Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
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.
Joseph Cotton & Earl Heptones - "Misty Morning" (4:00)
Room In The Sky All Stars - "Smoking Horn" (feat Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton) (4:21)
Review: The latest from the Joe Gibbs label features a powerful roots rockers reinterpretation of The Sensations' classic rocksteady tune 'Everyday Is Like a Holiday.' The new version from Ruddy Thomas brings a different kind of energy while honouring the soulful essence of the original. It's packed with plenty of mad mixing desk effects and endless echo while warm vocals and deep basslines lock in a steady, hypnotic rhythm. On the B-side, Joe Gibbs & The Professionals deliver 'Holiday Style' which has happy horns and melodies that sparkle in the hot summer sun. Real roots authenticity and dub mastery make this another vital 7".
Review: The brilliant Room In The Sky All Stars presents a heavyweight roots reggae slab here with some serious steppers from guests Joseph Cotton, Laylah Arruda, Ashanti Selah and Rivah Jordan. This essential 12" includes two new tracks, each with four mixes that take the original into all new sonic realms. Rico from the renowned OBF Sound System and Dubquake Records does a fine job with his versions which spin out 'ever bless' into worlds of reverb and lyrical worship. 'Mother Nature' is another impassioned sound with swirling Latin vocals and florid melodies.
Review: Cyclic and Random combine their creative forces on what is a deeply atmospheric new EP of club-ready techno for Notta. 'I Am Happy, As Am I' gets underway with celestial synths up top and more rugged rhythms down low while the mid-section is defined by sustained drones.'Speak Dirty' sinks it grainy, smoky dub techno territory and if it rolled for days you wouldn't mind such is its depth. 'DddSP' keeps things airy with more optimistic chords floating over another set of grainy dub drums with tons of reverb. A Tm Shuffle dub shuts down with a more upright groove that hints at something playful is to come.
Review: Notta's fifth deep dive in moody techno underworlds is a coming together of Cyclic and Random and they both marvel in the details. 'I Am Happy, As I Am' is super cavernous but has rays of synth light and distant microbials glowing bright to keep you attention. 'Speak Dirty' is a more traditional dub in the Berlin style and 'DddSP' then get all liquid and watery as it ripples out to infinity all around you. 'DddSP' (Tm Shuffle dub) hits heavy and rocks back and forth on its heels to mind-melting effect.
Dead Man's Chest - "Living Real" (Artificial Red remix) (5:41)
L Own X Response - "Rumination Cycles" (7:59)
Eusebeia - "Affinity" (5:44)
Esc - "Hot Hands" (7:11)
Review: Dead Man's Chest is about to unleash all kinds of breakbeat mayhem with the third volume of Western Lore's Blunted Breaks series and here's a little taster of the full flavour experience to expect. Artificial Red kicks off with a hazy-but-heavy remix of DMC's 'Living Real' before L Own & Response's 'Rumination Cycles' enshrouds us with rasping tendrils of acid and loose live drum breaks. Flip for two more breath-taking moments in (blunted) breakcraft as Eusebeia captures that early Good Looking magic on 'Affinity' and ESC closes the EP with the powerful, cobweb blast celebration of hardcore's influence on 'Hot Hands'. Get blunted!
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.
Makez - "Train To Saturn" (feat Dwayne Franklin & NPO303) (6:41)
Basic Soul Unit - "Souljourn" (7:23)
Hubie Davsion - "Entno" (4:23)
Review: On Demuja's label Blueprint comes an milestone six-track EP made up of breezy, ultraviolet house tunes, celebrating the imprint's tenth anniversary in the form of a bite-sized sampler referencing a wider compliation LP. With both familiar and fresh faces in tow, we're gripped by the selection on offer: Hall's synthetic glam-funk jam opens proceedings with whistly synths, while Makez' 'Train To Saturn' accelerates towards ever-faster ends, and Basic Soul Unit's 'Souljourn' takes the B's cake with knocky, tactile *perpetuum mobile*.
