Juno Recommends Deep House: February 2025

Review: Sean Johnston curates a compilation that feels as much like a love letter to a bygone era of cosmic and chugging dance music as it does a blueprint for the future. Across this translucent red vinyl double LP, he assembles a narrative that stretches from the dub-tinged grooves of Weatherall-inspired rhythms to rich, enveloping basslines rooted in the darker corners of the dancefloor. These selections capture the ethos of A Love From Outer Spaceinot a style, but a sensibility, where tempo slows and subtlety reigns. Rather than overwhelm, the tracks reveal their power gradually, layering textures and grooves with a painterly touch.

Review: Born less than an hour from Chicago but now based in Detroit, Rick Wade cut his DJ teeth in Michigan's Nectarine Ballroom in the 80s and early 90s, at the same time as a certain Jeff Mills was also making giant strides at the venue. Wade's sound is more rooted in deep house but, as this four tracker demonstrates, there's a cosmic spirituality and otherworldliness to his music that it shares with the best of UR and other notable Detroit greats. We kick off with 'Groove Tool', powered by a beautifully pliable, funky bassline and embellished with floating chords and subtle bell sounds way up in the high frequency range. 'Pimp Prophecy' boasts a little more disco swagger, with its niggling guitar riff and some excellent bongo bashing. 'Jazzy Tears' revolves around a sturdy kick and a processed, timestretched vocal refrain, played off against jazzy guitar chords and strings ascending to the heavens. 'Ooo Ahh' is probably the catchiest of the lot, with a shuffling beat undercarriage and an infectious hook, all wrapped up - as all four tracks are - in some understated but still lush musicality. 'Deep Incantations' indeed.

Review: Upstairs Asylum is kicking off the year in some style with a couple of killer new EPs. This one is the first in what is presumably a new series to showcase the talents of the Motor City. Mike Clark & Marcus Harris get things underway with 'Hey' which has a subtly uplifting feel thanks to the bright, sustained chords and cuddly drums. Santonio Echols's 'Piano In The Light' (DJ Emanuell Echols mix) is laidback, playful deep house with magical chord work and Brian Kage brings his classy depths to the smooth grooves of 'This Saturday Night.' Ryan Sadorus brings things to a close with the smoky 'Down Below.'

Review: Sean Johnston's A Love From Outer Space is a masterclass in mood and restraint. Over two LPs, it captures the ethos of Johnston's club night, favouring steady, low-slung rhythms and cosmic textures over high-energy peaks. The tracks are sequenced with care, creating a meditative flow that rewards deep listening. This is dance music for introspection, where each layer reveals itself slowly, embodying a philosophy that values depth and subtlety.

Review: LA-based band ASHRR picked up plenty of new fans with their recent Sunshine Low album and now they're back with the sixth single from it and it comes with some seriously heavyweight names on the remix. Chicago house pioneer Ron Trent does his thing to 'Please Don't Stop The Rain' by going super deep, spine tingling and heady with some lush arps and distant guitar twangs adding a Balearic feel. Dub treatments come from the Prescription boss himself, while ASHRR's alter ego, ASHRR Soundsystem, offer up an instrumental and a remix that lay down dubby house drums and lush chord work. This one keeps the summer vibes going well into winter.

Review: Though now almost at 20 releases deep, the EEE label and production outfit remain a mystery to us. What we do know is that since debuting in 2017 they have served up a steady stream of playful, charming, accessible edits and mash-ups across the house and minimal spectrum. 'Dubs 4 Clubs' takes a classic vocal that keeps pushing on with thudding kicks, a rolling bassline and enough synth detail to make it a standout in plenty of Ibiza sets this summer.

Review: The latest from The Robinson - that'll be Milan-based brothers Marco and Riccardo Augeri to you - opens with the jazz, live-sounding and improvised 'Life Decisions' with its cosmic synths reaching up to the stars over raw beats. 'Unconscious Habits' follows on, bringing deep, dubby drums, organic percussive lines and a deep jungle vibe while 'Running Algorith' is another humid deep house closer with warm, diffuse pads and a spiralling of deft percussion.

Review: True to the name, Nervous Records have always kept us on our toes, biting our fingernails, hind-waddling to the edges of our seats. That being said, they themselves have kept rather relaxed on the releasing front in recent times; any residual nervousness is mostly on our side. In a rare original EP move from the veteran garage house label comes Shaka with 'Hidden Lover'; this is the wisened work of a battle-torn Swiss producer, whose many previous outings on Yore, Mate, Selections and Vibes & Grooves has all paid off with this inclusion in said anxious pantheon. 'Sing With Me' brings nostalgic feet-sweeping recollections from singer Eva against modular rack rides and cowbells, while 'Sill Groovin'' sounds like the same location but revamped for the anniversary present: its grooving, cool, vitreous sound design recalls the clinking of martini glasses and the tinging of wine measures in a svelte art deco backroom.

