Review: Sonder is a new London-based label dealing in sprightly tech house with plenty of wiggle. Cutting the ribbon is ADMNTi, who has been on superlative form via releases for Dansu Discs, 4Plae and Yamanu amongst others. His 'Liquor Locker' and 'BetaSpace' cuts are splashed with a little sunshine, some garage bump and subtle trance touches, all the better to grease up the dancefloor. Laidlaw takes up position on the flip, offering his own strain of shuffling funky stuff for the peak time crowd. 'Open To Receive' has a subtly spiritual slant to it, while 'Repeated Patterns' gets into a snaking house trip with cheeky hooks and snappy basslines for days.
Review: The second instalment of Stolen Goods' Back to Back series brings together two stalwarts of the scene: Italian veteran Lele Sacchi and Italo-Spanish beat master Bawrut. Known for their contributions to the electronic dancefloor landscape, both artists deliver peak-time bangers primed for club euphoria. Bawrut's track showcases his signature blend of retro-future rave, drawing on his extensive experience with labels like Life & Death and Correspondant. Meanwhile, Sacchi, with nearly three decades of DJ experience, infuses his production with funky deep grooves and killer stabs, epitomizing peak-time monster attitude. With nods to acid house and electro-techno, this release epitomises Stolen Goods' ethos of delivering messages From Clubbers to Clubbers, promising dancefloor ecstasy for discerning audiences.
Len Lewis - "Illicit" (Grant Dell Up Yer Strasse dub)
Grant Dell - "Fari A Come"
Review: The Repeat label is doing a great service to the culture of real tech house, nodding to that late 90s sound and carrying work from the likes of Jay Tripwire, Eddie Richards and now Grant Dell. The Dis Chronicles series hits part two with some further obscurities from back in the day which sound as relevant now as they were futuristic back then. 'Disco Hit' was a collaborative effort from Dell and Richie Littler, and it's utterly addictive thanks to those cheeky DX7 organ licks, while Dell's 'Up Yer Strasse Dub' of Len Lewis' 'Illicit' is chunky and dubby in equal measure. Dell's own 'Fari A Come' completes the set with a more overt drop into dub territory, sampling a true Jamaican legend and showing how the tech house sound could transplant onto backroom, head-nodding gear in style.
Review: DMC and Luke XL bring a unique techno experience with the second release on Reheat, with DMC's 'Loseyamind,' featuring outer space sounds and otherworldly techno, blending sci-fi elements for a stunning auditory journey. Next up is 'Il Fait Froid Dehors,' a collaboration between DMC and Luke XL, characterised by its heavy acid sound and crunchy textures, seamlessly combined with well-produced drum beats. On Side 2, 'Pharmacy' by DMC and Luke XL offers a tight, deep bassline with vocoder effects, precise drum programming, and a heavy rhythm that drives a no-nonsense groove. Luke XL's 'Mr Nice Guy' rounds out the EP with an catchy groove, evoking Kraftwerk vibes and adding a touch of classic electro to the mix. RH 002 stands out with its distinctive sounds and impeccable production, making it a 12" to check out if you're on the look out for something just a little bit different.
Roman Flugel - "More Is Not Enough (Heaven Or Hell?)"
Lauer - "Hector"
San Laurentino - "Final Landing"
Tuff City Kids - "People Is A Crackhead" (Tuff Hamlet riddim)
Review: Established as a record label some four years ago, Live At Robert Johnson have really come to the fore as representing the best of contemporary European deep house alongside the likes of Dial and Running Back. Here, the Frankfurt institution returns to their recent triumphant Lifesaver compilation with this addendum 12" release featuring the productions from Roman Flugel, Lauer, San Laurentino and Tuff City Kids. Flugel opens proceedings with the rough and moody "More Is Not Enough" which brandishes a beat that can't help but get in your face. This is complemented by the calmer, sumptuous New Beat stylings of Lauer's "Hector" and the richly colourful "Final Landing" from San Laurentino. "People Is A Crackhead (Tuff Hamlet Riddim)" is not only the best track title in a hot minute but yet another original dancefloor slayer from Gerd Janson and Lauer's Tuff City Kids, opting for the Germanic digi dub meets tuff house route.