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: London label Fourier Transform welcome back Rekab (James Baker) and label debuter Mre for 'Ace High'. 'Armadillos' rolls up its chassis for a serious exercise in minimal weight, reconstituting tuned percussions as it trundles along, while Rekab's 'Always Having Fun' posits an ideal life-mode: a steady, direct current of enjoyment, set to hedonically calculated beats. 'Climbing High' rebates the percussions for a subtle lark's ascent in deep acid, while 'Ace' complementarily descends across cross-rhythmic breaks and harmonies.
Review: SIKU's various artists offerings always result in a nice and varied sound across two sides of vinyl and the sixth such drop is another one worth of attention for techno heads. Onoffon opens with 'Matter What' which rides on raw drums with slapping hits and stark synths, while Sebastian's 'Dreams Metaphors' has a ghoulish energy and dark, twisted synth menace. Rufo brings some cosmic wonder and bleeping melodic sequences to 'Mr Wonderful' and Brian Topham's 'Expressive Dimension' is a straight up tool with burrowing leads.
Everyone Has Got To Go (Super Bionic version!) (4:22)
Review: 'Everyone Has Got to Go' is a powerful 1976 roots stepper by Jamaican-Canadian singer Prince Robinson aka R. Man Prince. Born in Rockfort, Kingston, Robinson auditioned at Studio One in his teens but didn't record until a decade later. After moving to New York and Canada, he returned to Kingston in 1976 to record two iconic roots anthems at Joe Gibbs studio: this one and the rare 'Funny Dream.' Joined by The Soul Foundation and top session musicians like Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, the track's mix by Ernest Hookim and Barnabas features a haunting dub version.
Review: Milo Raad is back on Rotterdam's finest, Mord Records, with a fine follow-up to his last outing, the 'Blood Pressure' EP. This one opens at pace with 'Bushido' and its rushes of synth and hi hats, which sweep you off your feet in an instant. 'Flash Point' has a more stripped-back sound with a hypnotic meld of drums and kicks that makes for perfect 5am escapism. The deep techno of 'Yawara' is run through with eerie, searching synths that describe a desolate urban scene and 'Detour' is a final assault on both head and heel with its unrelenting drum pressure.
Review: Chicago has had a strong re-edit culture since the days when Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles were defining house music culture in the mid 1980s. Rahaan, who has been one of the more storied members of the global re-edit scene for the last two decades, is undisputedly the Windy City's current scalpel-edit king - as his ongoing series of reworks on Hot Biscuit Recordings emphatically proves. Here he adds two more fine revisions to his bulging discography. A-side 'For Dancing & Singing' sees the veteran DJ/producer apply his Midas touch to a vintage 60s funk jam, making most of the sampler-ready breaks and groove, while flip side 'The Galaxy' - our pick of the pair - is a soaring and spacey 70s disco workout piled high with percussion, jaunty piano motifs and suitably intergalactic synth sounds.
Review: Rahaan is an absolute don when it comes to disco done right and with genuine soul. He's been rolling it out in original and edit form for many years and none of it ever goes out of date. Here he presents Gregory Carmouche & Cherelle Cherisoul Sullivan on the second release on the Yellow Taxi label. 'It Is What It Is' is a lovely loose jam with noodling chord work, rolling drums and magnificent vocals that bring plenty of sunshine next to playful whistles. Those vocals are more centred on the B-side opener while an instrumental remixes peels them away entirely.
Review: Two years on from his first M.A.D Edits EP, 'Rakim Redun Volume 1', Karim Sanchez once more dons the Rakim Under alias for round two. As with its predecessor, the four-track EP sees him breathe new life into lesser-known cuts from the past while adding his own samples and nostalgic musical elements. Clips of opener 'Transfer 91' were not available at the time of reviewing (too hot to handle, we assume), so we'll start with 'Gulf of Space', which sounds like a take on a turn-of-the-90s, bleep-era electro-meets-house jam underpinned by deep, heavy bass and peppered with spacey synths and sampled spoken word vocals. 'Wonderbean' is a more rubbery, elastic and energetic affair - all restless, jazzy bass, post-electro breaks and mangled vocal snippets, while 'Ko-Ko' is a tweak of what sounds like a proto-bleep electro workout.
