Welcome to Juno Distribution
Established in 1997, Juno is the world’s largest and most highly-regarded dance & electronic music vinyl company.
Juno Distribution has a roster of leading labels including Botanic Minds, Sushitech, Mosaic, Trelik, Emotional Rescue, 20:20 Vision and Million Dollar Disco, which we distribute to over 200 key shops and wholesalers globally.
Pressing delays are causing issues across the music industry currently, but with exclusive priority access to the UK’s best pressing plant, we deliver fast pressing times of 12 weeks or less from submission of audio. Contact us today to see how we can help your label grow.
Why Juno Distribution?
- Fast vinyl pressing
- Regular accounting with no hidden charges
- Full e-mail and telephone support
- Extra marketing including guaranteed features on the Juno website, Juno weekly newsletters and Juno social media
- Free mastering on all releases
- A roster of leading labels including Botanic Minds, Sushitech, Mosaic, Trelik, Emotional Rescue, 20:20 Vision and Million Dollar Disco
- Our parent company is the world’s largest online dance music store Juno with a customer base of over 200,000 customers in 160 countries
Testimonials
"I am really happy with the service at Juno Distribution and of course working with one of the largest on-line stores is a big advantage."
Jérémy Fichon
(My Love Is Underground)
"Working with James (Juno Distribution) has been flawless, great and kind people. The support, communication and wide reaching network have worked well to our advantage. And being connected to the biggest record selling website on the net is not bad either."
Marcel Vogel
(Lumberjacks in Hell)
"From the beginning of this great trip with my label, working with Juno Distribution has been so fantastic! Very professional and reliable in all ways. They always answer to my doubts and pay on time. It's a real pleasure for me working with them and being part of Juno Distribution, one of the biggest on-line stores on the net."
Manu Archeo
(Archeo Recordings)
"I like working with Juno Distribution because they are into the music, motivated, efficient…and they pay on time. :)"
Pete Ford
(Trelik, Pal SL, Ifach)
"Juno Distribution are like family to me"
Stuart Leath
(Emotional Rescue / Emotional Response)
Disco/Nu-Disco
£9.50
The LA-based ASHRR outfit is back with more of their superbly warm and soul-infused sounds here with 'Different Kind of Life'. Their own ASHRR Soundsystem version of the original is a gloriously upbeat and funky bit of space disco with lavish synth lines and chugging drums that lock you in. Berlin electronic mainstay Massimiliano Pagliara, who has landed on the likes of Ostgut Ton, Cocktail d'Amore and more, then brings his own two remixes. The first has some nice indie vocals and dazzling chord work, while the second is a deep dub that pairs things back. All three of these are swaggering and uplifting disco cuts with a difference.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£9.50
The LA-based ASHRR outfit is back with more of their superbly warm and soul-infused sounds here with 'Different Kind of Life'. Their own ASHRR Soundsystem version of the original is a gloriously upbeat and funky bit of space disco with lavish synth lines and chugging drums that lock you in. Berlin electronic mainstay Massimiliano Pagliara, who has landed on the likes of Ostgut Ton, Cocktail d'Amore and more, then brings his own two remixes. The first has some nice indie vocals and dazzling chord work, while the second is a deep dub that pairs things back. All three of these are swaggering and uplifting disco cuts with a difference.
Deep House
£9.50
Australian producer Inkswel is back on the Cosmocities label in France with more of his superbly soulful sounds, this time with none other than Chicago legend Robert Owens. The lush 'Space Love' is a playful deep house jam with the sort of cosmic synths that recall early Fingers Inc and Owens's smoky tones only heighten that feeling. Steve Spacek provides a mix that rides on broken beats with elastic bass but just as much cosmic energy and a Fluterumental gets all loose-limbed and seductive. On the flip side are two Yoruba Soul mixes that bring extra rich soul vibes and shimmering pad work. A classy and timeless EP for sure.
Deep House
£7.99
Pariter has lined up a trio of classic house reissues for your enjoyment this Spring. They come from Smooth & Simmonds who are famous for managing to smooth out the differences between house, garage and techno and are firm favourites of deep-digging heads for that reason. All of these cuts - which like the other two EPs have been freshly remastered for the occasion - are some 30-odd years old and are textbook examples of timeless grooves. 'Climax' has tight, kinetic drums that punch out an irresistible pattern as swirling pads fishing them off up top in some style.