Review: New Omar S alert! The FXHE label boss wastes no time in dropping heat this New Year as he once again hooks up with vocalist Desire for this latest house gem. Up first is 'Something Real', in the classic Omar S mould of laying down a deep, heartfelt drum line and then topping it with a mad emotive vocal hook that is filled with r&b goodness and joined by the most subtle cosmic chord motifs. 'Hard Leaf Rag' follows next, so raw it will make your ears tickle with its busted drums and serrated stabs. Then flip it over for 'Conant Leaf Rag', which pairs warbling synth sounds with dusty hi-hats and tight kicks for a nice, full mind and body workout.

Review: Taking squarely after Dreamatic house music while offering it a fresh, crisp twist, producer Space Ghost shares his latest record 'Dream Tool' with the world. We all dream, every night, even when we don't remember our dreams: but with a title like 'Dream Tool', we're left to wonder just what kind of gizmo, gadget or utility might aid our circadian best life. Music, perhaps? A sense of detached curiosity is gotten across from the jump here, bringing flighty red carpet rides across ceaseless cosmogenies of sound on 'East Of The Lake', as vestiges of funk, cosmic disco and Italo are released into the ether, added to the trailblazed chromic nebula of space. The title track moves similarly, said dream tool clasping its arms around our eyelids like a benevolent Ludovico technique, as dubby undulations ring out. 'Prism' goes even further to plunge our third ears into fluxion chords and midnight saxophones. Finally, we come round-orbital trip with 'Homeworld', with cascading returnal arps and power intervals proving the theory of time dilation right.

Review: Toolroom's house imprint keeps the party pumping with another diverse selection of floor-filling weapons. Grant Nelson & Mark Knight lead the charge with 'Do It Y'all', a track that's been tearing up charts and dancefloors with its raw energy and irresistible rhythm for a while now. But this sampler doesn't simply rest on its laurels; it takes us on a winding path through the multifaceted sounds of house music. The Deepshakerz & Turntables Night Fever follow up with 'Oh Phunk!', a high-energy stomper fueled by a relentless rhythm section and soulful vocal samples that hark back to the golden age of house music. Richard Earnshaw, however, opts for a different approach, reimagining Fonda Rae's classic 'Touch Me' with a touch of soulful depth and emotion. Sebb Junior closes out the sampler with 'Makes Me Feel', a track brimming with bright melodies and feel-good vibes, showcasing the playful side of house music. This sampler is a showcase for the label's dedication to quality house music that offers listeners a diverse range of beats that are both good for the dancefloor and any discerning DJs.

Review: Kerri Chandler's 'Bar A Thym' is one of those tracks that seems to contain everything great house music aspires to beia groove so undeniable it feels perpetual, melodies that loop and evolve as though they've always existed. This reissue, spanning Chandler's original extended mix, Foremost Poets' vocal edit, and THEMBA's reimagined version, charts not only the track's history but its continuing relevance. The Foremost Poets edit imbues the already hypnotic motif with an enigmatic narrative, its vocal fragments both anchoring and reframing the mood. THEMBA's remix, on the other hand, nudges the groove toward Afro house, subtly opening up the track's spatial dynamics while preserving its magnetic pull. Chandler's work never feels datediit shifts and reshapes to meet each new moment, and 'Bar A Thym' remains as arresting today as it was when it first found its way onto the dancefloor.

Review: Smart dresser and dedicated beard groomer Manuold - real name Emmanuele Macagnone - has notched up some excellent releases since making his bow in 2017, including admired EPs on House Puff and Madhouse Records. Here he brings his classy brand of deep house to GLBDOM for the first time. With its squelchy synth-bass, loose-limbed garage-house drums, gospel vocal samples and warm pads, opener 'Jersey' sounds like a long-lost Kerri Chandler gem. He continues the retro-futurist theme on the low-slung and jazzy 'Hot & Crunchy', before doffing a cap to deep house/tech-house fusion on the Tenaglia-influenced 'Zanzibar'. Over on the flip, 'Night Long' is a chunky slab of 21st century New Jersey deep house with an Italian twist, while 'In The Clouds' sees him successfully lean into his Italo-house influences while retaining a dreamy and chunky deep house flex.

Review: Feelgood garage house with a touch of synth clavichord from DJ Fudge and Ralph Session, teaming up with singer Chinua Hawk for a rousing, string-dousing new single through Groove Culture. Here we're assured of the carat value of life, and Fudge and Sessions' appraisal is as generous as you'd hope any antiques dealer would be about your grandfather's wedding ring, with lustrous strings and belting vocals suggesting confident self-determination and regality (the NYC dub, by comparison, is much loopier, riffing on the French house feel nascent in the A).