Review: Intime Anthem is a new label that makes a suitable impressive debut here with a various artists offering that explores a leftfield disco sound. Ramozel's 'Nomentum' has deadpan indie vocals and stark mechanical drums with cold wave synths. Parker Bjoske wars monads with twisted synth modulations and slow, purposeful kicks on 'Tempo.' Naimer then switches the mood with a more playful and 80s-inspired sound, bright retro synths and euro-dance grooves on 'Wildejoe.' There is a supple acid-laced majesty to Ivaj Odnode's closer 'Atillol,' which makes this as vital as it as varied.
Review: London underground night train riders Deadbeat Records prioritise techno-breaks handmade for late night and early morning dancefloors, times when both the best and worst comes emerges from each of us. Their inaugural Deadbeat Breaks compilation hears six out of ten full digital curations brought to a shadowy, space-invaded black vinyl truncation, with modern talking synth vomits from Olly Rant, booty bass hups from Hunter Starkings, hackney parroting hurtles from Rnbws, and a closing breakstep broil from Hooverian Blur.
Review: Rats On Acid's Triple A debut 'Burn Out' hears the occasional ear-amazer emit an ecstatic edict in acid hardcore, teasing out a sad but true fact of the post-industrial, post-post-modern condition: burnout. Ah, yes burnout. That tired old, laborious effect of overwork and overshot ambition. How do we combat burnout? First of all, redirect our energies to skanking anodes of acid hardcore, not overtime at work. The EP's title track is mad fun, bringing acrimonious acids and aerodrome reverbs, while 'On The Jazz' restricts the mix-space to a narrow shaft, up which a determined, high-impedant melodic current climbs. 'Turn The Page' ends on a strangely excited, cacophonous stasis; we're amazed this one was made recently, as it has a real convincing 90s energy to it.
Review: Break The House, the turbo-charged offshoot of Rave 2 The Grave, reworks two stone-cold anthems into modern rave weapons. Cell Out's take on 'Where Love Lives' strips things down to bare percussion and weighty low-end before the original's euphoric vocal and piano hook come surging back in full force. Meanwhile, teaming up with Sleeper Cell, they flip 'Good Life' into a break-laced juggernaut, distorting the bass and stretching the groove into something rougher and sweatier while keeping the heart of the classic intact. A high-energy, no-nonsense update built for the peak-time rush.
Lou Rawls - "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" (Kenny Summit, Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kupper's Brawls Deep unreleased remix)
Kenny Summit, Frankie Knuckles & Eric Kupper - "Loving You" (feat Yasmeen)
Review: This special 12" sampler, part of the forthcoming compilation, taps into the timeless spirit of the Paradise Garage with two unreleased collaborations that showcase the late Frankie Knuckles' legacy. On the A-side, the final production from Knuckles, alongside Kenny Summit and Eric Kupper, delivers a soulful, uplifting remix of Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." It's pure house brilliance that captures the essence of the Garage sound. On the flip, the trio reunites for "Loving You," a Motown-inspired anthem featuring Yasmeen's powerful vocals. These tracks, which have been staple spins for DJs like Cajmere and Sonny Fodera, form part of a larger collection that celebrates house music's rich history, with remixes of iconic tracks. The cover art, designed by Alexander Juhasz, adds an extra layer of cultural significance to this must-have release.
Review: RDS's latest for Jamming Is Life captures the essence of imperfection with raw, vintage machinery. The EP opens with 'Creek,' a deep acid-driven track that teases and builds, offering a mesmerizing, hypnotic rhythm. It's an immediate dancefloor mover, full of controlled chaos and shifting tension. Next, 'Chronicles' pulls us into darker, more mysterious territory. With tech-heavy beats and a tight, swirling atmosphere, it walks the line between groove and unpredictability. The driving rhythm never quite reveals its destination, keeping things fresh and engaging. On the B-side, 'Slappy Whappy Dub' stands out with its tribal, proggy undertones. The track builds slowly, adding layers of tension with each beat. Finally, 'Synergy-Lo' rounds things off with a subtle, trancy techno cut, bringing a satisfying, smooth close to a release built on unpredictability and rhythmic mastery.