Deep House
£7.99
Smooth & Simmonds was Chris Simmonds and Ron Wells, a pair pf producers who were active from the early to mid-90s and made just a handful of EPs that have all stood the test of time. Three of the best of them have been newly remeasured by a long-time fan at the Pariter label and are now getting served up on fresh wax. This 12" features 90s EP, The Four Seasons, with two mixes of the title cut. The first is a steamy Warehouse Mix with dusty drums, subtle rave whistles and seductive vocals stitched in, while the second is a Factory Mix that rides a little more smoothly on uplifting chord work and brighter synth energy.
Deep House
£7.99
Vertigo is the third part of a reissue series on Parter that focuses on the work of Chris Simmonds and Ron Wells. These two made just nine Eps back between 1990 and 1997 but very much hit a perfect sweet spot between house, garage and techno when they did. Now newly remastered for this series, they have never sounded better. This 12" was originally from 1995 on Bomba Records and features the title cut spread across two sides and two parts. Side A is a bumping house cut with thumping bass and nice frayed edges as the serene synths are smeared all about the mix. Part 2 is a continuation of this most fine and full-bodied but deep house sound.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Just when you think you've heard the last of Covid in music, along comes this Covid 2020 EP from Yotsume Music label head Saki Hiroaki, indicating that it was written during those most weird and dark times, specifically in the city of Kurashiki. 'I Say' (part 2) is a seriously silky deep house with wispy and liquid chords rippling out to an infinite horizon as the persuasive drums get you into the groove. 'Improvisation' is a more crisp tech cut but is still unhurried and detailed with nice deft synth curlicues and the trio of escapist gems is completed with 'TRAP'. This one again sinks you into a pillowy and gentle groove with muted chords drifting up top like clouds.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.50
Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the "Metamorphosis" LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album "Metamorphosis", which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on Vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, "Metamorphosis" has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.
Collecting Orders for Repress
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Mexican DJ and producer Hotmood indeed brings the heat on his new EP for the Blur Records gang. It is a fine fusion of disco and house music with rich instrumentals, nice organic sound and plenty of smart samples. Opener 'Disco Power' is a funky and upbeat cut with a powerful bassline and big vocal stabs. Things get more deep and laidback with 'Malandro' which has big sax energy and sunny chords then 'To The Beat Y'all' rounds out the EP with real disco energy. The drums hit hard, big guitar riffs brighten up the mix and subtle filters and FX also pump things to the next level.
Balearic/Downtempo
£9.50
The latest mini LP from Coyote sees them continue to explore the realms of emotionally charged electronic music. From dreamy horizontal soothers to more ecstatic uplifting refrains. 'Both Gone' is an embrace from the sun as it sets gently into the horizon, 'People Take It' is an early afternoon watching the shimmering sea with a mint tea, 'We Got Lost' is a cautioning tale to all, 'Beltane' a celebratory Pagan dub, 'Show Me' is a poolside midday smiler, 'Cirrus' is an ecstatic sunrise anthem. So hurry up, and Live!
Deep House
£7.50
Earl's back with 002 from his new label Melange. 3 power cuts in raw form. This time bringing along good friend and previous collborator, Kofi Tarris.
Deep House
£7.50
It's been a minute since we last heard from Earl Jeffers, the Cardiff-based artist who has been steadily making his mark in the house scene with a soulful style that calls back to some of the foundations of deep rooted Black house music from the UK. As such, it's significant to see him returning from a three year absence in collaboration with the imperious Kaidi Thatham. Their joint effort, 'The Essence', is a soaring, invigorating workout overflowing with Thatham's incredible musicianship front and centre. 'Higher' is a skipping, up for it garage house heater with raunchy organs and an infectious bounce, and it comes with an additional 'Alt Mix' which takes things a touch deeper for the late night crowd.
