Wolf Music Recordings Vinilo y CD

Review: The ever-diverse Wolf Music Recordings crew looks to Footshooter for a dazzling trip through synth-laced broken-beat joy here. It is an EP that showcases the artist's signature sound across six sizzlers. 'Welcome In' is slow and pensive while 'Turning' ups thence with bristling beats and busy chord work. 'Archetype 7' is a mix of loose percussion and retro chords that never lets up. 'Dojo' brings some cosmic and squelchy synth-funk to the table with ninja precision then 'Angel(s)' encourages you to slow down and take a pause amidst the twinkling keys. 'Hold On' has your sights set firmly on the cosmos as you ride the rueful grooves.

Review: Frits Wentink continues his long-running relationship with Wolf Music, a partnership that is now entering its eleventh year. 'Club Land', the title track from the Dutch producer's first EP of 2024, is a nostalgic and glassy eyed affair, whose sparkling piano riffs, bumpin' house beats, mazy synth solos and rubbery bassline sit somewhere between the Frankie Knuckles and MK productions of the mid 1990s. The A-side also boasts a slightly jazzier and more US garage-influenced 'Alternate Mix' that also boasts some rather addictive organ stabs. Over on side B, he opts for a deep, dubby and trippy sound on 'Crowd Contriol', before doffing a cap once more to vintage NYC and NJ deep house on superb closing cut 'Run Run Slow'. One of his best for a while and that's saying something!

Review: Who or what is or are Henk Donkers? We don't know, and we don't care, cause the music they make is bang on. This new and amusingly entitled EP arrives via the always cultured Wolf Music and is immediately effective. Henk Donkers X Ell Murphy's 'Without You' is classic house with depth and drive, soulful vocals and nice sustained chords. 'Dope' is more intense for the strobe lit late night hours and then its back to balmy and loved up grooves with the busy chord work of New Jersey style house kicker 'With You'. This varied EP is not done yet, as closer 'Pink Horse' explores another sone - dusty downbeat house with noodling chords that recall early Mood Hut tunes.

Review: Wolf Music Recordings is one of the UK's real independent label treasures and it shines again here with a new offering from the classy mind of Manuel Darquart. There is real art in his craft and that shows from the off when 'Jerry's Song' is lit up with celebratory synths and beautiful chords that radiant subtle joy. 'Del Sol' is a deep hose beat with a Balearic feel and new age melodies that suit sundown dancing on the beach, and the Space Ghost remix of the same tune is a more club-ready house workout though still one with an air of fantasy. 'The Vibe' shuts down with a jazzy deep house vibe full of love.

Review: This isn't an EP of house tracks crafted in the mid 1990s by the late member of the royal family, but rather a dive into the back catalogue of New Jersey producer Heeley Calator of SMACK Productions fame. In keeping with much of Heeley's work, the four tracks on show (all originally released in 1994) are undeniably X-rated and full of sexually-charged vocals. Check first the 'Instru-Beat' mix of 'Whose Dick Is This', a rolling, low-slung and lightly soulful garage-house workout, before admiring the warmer, dreamier and jazzier 'What's My Name (The Tribe & Friends Mix)'. Over on the flip, WOLF has served up two takes on 'Big Dick - Mutha F*cka': the percussively dense, organ-rich New Jersey garage heaviness of the 'Sample Mix' and the stripped-back tribal house headiness of the 'Drum Mix'.

Review: Retromigration is the nom de plume of Malik Kassim, a DJ and producer from Amsterdam with previous releases on labels like Ravanelli Disco Club, GLBDOM and Healthy Scratch. The five tracks featured on the Bloom Street EP come to you courtesy of London's Wolf Music, featuring the sensual late night mood music of A side cut 'Brining It' and its velvety Rhodes keys that guide it all the way. Over on the flip, you have the urban influenced jam 'Free Spirit' getting that Berlin vibe going on that's reminiscent of Max Graef and Glenn Astro's work, and ending with the dusty jazz bar loops of 'Slick Walkin' that takes you deeper into the twilight hours.

Review: Retromigration's Cloudin is a deep house 12" that offers a great blend of fun, jazzy, and serious tracks. Sometimes, all in the same track. It opens with the title track, which is a proper deep house effort that is techy and fresh, with tribal and psychedelic elements. This is followed by 'Only Well,' which is a jazzy funk track with a nice melody. The third track, 'Just Take It,' is a catchy, slick house track with an addictive melody and hints of disco. Side 2 of the album opens with 'They Hatin',' an urban groove track with cool sound effects, an old skool jazz feel and a 70s sound. The album closes with 'You Win,' a clever, different and unique track. Overall, Cloudin is a great 12" that shows that house music can be much more than just an evolution of disco.

Review: Toronto Hustle & Sean Roman deliver the goods with 'The Symington Avenue' EP, marking WOLF Music's 77th release. The Canadian duo, known for past releases on Freerange, impress with two standout originals. House legend Kai Alce steps in to remix 'Not Now, Not Ever,' and the result is a massive track, full of his trademark finesse. Abacus, a key player from the 90s Prescription and Guidance era, brings a classy, refined edit to 'Could This Be.' A treat for genuine house lovers, this one's not to be missed.

Review: Frits Wentink and Wolf Music join forces once again for the fourth edition in their collaborative series. This EP delivers four floor-filling heaters, each track crafted with Wentink's signature blend of deep house grooves and infectious melodies. 'Rhythm & Blaze', a track made exclusively for the Wolf Music 15th Birthday celebration, sets the tone with its pulsating energy and soulful vibe. 'Lost In The Moment' and 'Turbo Passion' keep the energy high with their infectious rhythms and captivating melodies, while 'Nocturnal' takes a slightly darker turn, exploring deeper, more hypnotic soundscapes. With its impeccable production and undeniable dancefloor appeal, this EP is a must-have for any house music enthusiast.