Review: Italian artist Recut is back with a new four-track outing that comes steeped in the lovably mad energy of acid, the enduring rawness of the Chicago underground and the drum sounds of New York. He has been active since the 90s so has a great through-line to these foundational styles but makes them his own here. Interestingly he started producing with turntables and mixers after being inspired by DMC champion so brings a real live feel to his sounds. 'Narcotic Tango' is a full-throttle pumper, 'Acid Street' layers undulating 303 lines into silky and elastic drums and 'Jack O Acid' gets more intense and in your face. 'Feel The Heat' shuts down with some trippy synth colours.
Review: Red D - the production alias of We Play House founder Bert Van Naste - established the 'Red Basics' series five years ago, initially to pay tribute to "the music and people of Detroit". Four years on from the series' second instalment, Van Naste returns with three more raw, stripped-back jams that variously doff a cap to early Chicago house, the Motor City, and formative UK bleep techno. The Belgian DJ/producer begins with 'The J Principle', a bleeping and bass-heavy workout featuring a spoken word vocal paying tribute to Windy City house originator Jamie Principle, before reaching for acid style synth bass, sparkling keyboard stabs and vintage drum machine beats on 'Raw Shit'. Over on side B, Van Naste slams down the hypnotic, piano stab-sporting techno looper 'Troisentrois Groove'.
Review: Label regulars Roberta and Trilaterals are back on Worldship Music to take part in the latest Herald Tarccs instalment. Reelsoul is a new name to join the fun and pens up with 'La Costa' which is a throwback disco house sound with wild melodies and big horn leads vying for attention and getting hands skyward. Trilaterals bring plenty of percussive funk and jumbled drum brilliance to 'Flo Jo' and Teflon Dons taps into a Philly sound with the string loops of 'DONTWANTU2GO.' Roberta's "Hang Back' is a classy little jazz-house number.
Review: German label Terminal M's place in the techno world has long been established - it deals in fresh sounds for big rooms with hints of minimal. Mark Reeve now adds his work into the mix with this bold and inescapable two tracker. 'Golden' is a wave of techno with textural synth loops spraying about the mix like an untethered hose while chunky drums rattle the walls. 'All We Have' then gets even more extroverted and maximal with tortured synth stabs, big brain frying leads and more dark, all-consuming drums.
Review: After a standout contribution to Fuse's first V/A release in 2024, Reflex Blue returns to Enzo Siragusa's prolific minimal tech imprint with a fledgling EP on the label, 'Fragments'. Recalling urban galavants and seedy underbellies, 'Freakin In The Neighborhood' and 'Ruff City Dub' portray the gabardine coats and illicit wares of a dark metropolis through undulant Reese basses and ballooning acids; eventually, what goes underground must always come up for air. 'Tightening The Screw' adds a cagey speed garage stress to an already gaunt citywide panic; 'Love 2 Rhythm' is the only moment of respite, sampling Kathy Brown and Praxis' enduring soul squeal from 'Turn Me Out'.
Review: Sydney producer Will Regan has the task of serving up Xadenx Records's first ever vinyl release, and he doesn't fall short. His blend of storytelling electro and techno is both packed with detail to occupy your mind as well as coming with some fine, floor-ready rhythms for your feet. 'Haunted Quest' is a spacious one with searching pads to get things going, then 'Malevolent' has a frost synth texture and plunging bass that locks you into a steady rhythm. 'Overdrive' off-sets more pixelated synths and raw machine rhythms and last of all, 'Reverie' has a sense of impending doom that keeps you very much locked in.
Review: Berlin-based Nastia Reigel contributed a track to one of this label's various artists releases last year but now steps up with a full EP that is all her own. It is a fine chance for her to show her skills and that she does: 'What Can You Do' has a unique mix of hammering sounds, hulking great kicks and textural smears that are all dirty and industrial yet funky. 'If So Then' is totally different - a stripped back, deep, linear techno roller, while 'Over &' is weighty, loopy dub with a raw 90s aesthetic. 'Hold The Door Please' is another one built from well-designed loops that is sure to rattle the walls of any warehouse with its monster kicks and glitchy FX.