Funk
£6.75
REPRESS ALERT!: You know that long hot days are fast approaching when it is Brazilian music that you crave. Thankfully the Scruniversal has got us covered with a second release that is as scorching as the first. It pairs MPB, samba and Latin flair with hard-edged hip-hop and funk stylings across a pair of tunes from Scruscru, each one a different collaboration. The first is alongside Tony Lavrutz and has gorgeous vocals and organic percussion paired with cut-up beats and jazzy keys that will ignite any floor on 'Rave Du Brazil.' It is Los Protos's jazz funk groover 'Primavera' that gets the good vibes going on the flip.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£15.99
First released back in 2011, When We On was the sixth album from the Nottingham-formed Crazy P. Most significantly, however, it features songs that went on to become signature tracks for the band's live performances, including 'Heartbreaker', 'Open For Service' and 'Eruption', delicately balanced by more home listening experiences like 'Changes', 'Beatbox' and 'wecanonlybewhoweare'. Since its first and only original vinyl pressing, it's been commanding increasingly huge amounts on the second hand market, so time for 20/20 Vision to step in and re-issue complete with the original masters, Victoria Topping artwork and Bandcamp code that gives access to the full 11 track digital album as well as the vinyl. Essential for fans of the P, but also a good starting point for the curious, falling about half way through their history and at the start of a particularly purple patch.
Last 3 weeks
Disco/Nu-Disco
£10.50
Los Angeles-based ASHRR are back on 2020 Vision ahead of a new album and this time serve up their own superb version of The Romantics's 1983 hit 'Talking in Your Sleep.' In their hands, it becomes a club-ready sound with a vocal you may recognise as it featured in the Mad Max episode of Stranger Things. Add in some DFA-inspired punk funk vibes and with all the instruments reapplied while new layers of bass and synth are added and you have one fantastic new version. Balearic don Fernando steps up for two remixes, first stripping things back to a deep house sound and then bringing some dub disco vibes to the fore.
Funky/Club House
£7.50
B2 Recordings keeps it classy with another new deep house offering from label head Bengoa. It comes hot on the heels of his last outing here in December but this time all three tracks are straight-up solo cuts with no featured guests. 'Hustler's Convention' is an emotionally intense humid, steamy cut even though the grooves are warm and hypnotic. 'Apollo' has more raw percussion and scratchy drum textures overlaid with trippy vocals and last of all is 'Fanatic,' which pairs leggy bass and drums with more swirling vocal samples and interesting broken beat patterns. Another fine outing from Bengoa then.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Blur Records brings some eclectic magic to its next release and it's one that gets the New Year underway in essential fashion. Venerated Russian DJ and producer Scruscru is behind the beats and goes deep into everything from disco to jazz, starting with 'Alright, Alright' which is a bust of disco goodness with lively bass. Things get slow and sensuous with 'Twilight Voyage' which comes with a touch of nostalgia then Dwaal features on 'Breezy Noon' and blends downtempo bossa and Afro rhythms. More slow disco delights come from 'Nostalji' with Jehan and then 'Kno 2morrow' gets jazzy with some classy melodies to close things down.
Deep House
£9.50
Here comes the Booom!!! Edits label with another sublime selection of deep house burners. This third volume is from the artist who goes by the name of Earls Booom!!! Edits takes the form of four cuts titled 'NEP.' Th opener is awash with smoky pads and sombre chords over a mid-tempo and dusty groove, but things pick up on the second cut with its gorgeous r&b vocals swirling over warm and humid bass and drums as cosmic synth lines rise out of the mix. On the flip, there is a congo-heavy rhythm topped with a deft little r&b hook nice more and the closer brings more pumping grooves but still with a big heart. These are steamy backroom sounds of the highest order.