Back in stock: Deep House

Review: Harry Dennis and Larry Heard began making music together as The IT in the mid-80s, releasing records on D.J International and Black Market until the duo took a break from collaborating in 1990. A staggering 21 years later they resurfaced on proud Chicago DJ and producer Kevin Starke's label, and following that split 12" they now debut on Heard's own Alleviated Records. "Somebody Somewhere" is a classic Chicago house track with pained spoken word lyrics talking about the struggles of life, while "Crying" is deep and kooky in a Perlon kind of way. "Utopian Dream" is piece of street poetry laced with club music that blends electroclash with house, while "Beauty In A Picture" is tribal and bassline driven. Club music doggerels from the street.

Review: Omar S' Detroit proud FXHE now has a staunch reputation as one of those buy on sight labels for a reason. This new release by rising star John FM follows up the well-received Alone and Where My Roots Lie EPs. Starting with the soulful machine funk of "Jehks" truly capturing the sounds of the city of industry in its heyday. There's then the fine R&B jam of "Motion" somewhat reminiscent of Theo Parrish & Andrew Ashong, but it's his smooth vocal delivery which undoubtedly makes it his own! On the flip, the mysterious and melancholic Omar-S remix of "Alone" is absolutely sublime, but just wait for the tough acid fuelled groove of "Gump" which truly takes it home in right fashion.