Review: After a lengthy hiatus, Spanish label theBasement Discos returns with a collection that fuses the essence of 90s house with contemporary flair. Rekun opens with 'Party Jean', a playful track driven by infectious rhythm. DJ Merci's 'Smack That' builds momentum with its punchy bass and relentless groove. Mindchime's 'Changes' shifts into deeper territory, offering intricate layers and subtle energy. Deepmore's 'All Night Long' closes with an unyielding, hypnotic drive that'll keep feet moving long into the night. A handy blend of old and new, proving theBasement Discos' unwavering influence in today's vinyl scene.
Review: This is a mega rare 12" version of a classic tune which will never not get big reactions. 'Get Ready For This' is a proper Philly disco soul delight with stirring vocals that are deep and powerful over fine instrumentals and funky bass effects. On the reverse is a flip by the one and only Paradis garage legend Ron Hardy. He upped the drums and allowed the vocal plenty of room to shine while tweaking the synths and melodies to sit not so loud in the mix and allow horns room to shine. A real gem from the glory days of early club culture.
Review: Pedro's House swings open its doors again for another joyous party soundtracked by the label founder himself, Pedro Ricardo. He has a well-crafted brown beat style that draws great energy from the sun and gives it back in the form of loose-limbed and well-worked grooves. 'Solway System' is a busy, kinetic opener and '28 Or 5 To 4' then luxuriates in smeared pads. 'In The Attic' brings some Detroit soul to cuddly but heavy kicks and 'Knockup Stream' adds a little swing into the mix. 'Maracuya Matanzas' is the big finish with wonky chord work.
Review: BeAvantGarde Records have been away for a while but now makes an always-welcome return with the underground favourite that is Riccardo. He does his usual do of serving up four tracks of spaced-out invention. 'In Space' opens up with nice warped bass and insistent synth stabs with jacked-up drums and perc. 'Frequency' then has a more bright and cosmic sense of mood as the drums slow down and lull you into their hypnotic patterns. There is plenty of snap and crispy bass to 'Timeout' with its searching lead synths and gritty baseline while last of all is 'Kalapas' which cuts are loose and has ragged rhythms and textures for a more arresting vibe.
Review: With an arsenal of releases on labels like NDATL, PPU, Black Catalogue, 2MR, and Harsh Riddims, Atlanta artist Stefan Ringer presents the first release on his own imprint FWM Entertainment. This contribution contains a fluid spectrum of sounds . "Southside", is a soulful, sexy summer house cut. "Great Beat" follows up in a similar vein; jazz inspired, introspective, and upbeat. While "Wanna Be Bad" is a freaky skating rink inspired track. "Got Me 123" is a Hypnotic 2 step groove, and rounding it out is "FR Shawty" a slowed vocal stepper.
Review: Detroit-raised, London-based Demi Riquisimo assembles a dynamic mix of label favourites and fresh talent on Love State, the 22nd release from his Semi Delicious imprint. This six-track V/A hears offerings from Demi himself alongside Clint, Swoose, Lulah Francs, Dukwa, Anastasia Zem & Asa Tate, blending club modernity with classic analogue dance influences, sampling every sonic cate from Italo to tech house. Best among the bunch has to be Swoose's 'Re/Vision' and Anastasia Zems' 'Eternal Beauty', which bring together wasted electro, Italian new beat and trance for well-measured tinctures of dreaminess.
Review: The imagination of the Munster label runs unabashed, as the late 1960s French cabaret star Rita and Chilean band Aguaturbia are heard to "team up" on this wonderful 7" slither of eroticism. Both visited their respective localities in the late 60s and early 70s, with Aguaturbia especially concluding an extensive tour across Europe with an incensing performative finale in France. They also happened to each name one of their own best songs 'Erotica'. Though they never met or really formally collaborated, this new record indulges the fantasy of what it may have been like to work together, had their shoulders been hit with golden arrows. An imaginary sexploitation film soundtrack, Rita's 'Erotica' rises to the hyperventilated brim, her delighted cries building to shaky, sighing contractions, while Aguaturbia's does remarkably similar with a brasher, dust-storming fuzz-guitar melee set to fainter but still audible groans.