Review: Mole Music branches out for the first time to vinyl here and shows it has a great wealth of talent to call on with a various artists' EP that is presumably the start of a new series. Holy Guacamole Vol 1 kicks off with JHNS keeping it deep and lively with 'Nevermind' while Steve End and Colau hook up for 'Back Spin' and lay down some magnificent drum loops that are silky and infectious. El Funkador's 'Shame' brings some 90s New York vibes with lovely snare sounds and warm bursts of chords. On the flipside, Alben & Laje & Errat, Hot DLVRY and Craftsmanship all cook up more fresh fusions of old and new school house.
Review: More proper tacker makes it way to vinyl here courtesy of the blow label who enlist four more producers of this latest various artists EP. Kitchen Plug's 'Cheat Code' marries the best of tech, garage, dub and house into a kinetic bit of body music that oozes warm and lo-fi soul. CYMKA brings kaleidoscopic colour and squelchy acid to 'Sweet Peach' then it's all pout old school piano rave madness from Batenko on 'Inside Summer 21'. Last of all is the searing electro funk of Les Hauts with 'Passing Clouds', a blisteringly quick trip into another dimension with some rueful chord work. Sensational EP.
Review: Ben La Desh shows off his elegant take on deep house on the Dirt Crew label here with five well appointed tunes. 'Heel Goed' has loopy, subtle broken beat loops taking you on a trip through the cosmos next to swirling pads and daubs of colour. 'Lift Adrift' is a gorgeous tune laced with ambient beauty and 'Fine Rise' is warm, comforting and inviting. The drums are paced and the pads are spaced out. There is some meticulous drum programming to 'Asanti' that again heads off up amongst the stars and 'Expanding Signal is a perfect back room sound for cosy and intimate dancefloors.
Hold My Hand (Octo Octa Sapphic Trails In Bloom mix) (7:54)
Sing The Blues (6:17)
Hold My Hand (6:32)
Review: Akua Grant's outings as Lady Blacktronika are always worth checking, and her first full outing on Peggy Gou's Gudu label is no different. 'Baby I Got It' is full-on aural madness - a bombastic blend of beefy, redlined house drums, ghostly chords, pitched-up vocal samples and discordant minor key melodies - while 'Sing The Blues' is a deliciously drowsy chunk of wayward, dub-flecked deep house that's as beautiful as it is trippy. Best of all though is the locked-in deep house hypnotism of 'Hold My Hand', which features some superbly soulful vocal samples, metronomic bass and spacey electronic textures. Octa Octa provides a fine remix of that cut, too, re-imaging it as a stomping slab of lo-fi, funk-fuelled breakbeat house headiness.
Review: Lake People's Foreverer, released on Remote Scope, takes listeners on a dynamic journey through deeper realms of minimal and tech house. The album opens with 'S'Pace,' a track that impresses with its polished production and melody reminiscent of Black Dog, setting a sophisticated tone. 'New Seeds' continues this exploration, blending techno and house with a futuristic edge. The title track, 'Foreverer,' introduces a jungle breakbeat layered with an IDM atmosphere, providing an intricate and textured experience. On Side-2, 'Floating Pikes & Pines' delves into early 90s IDM, filled with unique bleeps and sounds that evoke the feel of a computer language. 'Short Path' stands out with its excellent acid work and futuristic IDM groove, offering a fresh take on familiar sounds. The album closes with 'The Solution Of The Problem Of Life,' an ambient outro that serves as a soothing and reflective ending to the record. Foreverer is a next level production that needs to be heard.
Review: Definitive Recordings throws it back to 1994 for 'Do It' a house classic by Las Americas, which is a legendary project by David Alvarado. Newly remastered for 2024, this edition includes the original version as well as a refreshed Chuck Phulasole remix and two dynamic new takes from Italian producer St. David, who brings his vintage-inspired style in all its glory. He delivers a playful 'Big Tool Mix' with vocal flips and infectious grooves alongside a funkier 'Drum-Tool Dub' packed with sharp guitar licks. The original's hypnotic basslines and soulful vocal hook still shine, while Phulasole's deeper remix adds rich keys and Moog warmth. Lovely stuff.
Review: Lawrence's Epiphany Remixes, a release from the German record label Giegling, presents four distinct interpretations of the title track. Each remixer brings a unique approach to the original piece, resulting in a diverse and captivating soundscape. Zoe Polanski's version transforms the track into a crystallized melody, creating a cold yet beautiful atmosphere. Lowtec's remix explores deep techno, delivering a smooth and dreamy ambiance with a touch of sadness. M Pittman Ladder's interpretation adds a gritty, chunky bassline, while Tobias' remix elevates the tempo, creating a pulsating and mechanical percussion elements. These remixes showcase the versatility of Lawrence's original composition, demonstrating how different artists can reinterpret and reshape it to create new and engaging experiences.