Review: Veteran UK producer and onetime member of techno/electro legends The Advent returns with a versatile three-track offering on his own Phoenix G label. The release explores the intersections of dub, house and techno, showing MR G's knack for creating deep, emotive grooves. Over the 25 years he's been releasing music he's kept a signature style and this is no excepyion. Side-1 features 'Dust In The System: Tokyo Dub Plate', a jazzy, dub-infused tech-house track with a rich, atmospheric vibe. Its deep basslines and subtle swing make it both hypnotic and dancefloor-ready. Side-2 opens with 'Let's Do It', where acid-laced techno and house collide. With bold rave chords and a driving rhythm, this track packs an infectious energy that feels destined for peak-time moments. Closing the EP is 'Find Love (Ambient Space Tek)', a chord-heavy, dreamlike piece that leans into chill-out territory. Its ambient tones and ethereal textures provide a soothing contrast, ending the record on a reflective note. Another excellent album, functional yet soulful, in his impressive catalogue.

Review: Unperturbed deep house from returning Rekids signee Tiger Stripes, following 2024's 'I Heard It Through The Bassline' with a continuation of the same sound that made his name on the label the first time around. On the title track, past many an unpolished snap and shuffle, we hear half-recollected, sampled vocal antiphonies against a clear injunction to "jack". 'Goddess', meanwhile, tiptoes between funky sensualism and suspense, with a bubbling palm-muted funk lick prefacing an alternating, minor second bass motive.

Review: It's impossible to talk about this label without drawing your attention to its superb catalogue naming conventions. The tunes are banging too, in this case with a timeless deep house bent from A Box of Goodies. 'The Nite' opens up with neat and warm chord stabs and succulent drum work with a US garage twist. 'End Of Luv' swells your heart with its summery rush of melodic goodness and 'Stompin' Pumpin' then gets down and dirty with some golden bells and chopped vocals. 'I'm The One' closes with a Kerri-style bounce and soul.

Review: Charming, buttery "tropical" melodic house from Sebastian Leger and Roy Rosenfeld in the form of 'Panko Day', a surefire sunset favourite, whose restorative tones were first heard from Leger's own DJ set at Camino Riviera, San Diego. The new track takes its name from Japanese panko, a form of light breadcrumb used to create a crispy coating on fried foods; only an unruffled head and body-space could possibly engender the kinds of bite-sized, vibe-grazing moods this track implies, with its whistly progressions and simple, bulbous shuffle. The B-side's 'Milka' refers to another readymade snack food, though the track is much more entrancing and modal, chowing down on crunchy layers in the pan mix.

Review: This EP from Peter LC is a vibrant and soulful exploration of house music, showcasing the Italian producer's versatility and deep passion for the genre. It's a captivating journey through infectious grooves, uplifting melodies, and soulful vocals. The original mix sets the tone with its irresistible energy, while the Don Carlos remix adds a touch of Latin flair and percussive drive. On the flipside, 'Losing My Feelings' delves into deeper, more introspective territory, its melancholic chords and ethereal vocals creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. 'Love Calling' closes the EP with a feel-good vibe, its warm melodies and soulful vocals leaving the listener on a high note. This is a must-have for any house music enthusiast, showcasing the diverse sounds and infectious energy of the Italian scene.

Review: Soulful garage house from Tesfa Williams aka. T Williams, in a celebration of personal ancestry and the diversity of black electronic music, amid a recent name change. Charging intersections of soul and suspense, the decided name change concurs with a demonstrable exploration of Williams' African roots; in his own words, "I felt like my African first name Tesfa wouldn't be welcomed in the scene." Having been brought up in a Rastafarian family with Caribbean heritage, Williams now feels compelled to embrace this part of himself: 'Moments Ahead' and 'Get It Together' build on the jackin' house and UK funky starting guns fired by the artist in the '10s, but as the tracks progress we can hear them segue into amapiano, kwaito and R&B elements, which reach their peak on the bustling 'Brighter Life'. B2 'Futures' veers more hypnotic and tuned-percussive, taking after his bedfellows Dam Swindle and Alma Negra to produce a building brooder.