Review: Motion Potion Records returns with a second release from the Australian label founded by Jono Xidias, Mehmet Alpdogan, and ritmiq. This collaborative project sees ritmiq teaming up with Lewba and Louis for the 'Signals' EP, a heady exploration of spacey club sounds. Standout track 'Transmitting From Space' (with Lewba) glides through cosmic synths, subtle breaks and hypnotic melodies so is sure to become a certified late-night burner. On the A-side, Louis and ritmiq deliver 'Interplanetary Prisoner' and 'Parallax,' which are both rich in mood and groove. ritmiq's solo cut 'Nebularae' closes the EP with high energy and dancefloor heat. Signals is a stylish, cosmic journey worth taking.
Review: Italo-disco enthusiasts, strap in for something special, as cult Italian label Disco Segreta celebrates its tenth anniversary with a touched-up, honest-to-time reissue of Cecilia Rizzoli's 'Cosi Non Va'. A priceless Italo disco classic long prized as a collectors' white whale, this unique number 1985 came as an ultra-limited edition of just 500 copies on Scarabes Sound and Discokkio. With hypnotic Juno synths, punchy Linndrum beats, and Cecilia's emotionally charged vocals - providing a glimpse into the Italian singer-songwriter's couth early days - offers melancholic Italo satiation. Remastered from the original analog master and featuring a fresh edit by Claudio Burgos (Mr. Fantasy), this one's a jackpot.
Review: Ukraine has been a hotbed of house and techno innovation going back a good few years now. Nechto is a label that has more than played its part in that and now kicks on with a new EP as it hurtles towards 30 releases in all. RMK is behind this one and opens up with some impassioned vocal cries over sleek linear beats. 'Vessel' is a tightly woven deep techno tapestry with soulful synth warmth lighting things up. There is no let up on 'Factory Streets' with its driving drums and pulling synths adding meat to the bones and last of all is 'Keys', another triumphant example of how both form and function can happily co-exist in the techno world.
Review: With over 25 years in the game and a legacy as one half of the revered German electronic duo Wighnomy Brothers, this veteran artist shows no signs of slowing down. His latest EP delivers a slick blend of minimal and tech house flavors with undeniable character. 'Frandga' kicks off with a sultry vocal performance by Delhia, layered over a groovy, addictive minimal tech foundation i funky, hypnoti, and impossible to resist. 'Wortkabular' follows with a more stripped-back micro-tech approach, sharp and precise yet full of subtle movement. On Side-B, 'Beatkutter' flips the energy into a playful, techy party stormer, driven by a nasty, elastic bassline that's pure dancefloor mischief. 'Kopfnikker' closes things out with a surprising twist i a broken IDM-inspired rhythm paired with unique melodic touches, offering a textured and thoughtful finish. This EP proves why his influence still runs deep, blending masterful technique with a fresh, free-spirited edge.
Review: Get ready for The Electro Guilde's fifth volume, another invitation to get lost at the heart of the rave. This time Zodiak Commune Records enlist Robodrum to kick off with the relentless synth slithers of bleeps of 'Call Me Bitch' before Redjack's 'Call The Monster' layers up mad analogue cowbells, blasts of distorted bass and a sense of intergalactic tension. Baka's 'Flux' dup shootings up with some visceral acid and he also takes care of the closer, 'Androids Hate Marching' a warp-seed, neck-snapping electro terminator with future synths and hiring sounds all spinning your mind into a fenny.