Review: Short Attention Records makes a welcome return here with a new drop of wax that fits the label head into its roots in deep techno sound worlds. This one takes the form of a various artists' EP crafted with an intake feel for cosy floors and who better to kick off in that vibe than the revered Lawrence whose 'Hawser' is a groovy and melodious track. Next, New Jersey don Joey Anderson sets a slow and deep tone with 'Human Kind' which has moody vocals and Japanese artist Takuya Matsumoto follows with 'Three Flowers', a more potent and driving cut with a fine acid bassline. Rounding off the EP is 'Desired Spring' by R/K, a loop-driven deep house gem designed for both listening and dancing.
Review: La Zic is an alias of Cristina Lazic and it also means 'music' in French slang. She is Italian-born, London-raised and blends minimal, deep tech and melodic house on labels including Crosstown Rebels, Moan, Bondage Music and TBX. Her own stable is a place for her finest work and is also a platform to champion fellow women in the scene. This EP is a great window into her world where supple drums and sublime synths all make for elastic, gooey, trance inducing rhythms underpinned by nice warm bass. The Nu Zau remix is a particularly fresh take on liquid tech house here.
Review: Contemporary tastemakers Geilgling return with a set of remixes of material from Leafar Legov's recent album, Mirror. First up it is German minimal maestro Isolee who flips 'Fade' into some of his signature sounds - smeared synths and abstract designs all weave together over a minimal beat to make for something seductive and late night. Polish loop master Jan Jelinek then flips 'Fade' into a slow motion shuffle with bright, celestial shards of melodic light and downbeat, melancholic vocals over a chugging beat. Last of all is a mix of 'Jing' that is all broken loops, chopped vocal fragments and hallucinogenic synths.
Review: Paddy Lee's PICNIC 009 on Picnic UK delivers a stellar showcase of progressive house infused with trance, synth wave, and disco elements. On Side-1, 'Drive By' stands out with its terrific laser gun bassline and melodic breaks, maintaining a high-class trance vibe reminiscent of Oliver Lieb's work as L.S.G. Side-2 begins with 'Zero Control,' a bassline-driven mainstage anthem that echoes the grandeur of Funk D'Void's Heavenly Mix of 'Diabla,' packing a powerful punch. 'The Goodbye' concludes the release with a futuristic take on progressive house, blending trance, techno, and EBM influences into a cohesive and sophisticated sound. Paddy Lee demonstrates a masterful command of genre-blending and production prowess on PICNIC 009, making it an essential addition to any progressive house enthusiast's collection. Picnic UK continues to deliver quality releases that push the boundaries of electronic music.
Review: Having previously taken on trips to imaginary 'Lost Moons' and the 'Island of Being', Yaroslav Lensyak is now our tour guide through Trippy Land - an aural, club-ready soundscape that combines his love of undulating acid lines and glitchy tech-house beats with sun-splashed melodic motifs, enveloping pads and off-kilter basslines. The sonic sightseeing begins with the gorgeous-but-weighty 'Yupi', before taking in panoramic views and shuffling breakbeats on the alternately picturesque, raw and sleazy 'Flicker'. Title track 'Trippy Land' boasts motorik bleeps, jagged analogue bass and sharp TB-303 tweaks, while the excursion-ending 'Sirius' is a deep, low-slung, early morning jog that's as rhythmically driving as it is sonically mind-altering.
Review: French producer Lingo launches their imprint Lingo Tools with a decisive helmer, 'Lingo Tools 001'. Landing somewhere squarely between breakbeat, hip house and jam-out acid propulsions, we're first met with 'Push Da' System' - which brings a finger-on-the-button, Beastie Boys-styled vocal line to a stabbing rave blow-cutter - while 'Never Say Never' moves straighter and buzzier. B-sider 'The New Sound' finds confidence in transitory quadruple claps and injunctions to usher in the new sonic world order; finally, 'Moonwalk Like Me' prostrates itself on an astral geyser of sound, with a central arp-ing, melodic tessellation showering off the tune like meteoric detritus.