Review: It would seem every nominee DJ and producer - hopefuls of inclusion in one pantheon or another, regardless of which - must undergo a certain rite of passage: build up a backlog of "lost tapes", as proof of an excess of genius and industriousness later down the line. DJ Romain (Romain Gowe) is no exception to this rule, having served as a joint New York and New Jersey house musical earl since the early 1990s, in which time he has issued many a waxen decree under multiple aliases and regularly collaborated with scene peers Matt Echols and Matt Keyz. This second part of a two part series flings open the hardened steel vault door to the DATs with ease, unveiling such treasures as 'Find My Way', 'Release My Body' and 'Insane', the second of which is a specially frosty groundswell of stringy emotes, pitchy vocal reflections and watery synthesis.

Review: Nina Simone's rendition of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' stands as a definitive interpretation of this jazz standard, with her distinct, soulful style infusing the track with fresh charm. Originally recorded in 1957, the song gained new life decades later, reaching the UK top ten in 1987 after it appeared in a perfume commercial. Simone's piano work shines, blending playful syncopation with bluesy phrasing, while her voice adds an intimate, deeply expressive layer. Her version transformed this classic into a timeless, iconic piece, reintroducing her genius to a new generation and solidifying her lasting influence in jazz.

Review: A reissue of this sought-after EP brings back four tracks that exemplify the best in dancefloor-ready deep house. Side-1 kicks off with 'Move', a crisp and tracky production that pairs a classy vocal message with soulful Chicago influences. Its sharp rhythms and polished sound make it a timeless groove. 'Boom' follows with a deeper, more hypnotic energy - a perfect balance of catchiness and subtlety for late-night sets. Flipping to the Side-2, 'Into My Brain' ventures into retro techno territory, weaving Italo disco elements into a cinematic, almost soundtrack-like atmosphere. Its nostalgic yet futuristic vibe creates as a bold pivot. Rounding out the EP, 'Turn Me On' blends disco and house with a touch of 70s flair, creating a smooth, genre-crossing closer. This reissue is a celebration of Demuja's ability to craft tracks with enduring appeal. Jimpster's Freerange label continues to be one of the go to labels for deep house, period.

Review: Pretty much does what it says on the tin this one - a lovely slab of vinyl packed with high-octane, main room club bangers. Torpedo is a master of that form and has proven it repeatedly over the last 30 years. He kicks off here with the steamy, sizzling and low-slung house of 'Red Killer', 'Fascinating' then has a chunky Kerri Chandler style bounce to it and 'Bonkaz' brings warm and silky deep house depths to a classic Dizzie sample. 'Renegade' is the raved-up closer that will get hands thrown skywards.

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: Jamie Odell aka. Jimpster has more than earned his decorations as a progressive house producer and musical facilitator of cosmic renown; now the Freerange and Delusions Of Grandeur label owner crops up for an incandescent remix of Michael Gray and Tatiana Owens' 'Ivy'. One of the central disco-funk gallantries featured on Gray's recently released 'Optimism' EP - on which Owens brings a wassailing alto performance against stinger string hits and spattered drum layers - Jimpster's version is softer and comparatively metrical, measuring its time through carefully controlled delays and French touch nods.

Review: Swedish twosome Genius of Time have made some incredible house records over the course of their 15-year career, with a handful of fine breakthrough records ('Drifting Back', 'Same Old Place') being followed by periodic doses of greatness. Last year, they decided to turn their hand to vocal house music for the first time, delivering two typically excellent EPs. Here they deliver volume three in the series, first joining forces with Ashar Khan on the two-step-goes-analogue-deep-house shuffle of 'You Make Me' and the rubbery breakbeat house warmth of 'Magnified'. Over on side B, the honeyed voice of Khan is replaced by the sweet soulfulness of Matinda. The track she features on, 'Kinetic', is darker, moodier and takes far more cues from the analogue-powered sounds of vintage Chicago house and Detroit deepness.

Review: Dusty (Christoph Doepke) first released the 'Jazz&Milk' EP in 2005 through the esteemable German label, which would take its name from said touchstone electronic jazzdance record. Now the producer and not-incidental J&M label head returns with a freshened and slick record, themed after the titular and ancient antinomic saying. The EP marks a change since the producer's early days on the Munich freestyle DJ circuit: it's smoother and mellower than his establishing breaksy brand of funk-hop, and marks the 25th anniversary of Jazz & Milk as the label heads into sweeter territory. The highlight here has to be 'Ayalolo' with King Owusu, a rattlesnaking fusion of ambient builds and regional percussions, reflecting much of the decades-spanning globetrotting that has informed on the release.

Review: When Robert Owens and Glenn Underground appear on the same record, you just know the results will be magic. They are both long-standing titans of the house scene, especially Chicago, with impossibly soulful sounds. This reissue of their timeless 'Tonight' is a real heartmelter. It has lush, soft focus chords draped over cuddly and deep drums, sustained pads bring that sense of cosmic infinity and of course the smoky tones of Owens layering in the human emotion that makes this one so irresistible.