Review: 'Thermae' feels like a track that's more about the spaces between the notes than the notes themselves. Featuring Andy Baxter on guitar, bass, and drums, along with Jim Piela on saxophone and Francesca Uberti on piano, it's a laid-back, almost meditative piece that brings to mind the warm, smooth vibes of Khruangbin and Glass Beams. The track is sparse, but not in a way that feels emptyithere's a certain tension in the way it unfolds, with each instrument carving out its own space. The saxophone, in particular, stands out with an FX-laden part that evokes the mood of Robohand's 'Palms' LP from 2023, adding a touch of depth and atmosphere that lingers in the background. There's a nice balance between the organic and the electronic here, which shows in how the track was recorded between London and New York. It's all mixed and mastered with care by Sean Woodlock and John Webber, ensuring that each element, no matter how subtle, shines through in its own time. It's a reflective piece that doesn't demand attention, but invites it when you're ready.
Undercover Of The Night (unreleased instrumental) (4:52)
Miss You (unreleased instrumental) (4:49)
Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.
Review: The second ever release from Discos Martos moulds another 45, this time from Rocksteady Romantics, who are committed to the timeless allure of rocksteady. Also keeping true to the label's analogue ethos, the record captures essences of Jamaican soundsystem culture with deep dub grooves and a fresh take on classic soul. The A's powerful dub with Tibstar is readymade for stacked soundsystems, its infectious, picante horn section skimming aplomb bass. On the B-side, the band offers a unique Spanish rendition of 'I'm Your Puppet', with Tito Ramirez's smooth vocals bringing a new dimension to the beloved soul classic.
Review: Deep house fans can rarely go wrong with the work of Praising mainstay Frank Rodger. He's on a good run of late and now he keeps the going with a return to Seasons Limited that again taps into his signature and timeless sound. A side 'Deep Squares' is one of those long and winding sounds that slowly but surely seduces you and sinks you into its deep, evocative groves. 'Sandton Skys' then brings heavy kicks and subtle pad work while rickety percussion brings off-balance goodness. The highlight might well come last with 'Come Together', which is playful and louche, smartly sampled and underpinned by a dusty deep house vibe.
Review: Franck Roger recently impressed with a vocal project alongside Arnold Jarvis and is now back on Seasons Limited with some of his signature house depths. Opener 'Don't Look Down' kicks off with louche, lovely drums and swirling pads and vocals that soon melt the heart. 'That's Alright' is a more thumping kick but is no less heartfelt with its warped bass and prickly hi-hats. 'Proscription' closes out with smooth, serene grooves that have your head in the stars and your heart locked into the romantic melodies. .
Review: Seasons Limited made a welcome return in 2024 and now keeps up that good momentum with another big single from French house mainstay Franck Roger with some fine vocals by Paul B. It's a super smooth sound with drum swaying back and forth, molten synth adding late night and tissue soul and the tender vocal adding intimacy and late night romance. Rocco Rodamaal steps up for remixes and first of all he pairs things back to a sedate, seductive deep house roll then fleshes out the drums with some dubby weight to finish.!
Review: Chachi Romero's famously magic fingers are back in full force on the latest release from Open Air 72. This project dives into the nu-funk movement and do so by mixing up retro-funk vibes with futuristic synth sounds reminiscent of the likes of MoFunk, Zackery Funk Force and Dabeull. A-side jam 'Sunwave Space' rings endlessly nodding and funky basslines to withering sci-fi motifs and blissed-out vocal coos. It's a nice and catchy sound while 'Arm Candy' is a more deep and dusty house groove with libidinous vocals and rolling beats topped with some well-chosen vocal samples for an extra steamy allure.
House music legend Harry Romero, a man who's soundtracked countless late nights and sweaty dancefloors, makes his Rekids debut with a two-track EP that's as timeless as it is energetic. 'Nice To Meet You' is a masterclass in classic New York house, its hypnotic groove and raw low-end providing the perfect foundation for Romero's signature blend of infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. The title track is a standout, its bold kazoo melody and hypnotic breakdowns a testament to Romero's ability to craft tracks that are both instantly recognizable and utterly unique. But the EP doesn't stop there; 'Danny's Groove' is a high-energy affair, its layered rhythms and catchy whistle melody creating a sense of joyous abandon that's impossible to resist. This is house music at its finest, a reminder that sometimes all you need is a killer groove and a touch of soulful magic to ignite the dancefloor.
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