Review: Since 2019, Taylor Freels - best known for his work as Urulu - has used the Liquid Earth alias to explore the more psychedelic side of his dancefloor influences, frequently doffing a cap to 1990s acid, breaks and progressive house. This time round, you'll hear some of those inspirations, but also nods to the early days of UK garage. For proof, check 'Handy Boy (Casa de Mama Remix)', where cut-up r&b vocal snippets and mind-mangling electronics ride am Armand Van Helden style 'dark garage' groove, and the psychedelic acid-goes-4/4 UKG madness of 'Big Nik's Speed Garage'. They heady and intoxicating hybrid flavours continue on 'Lick of Life (Just A Little Mix)' - all weird noises, odd samples, acid lines and speed garage drums - while 'Clubber's Exit' sits somewhere between weighty Detroit electro and nu-skool breaks.
Review: Liquid Earth is an alias of new school underground house hero Urulu and he's dropped fine beats on Kalahari Oyster Cult, Butter Side up and Small Hours. He has also recently started his own self-titled label which is where he arrives now with four more fresh and well-infused cuts of spaced-out breaks, electro, house and minimal. This one starts with 'The Breakdown' (Charms Of Gaia mix) which has fast-paced trance-techno overtones. The Trips & Skips mix of the same tune is more dark and on the flip are the whacked-out acid-laced breakbeats of 'The Closer' and 'Cobblestone Stomper,' a white knuckle tech house thriller.
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.
Review: Aussie minimal house man Litmus turned heads with his outing on Up The Stuss last year and now is likely to do so again with another fresh offering, this time via the Aesthetic label. His sound taps right into what is hot right now - spaced out breaks, tech and minimal. 'Round & Round' is a vocal laced broken beat tech cut with slamming drums. 'Profiterole' keeps it tightly coiled with infectious and bouncy drum funk and 'The Rippers' then slips and slides with all the evasive skills of a master boxer. 'Talkie Walkie' closes out with a more busy and trippy mix of synths and percussion.
Review: LOCKLEAD's Kemickal Affairs EP delivers four tracks designed to ignite dancefloors with an electrifying blend of house vibes. Side-1 kicks off with 'Zero's Delight,' a spirited and slightly jackin' house anthem that sets a fun and sexy tone. Following up is 'State Of Peace,' delving into a more techy and minimal groove, perfect for those seeking a deeper, more introspective vibe. Flipping to Side-2, the title track 'Kemickal Affairs' takes the listener on a journey through a deeper groove, reminiscent of 90s era house sounds but infused with a contemporary energy. Closing out the EP is 'Morning Krew,' characterized by its pumping bassline and seamless fusion of house and tech elements. With its dynamic range and infectious rhythms, Kemickal Affairs is destined to work well on any club floor.
Review: We'd have never guessed that the (originally) dubstep producer Loefah would land a release on the principally juke and footwork label Teklife and decide, of all things, to give them three acid techno tunes. The linkages aren't as tenuous as it sounds, though: anything more than a cursory listen will unveil the unmistakable Chicago house influences on this otherwise London-born burrer. With the 197 bus to Croydon held firmly in mind, both 'Jump Start' and 'Nines' lay down respectively riveting fidgets, and recall lost fantasies of juke competitions in deep South London community centres, that in reality never happened - though we still know, feel, that deep down there is a more primal dialogue at play between the two cities. On track 3, this dialogue is extended with an official collab with ghetto house pioneer DJ Deeon, whose overt displays of sample-vocalled sexuality put the genre on the map; here, though, he rerubs Loefah's A-side, tubing his acid line through a veritable warp-sped drive, and causing the track to take its fullest flight.
Jamie Dodger - "Yes Yes Release The Stress" (6:20)
Review: Here we are introducing new label Art of Dark and its AODVA Series, a platform showcasing a diverse array of artists, especially those who are newcomers to the music scene. For its inaugural release, the series spotlights four different artists with their own distinctive sound and who are all set to go on to big things, at least if you ask us of the evidence of this. Log_In kicks off with 'Antivirus' which spins you out on nice cosmic tech vibes and screwy alien synth lines, while Landed's 'Anaesthetic' is a retro-future tech house pumper with neon lines and a tight bassline. Matthew Hartshorn's 'Computers' gets as digital as you would expect from the name with the sound of malfunctioning motherboards over sleek beats. Jamie Dodger shuts down with the more edgy percussion and rapped vocal sleaze of 'Yes Yes Release The Stress'.