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Simple Symmetry are back on Calypso for a second offering but this time around it's in a different format. They've enlisted remixes of tracks from their Sorry We Did Something Wrong album which first landed back in 2021 as a self-released project, which won over many fans with a sound that went way beyond the club and now gets repurposed for the dancefloor with extended and club versions. The Horsemen Of Housing & Commercial Services rework of 'Che Che' is a dark disco classic, Smaghhe & Cross rework 'Rounded With A Sleep' into something taught and trippy and INigo Vontier layers in plenty of darkness, grit and grime to his take on 'I Must Not Fear'.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Burnski's Constant Black kicks with yet more robust tech house for considered dance floors. This one comes from the ever-present underground stalwart Diego Krause and he opens with 'Bound', a perfectly driving and deep cut with slinky drums and smart vocals that are brought to life with sci-fi synth effects. 'Munro' is brilliantly lithe and elegant, with wispy synth motifs peeling off a super smooth and slinky groove. 'Phantom' ups the pace with a little more tech house urgency but still plenty of deftly designed cosmic pads. 'Flux' shuts down with kinetic, tightly coiled drum funk and popping neon colours. Great work all around from Krause.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.50
Craft Music's Good For Dance series continues with its second instalment and this one has been curated by none other than DJ Craft himself. Joining him are talented pals Schmoltz, Bogdan Ra, Romain FX, and Outra, also known as Joutro Mundo. These deep diggers are celebrated for their prowess in unearthing hidden gems and transforming them into dancefloor anthems and that's what they do here as each artist brings a unique flavour to the mix. Schmoltz's 'Luv The States' is a peak-time percussive disco jam, Bogdan Ra brings some slap-funk drums and glossy Italo synths and 'Tell Me Why' has crunchy drums and jagged synth stabs before a camp closer in 'Colosso'.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Constant Sound is back with more of its constantly good sonics, this time from Dennis Quin who offers up a potent blend of raw minimal, tech and house. 'My Belief' is the sort of cut to get clubs marching as one to the jacked-up drums and whirring synth motifs. 'Hear Dis' has plenty of infectious garage skip to it and 'Eighty Four' layers up slick percussion with bumping drum funk and some nice exotic vocal samples. There will be an all-out party whenever 'Call For House' gets dropped with its wild synth lines and yelling vocals perfect for amping up the crowd.
Bass
£12.50
Lurka is back on his own label Damage which is a place for harder-edged sounds and here includes remixes from Ossia. The one original, 'Red', is a thrilling rhythmic workout with a skeletal kick drum pattern that is broken and loopy, and deft percussion layered in over the top next to wet synths and undulating bass. Ossia's first rework spins it out into a more distorted and manic cut fizzing with static electricity while the second is slightly more paired back but no less menacing. This one has been mastered at Scape in Berlin and is mad limited to just 100 copies so do not wait around.
Techno
£7.99
After the much loved Delano Smith remix of Gigi Galaxy's 'Interview With An Alien' turned so many heads, Det 313 label has secured three originals from the Detroit producer otherwise known to as Gary Martin. Each shows he has a unique approach to the art of groove making, with 'First Night In Lemuria (DET313 version)' slower and more restrained than many in the game - almost like a Sheffield bleep anthem pitched down and augmented with a delightful, prodding bassline. 'Spirit World' is the big room pleaser of the trio, with a bubbling acid arpeggio slowly degrading and re-building throughout and some lovely sci-fi synthery going on. 'Inevitable' is the cheekiest and cheeriest of the three, all sharpened hi-hats and swirling electro beats and breakdowns that reveal its simple but damn effective musical heart to all and sundry. Nice work all round.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.50
Paul Older is the man behind the Disco Mind Records and after something of a short break, he and it are back with a bang. These two superb cuts are the result of him going on a deep digging record trip and unearthing two marvelous old gems that have been expertly restored for modern dance floors without losing any of the grit and realness that makes old tunes so appealing. 'The Venetian Girl (Marisa)' comes on strong with huge horns and big Philly percussion that reminds immediately of the legendary Studio 54 and then 'Up' is a big-time party pumper with funky elements to get the floor going.
