house and techno grooves with a hypnotic flavour, the procurement here is exemplarily brooding; Dino Lenny's 'I Have Sampled Father' marks a sure turn away from the openers' cleaner-cut mesmerisms with a smoky, funk-inflected haze, bringing rhythm guitar and paternal murmurations to a surreal montage. The monologuing mood continues on the equal highlight that is Upercent's 'Where Are You', whilst Enamour's 'Jackpot' rounds out the show with the record's only brightly-lit minimal triller. The record is marked by sensuous, distant, familiar voices throughout.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Reconnect (6:08)
Reconnect (Reboot Outahere rework) (7:48)
This Is My Ticket (7:00)
This Is My Ticket (Johnny D remix) (7:36)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Francesco Mami and Julien Chaptal deliver a compelling deep house experience with their 'Reconnect' release, blending smooth minimalism and melodic tech house grooves. The title track, 'Reconnect', is an addictive mix of fluid rhythms and rich melodies, striking the perfect balance between sleek production and dancefloor appeal. Reboot's 'Outahere Rework' of the same track deepens the vibe, adding a fun, groovy energy that's primed for late-night sets. Side-2 shifts gears with 'This Is My Ticket', a standout deep tech house cut that pairs intricate production with a memorable, catchy drive. The track's hypnotic layers create a textured soundscape, ideal for dancefloor workouts. Johnny D's remix of 'This Is My Ticket' ups the tempo, injecting high-energy beats and an infectious bounce that transforms it into a peak-time anthem. Each version bringing a unique energy while remaining cohesive. It's a well-rounded EP for dance music fans.
Review: Francesco Mami and Julien Chaptal deliver a compelling deep house experience with their 'Reconnect' release, blending smooth minimalism and melodic tech house grooves. The title track, 'Reconnect', is an addictive mix of fluid rhythms and rich melodies, striking the perfect balance between sleek production and dancefloor appeal. Reboot's 'Outahere Rework' of the same track deepens the vibe, adding a fun, groovy energy that's primed for late-night sets. Side-2 shifts gears with 'This Is My Ticket', a standout deep tech house cut that pairs intricate production with a memorable, catchy drive. The track's hypnotic layers create a textured soundscape, ideal for dancefloor workouts. Johnny D's remix of 'This Is My Ticket' ups the tempo, injecting high-energy beats and an infectious bounce that transforms it into a peak-time anthem. Each version bringing a unique energy while remaining cohesive. It's a well-rounded EP for dance music fans.
Jamma D - "Don't Wanna Leave The Couch Today" (4:20)
Roche - "House Shuffle Boogie" (6:13)
Darone Sassounian - "Arms" (6:18)
Review: This deep, jazzy and lo-fi house 12" is perfect for escaping at this time of year as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the general weight of modern life can get all too much. It comes from an array of standout producers from around the world including Darone Sassounian, Jamma D and Jarren from Los Angeles, Roche from Portland and Morris Mobley from Nancy, France. Between them, they offer the cuddly, cloudy depths of 'Drippin'' (Sauce dub), humid and jazzy heat of the sumptuous 'Don't Wanna Leave The Couch Today', playful rhythms of 'House Shuffle Boogie' and more besides.
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