Review: The Scissor & Thread label is a deep house outlet with plenty of class. Will Young is next to add his sound to the conversation with this new 'Too Much' single. As always it is a sophisticated sound that is unhurried and artful assembled with cuddly drums and synths that lodge deep in your brain. On the B-side, it is label co-founder Francis Harris who steps up with his mix and serves up some of his usual sublime sound designs. Last of all, DJ Aakmael brings his signature smoky soul and dusty deep house depths to a gloriously heartwarming remix of his own.
Review: Modeight's ever growing roster welcomes Loopdeville for this classy new Incase EP which mixes up fractured vocals, buoyant breakbeats and ghostly tech house with plenty of acid. 'Incase' opens top with alien vocal sounds and bouncing kicks next to a soulful vocal plea to make for something full of beguiling contrasts. 'Cleansing' is a smooth and deep one with muted neon chords and a coating of vinyl crackle that is warm and alluring. 'The Bounce' is just that, a nice loose mix of rubbery bass and whirring synth tones with lively drum funk making you shake your limbs.
Review: Hot Creations remains a great breeding ground fresh new tech house talent and also supplies plenty of dance floors with non-stop dancing fodder. Lorenzo De Blanc is next up to the mantle with a trio of razor sharp cuts - 'Feel My Desire' goes first and is a low slung and sleazy cut with a naughty bassline. The drums pump and the bass hits hard. 'Energy' then gets more hard edged, with snappy snares and a monstrous low end that will rattle walls in any club. 'Show Me The Way' shuts down with the funkiest cut of the lot - a slinky house rhythm with some old school piano energy. Lovely stuff.
Review: Los Hermanos returns with 'Remember Detroit,' a stellar addition to the Rawax Motor City Edition. Los Hermanos is known for creating big Detroit hits like 'Quetzal' and 'Birth of 3000'. 'Two Feet Up' is a straightforward Detroit techno anthem, big and emotional with soaring strings. A truly amazing track. 'Remember Detroit' captures the city's whimsical spirit with class and fun. 'Central Nervous Systems' channels Inner City's upbeat house energy, bringing pure, dancefloor joy. The EP's highlight might just be 'Path Of Tranquility,' a jazzy, mellow track that exudes smoothness and bliss, rounding off a diverse and complete release. Los Hermanos expertly encapsulates Detroit's rich musical heritage while pushing forward with fresh, invigorating sounds.
Review: Buoyed by the profile boost provided by Running Back's expanded reissue of his 1996 classic 'Open Door', Peter Kremeir AKA LoSoul brings his unique brand of dusty and hypnotic house to Rawax's RX series. He begins in confident fashion with 'Outer Signal', where squally flash-fried funk guitar notes and subtle synth tones get locked into redlined beats, dark stabs and looped bass. He flips the script on 'Art Form', offering for a pitched-down groove, fuzzy analogue bass, mind-mangling modular loops, trance-inducing house drums and echoing, soundsystem style bleeps. Basically, it's another top two-tracker from one of Germany's most singular-minded house producers.
Review: Eastenderz welcome Louden for a four-track journey of cheekily outta-space proportions, blending the best of tech funk with the more hypnotic ends of acid trance and bass. 'Touche' and 'Ambush' hold little back in the bare establishment of phattened drumbeat swing and flattened tonic funk and both tracks pepper their phrasal end-stops with plenty rewind SFX and chipmunked "ahem, music please" samples for good measure. 'Spaceship' and 'Dizzy Hum' move more furtively, the latter track especially opting for a glottal DX7 organ whose swing is almost too lingual to handle.
Review: One year after dropping back in 2023, Jennifer Loveless's bonafide anthem 'Pleasure' is back in the form of three thrilling reworks and a dub mix which expand its appeal into new realms. Parisian maestro Bambounou kicks things off with a jackin' remix bursting with energy while Lisbon-based veteran and Ibiza favourite tINI follows and offers up a bass-heavy electro-inspired rendition nodding to old-school vibes. Jennifer Loveless and label heads Sleep D close the EP with an 'Indubm-3ntal mix' which is a hypnotic, dubbed-out techno journey layered with deep and atmospheric textures. Together, these fresh interpretations are primed to ignite dancefloors once more.
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