Roots/Lovers Rock
£7.99
Dub & Sound International returns for a third time and this one welcomes legendary Jamaican trombonist Vin Gordon who is rightly 'Digging The Vibes.' The title track kicks off and pairs his playful patterns with a Dubsetters rhythm and some nice sunny and soothing melodies from Trommie aka Don Drummond Jr.. After the horn-led, organic and unhurried instrumental comes a dub that is fleshed out with a little more echo and is a sublime bit of roots. A second version adds another perspective to the original and we already look forward to hearing more from this project.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.99
Back in 2019, Emotional Rescue began a series where it licensed some all-time favourites, remastered them and pressed them up with new remixes by modern producers. It now draws to a close after many fine instalments with early 80s band The Impossible Dreamers. Their cult 'Spin' arrives here with an epic nine-minute extended reversion that is heavy on the dub and percussion and also an even more dubcentric reprise from regular label artist Dan Tyler of Idjut Boys and Noid fame, her under his NAD guise. There is plenty of raw and raucous rhythm to this 12" that will enliven any dancefloor and round out this series in style.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.99
The always hard working Emotional Rescue now unveils the electronic disco project Exo Fender, helmed by esteemed New York producer Eric Calvi and featuring the legendary Steve D'Acquisto. The remastered songs 'Big Mood' and 'Music In My Mind' span two new EPs, with updated edited versions by NYC producer Justin Van Der Volgen. Calvi's journey from Paris to New York's music scene in the 1980s when he engineered hits for artists like Cameo and Africa Bambaataa, and laid the groundwork for Exo Fenders. Inspired by clubbing friendships, the project's infectious grooves and tongue-in-cheek nature gained club play and collector's acclaim, with Van Der Volgen's remix enhancing their timeless appeal for today's dancefloors.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.99
This is the second of two releases from Emotional Rescue that looks to the music of the Eric Calvi who headed up the collective Exo Fender, a project that brought together a bunch of friends, producers, and studio amigos. This one is a live boogie jam 'Music In My Mind' with Brooklyn DJ and producer Steve D'Aquisto. He was a regal at The Loft and a friend of Arthur Russell so all that bears out in the music - a loose-limbed disco groove with languid percussion and big vocals. A Justin Van Der Volgen edit rounds out the 12".
Techno
£9.99
Pye Corner Audio shows off his love of acid on the first of two EPs for Emotional Response that drop simultaneously. This first one is his debut on the label and comes with a gorgeous cover that perfectly encapsulates the sounds within. 'Dust Acid' is a sparse cut with dusty drums and meandering basslines that slowly sink you in, then 'Magnetic Acid Two,' which like all of these was recorded live, is another expertly reduced brew of murkiness with plenty of frayed edges and vintage analog sounds. 'Wanna Show U Acid' is a late-night acid dream and 'Magnetic Acid Four' shuts down slightly more bite. Four timeless backroom cuts, make no mistake.
Techno
£9.99
Two revered dance music institutions come together here as Pye Corner Audio steps up to Emotional Response with his debut EP for the label. What's more, it is a two-parter with the second half also available now. This one from Martin Jenkins finds him making an homage to the acid house he has always loved with opener 'Stegan Acid' starting with slow grocers and foggy moods run through with subtle 303 modulations. 'Magnetic Acid Three' is another deep and stripped-back sound with rumbling drums and bass coloured with soft acid contours and 'Thermionic Acid' gurgles a little more as the icy hi-hats cut through a mutant deep techno swamp. 'Magnetic Acid One' is one final meditation on acidic house depths.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Funkyjaws Music is back with more music to make your jaw go funky, this time in the form of a second volume of its Let's Dance series. It features a quartet of esteemed tune makers starting with Frank Booker's 'Yes No Maybe' which is a horn laced and loose-limbed delight, while go-slow master Eddie C brings his classy touch to the funky licks of 'Love Dancing Theme.' There are plenty of cosmic synth waves to Black Truffle's 'Dancing Through The Night' while the LTJ Xperience close down with a super laid back and summery vibe on 'Sunny Groove.'
Techno
£9.50
Casino Classix is one of several aliases for legendary minimal man Baby Ford. Here it is also the name of a four-track EP that finds the long time UK underground operative working alongside fellow British techno luminary Mark Broom on a quartet of devastating cuts. 'Ringer' opens up with some dark and nimble baselines darting about beneath a dense layer of percussion and FX. 'Hoppa' is then a more precise and minimalist cut with wonky bass snaking down low beneath the icy hi-hats and jumbled toms. There is a warm dub depth to 'Hot Pot' to kick off the flip and 'Beach Club' shuts down with a restless mix of synth daubs and deft percussion over an ice cold groove.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.50
J & M Music Co US welcomes LeBaron James for another standout four-tracker that brings raw house and smooth disco together on one EP. Up first is 'Always Be True' is a deceptively simple sound that brings straight-up dancefloor beats with hooky pads. 'House Party' then has more heavy kicks and wild percussive patterns to liven up any party and 'One' then brings a more cool and laid-back disco groove that has a slick modern twist. Last but not least is 'Sugar And Spice' which brings a touch of sophisticated and chic instrumental vibes. It's a fourth different sound on a versatile EP.
