Back catalogue: Deep House

Review: The legendary Detroit house maestro returns with a fresh batch of deep house gems that exude soul and finesse. The EP kicks off with 'Dusk Runner', where melodic keys dance over a subtle, jazzy undertone and a gentle funk that keeps the groove smooth yet vibrant. 'What I Gotta Do' picks up the pace slightly, blending vintage melodic sounds with a deep bassline that keeps things grounded, offering a classic yet refreshing vibe. On Side-2, 'Get That' delivers hypnotic, soulful energy with gentle rhythms that feel both soothing and invigorating. It's a track built for those blissful, sun-kissed moments. Closing out the release is 'Your Love Is', a track drenched in atmospheric richness, with airy melodies and a midtempo flow that invites deep reflection while keeping the dancefloor warm. Overall, this EP is a step above many in this style, blending crisp rhythms, soulful melodies and that unmistakable Detroit touch.

Review: Bobby Donny's ongoing ACE series of vinyl releases has thus far delivered some genuine deep house treats. This is particularly true of the Dutch label's sporadic, compilation style EPs, which tend to showcase tracks previously released on digital-only EPs. There's plenty to set the pulse racing on EP number four, with highlights including two fine collaborations between label founder Frits Wentink and fellow Amsterdam scene stalwart Malin Genie (the sub-heavy peak-time bounce of 'Ambrosia' and the techno-tempo hypnotism of 'Exopaq'); the ultra-deep two-step house shuffle of 'Comet (Deep mix)' by ZZ Banks; the Italo-house influenced colour of Clovis Chilwell's 'Don't Let The Night End'; and the deep, hazy and dubbed-out brilliance of 'Slow Burn' by Rico Scott.

Review: Raw but slinky Chi-style deep house from Boo Williams, a key fixture of the Illinois city's nightlife since 1981. Originally released on Relief in 94 'A New Beginning' and its sequelae 'The-B-W Groove' and 'Phasis' are surprising contrasts here, providing affective sonic snapshots of the city's many blocked, narrow streets. The former of these two tracks serves steam-trailed strings and gulping chords down below, whilst the later jacks up the high knob to enclose an FM-bobbing bounce, around which spitting 909s, tuned cowbells and overdriven kicks collect.