Quintessentials Vinilo y CD

Review: No one knows who Black Fan is just yet so we shall go right to the music - this new EP on Quintessentials epitomises the label's vibe - raw, deep, fad-free house sounds for the heads. The artist has been releasing music for almost a decade on the likes of Local Talk and this label but really stands out with this one. 'I Know - I Am' is a chord-laced dancer with subtlety uplifting energy, and 'Deep Rotation' then pairs it back to lovely wooden drum sounds and clacking hits that are infused with gently warming chords. 'TE2' (Blackburn Warehouse mix) brings more spangled synth energy and a rawer drum sound that is perfect for flashing lights and sweaty dancefloors.

Review: NYC DJ, studio engineer and all-round house head Ralph Session continues his fine form on a return to Quintessentials, having previously come up with the goods on the likes of Freerange and Exploited, among others, in his burgeoning but solid career to date. In keeping with previous efforts, he shows a deft touch when it comes to riding the four/four pulse here, kicking off with titular track 'Mad Deep'. Here, heavy Motor City chords power over tough drum rhythms, with moody strings and spoken word vocals adding to the tension. OG producer Jerome Sydenham steps up with an affectionate remix, with jaunty overdubs helping to subtly reframe the track while staying true to the floor-focused intention. Closing cut 'Sway' adds a touch of filtered funk, with phasing strings, determined chords and distant vocals combining over a pleasantly swung rhythm.

Review: If you like your deep house lovingly crafted and exquisitely musical, Quintessentials' Deep & Raw & Real rarely disappoints. This latest instalment features four more fabulous international cuts to contend with, each delivering a distinctly different take on deep house. Ricardo Miranda's "Rush Hour" is wonderfully sleepy, offering hissing cymbals and super-deep chords. Toby Tobias, meanwhile, works the filters and backwards effects on "Love Papers", a real string-drenched sweetie. NO Milk's "Bubble People" ups the atmosphere again thanks to some choice double bass loops and distant jazz piano, while Marcello Napoletano's "All My Things" brilliantly recalls early St Germain and Aqua Bassino.