UK Garage
£8.50
Jackpot Recordings is a fresh sub-label brought to you by London-based production duo Club of Jacks. Their debut release showcases solo sessions from one half of the COJ crew, Max One aka MX1, and stays true to their signature UK garage-influenced house sound. The EP commences with 'Down Like That,' which has lively beats, resonant analogue sub-bass, and velvety chords with classic r&b samples while 'Waiting On' has swung beats and chord stabs with more captivating vocals. Don't Give Up' then brings a little sun to the grooves with funky undertones and 'Work Me' closes the EP with a more moody late-night vibe.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£11.49
The Just What The World Needs label is back with its 15th EP from the eponymous production outfit behind the imprint and it carries right on from where the last one left off. 'Track 1' is a fiery and Latin-tinged Afro gem with funky rhythms and big horns that bring sunny and open-air party vibes. 'Track 2' has a hint of MPB to it with more low-slung funk grooves and steamy vocals while 'Track 3' then flips the script again with a more cosmic vibe and plenty of mad Rhodes chords. Last but not least is 'Track 4' with some lo-fi and light night melon twisting disco sounds.
Techno
£7.75
Kolony Gorky is back with a third EP in less than a year that once again offers some stylish and artful rhythmic interpretations. DDrhode is behind this one in collaboration with Sohrab and it opens with the airy percussive pattern and suspensory loops of deep and deft jam 'Ghoroob' (Kryptic Rhythm) which becomes dusty downbeat and late-night jaunt when served up as the Buggin Beat. 'Azadi' has the feel of a sixties spy thriller with its mysterious leads and 'Distant Sun' shuts down with some zoned out and loved-up deep house romance. Another hard-to-define but easy-to-love EP from the already vital Kolony Gorky.
Broken Beat/Nu Jazz
£7.99
The Galaxy Sound Co US is now up to number 41 in their buy-on-sight 'Series: 1$ Bin Breaks'. It's another vital 45 rpm that packs a lot in with plenty of epic sound sources that you will recognise and love from some of your favourite hip-hop joints. Artists like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Puff Daddy, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, J Dilla, Redman and Alicia Keys have called upon the sounds you will hear here from original artists like Odessa, Milt Jackson With The Ray Brown Big Band, Issac Hayes and many more. File this one under essential breaks, library sounds and jazz nuggets.
Deep House
£7.75
Toothpick aka Swirl People step out with their newly entitled label Lost In The Swirls, which they have distilled to the more simple name L.I.T.S. Records. The Belgium-based project is an alias of Dimitri & Raoul and they bring fresh house sounds here even though this is a reissue of some classic 90s material. The title track has lush and bright summer pads over driving, tight kick drums. The opener 'May The Funk Be With You' has a classic UK flavour to it with woodpecker-like hits and dusty drum loops under some smart chord work. Last but not least is 'Naked Speedway' which has a warm bassline meandering below expansive chords that bring an early morning vibe. Good stuff.
Techno
£7.75
SND & RTN brings it home on this new 12" for Lempuyang that explores their signature techno depths. 'Palantir' opens with fathoms-deep dub and ice-cold synths that snake their way over the face of the track, while 'Hyperdrive' has rumbling chords and smeared pads that keep you on the ocean floor and 'Dub Conjurer' allows in a little more light from the surface with delicate shards piercing the murk. 'Tales From The Outer Rim' shuts down with a nice gentle rhythm that undulates beneath rippling pad work and works well as perfect early evening warm up.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.50
UV & Nenor have been on a hot streak of late with great outings on the likes of the Fossils label and now they keep it up with a red hot new drop on the brand new Massa label. This tidy 7" packs a punch with two jams that will work the floor. The first is a slow motion but irresistible dub-disco fusion with squelchy bass and nice colourful, warm, gooey chords with vocals from Ranking Levy. On the flip is 'Tookey', a futuristic electro vocoder jam that comes to life with vivid synths circling round the mix and an unusual sense of swing. From laid back session at home to steamy club use, both of these are useful jams.
Deep House
£7.75
Spanish label Mate welcomes a couple of heavyweights in Rafa Santos and Franck Roger for a new deep house EP that shows the kids how it's done. It is Santos who serves up the originals starting with 'Where Is The Clubbing?' which has depth but also drive - rich pads swirl about over the supple kicks and clipped vocals bring the soulful little hooks. French maestro Franck Roger remixes with a little more swing and a stripped-back, late-night feel that is sprinkled with cosmic dust. On the flip, 'Smooth Jazz' is just that over cuddly beats as star-gazing piano tinkles and sombre sax notes bring real class. 'Don't Fool Me' shuts down with plenty of Chez Damier-style weight in the kicks and steaminess in the female vocals.
Techno
£9.50
Mosaic main man and peerless UK dub techno titan Steve O'Sullivan has paired off against Fletcher for this latest heavyweight 12". As ever the foundations are solid on the opener 'Passenger' - smooth drums and bass perfectly sit with one another, but this one really comes alive with the most impossibly subtle but inescapably uplifting little chords that suggest that no matter what shit you have going on in your life, things will be OK. It's a classic amongst many on this label. 'With That' is another tight, compelling and tech tinged dub roller with real bite and drive, and 'Treading Water' then blisses you out with its liquid chords and sense of endless infinite groove.
Deep House
£7.75
A two-track 12" with fresh artwork and a nice heavyweight pressing, with one side taken by each artist. Sy Sez kicks off 'Change The System' with dub-wise vocals which then make way for a tight, taught, bouncing house groove with fat bass. Things are utterly different on the flip with Leeds legend and sometime Nightmares on Wax collaborator offering the deep house delights of 'Knights' with its soulful vocal whispers, intimate late night chords and warm, candle-lit vibes.
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.50
Coyote is back with a third volume of its Special Editions series and once again it is one that will transport you to some steamy dance floor by the Med at sundown. The opener 'Ritter' is a glorious mix of downbeat chords and Balearic beats with 80s synths and an exotic vocal. 'Takin It' then slows things down to reevaluate some lush acoustic guitar frets and languid funk grooves, then 'The Woman' gets even more deep, more seductive, and horizontal. It's got a fat, lazy bassline and go-slow grooves that cannot fail to reduce your pulse before 'Dover' picks it up again with some more psyched-out and cosmic disco-funk sounds.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£6.50
Personality Edits is back with a third thrilling offering and this time out it is Nordic warrior MorkyMork and Tottenham's Tony Tobiason who deliver the goods. 'All Engines Go' kicks off and is a wildly percussive, textural groove with toms, crashing snares, raw hi-hats and plenty of FX all budding the energy before a mad saw tooth basslines spray about the mix to raise the roof. On the flip is 'Bleep Bleep', which is another wild sound with uptempo breaks and bleeps sounding like nothing else put there. Drop these and the crowd cannot fail to lose their heads.
Ambient/Drone
£13.49
36's new album Reality Engine explores "the blossoming dynamics of artificial intelligence and the ever-changing definition of reality" on Past Inside The Present and does so with a continuation of his richly melodic sound while also evolving into new realms. The sheer beauty of these sounds is enough to uplift and energise, with chords ascending to the heavens on the opener 'Imagine The Truth' and then rolling out to infinite horizons on 'Axiom Haze'. 'Reality Engine' suspends you amongst the clouds and 'Beyond The Hyperreal' is a perfect marriage of immersive and organic sounds and hints of digital augmented reality engines. A sublime album, for sure.
Electro
£18.50
Plant43 is the alias of Emile Facey, one of electro's most tireless innovators. He has a vast discography that never fails to prove he can speak through his machines more ably than just about anyone in the game, and certainly within the genre. Luminous Machines comes on his own label and is an album, his eighth in all, of cinematic and futuristic jams written before a gig at Tresor in April this year. 'Haunting The Depths' has an icy minimalism to it, with crisp drums and snappy hits all underpinned by textured bass. The title cut is a restless affair that pings about the stereo field with squiggling lines and loopy breaks and 'Fixed Point Rotation' has a more dark and menacing feel. These are just some of the highlights of another standout collection.
UK Garage
£8.50
Reptile Mob is back with a third part of its superb on going compilation series and this one looks at different aspects of the garage house sound. Side a-begins with some fresh four-four grooves no least the opener from the legend that is Perception with Andy G and their dubby 'Let's Go'. Conspiracy Dubz keeps it bumping with the old school feels of 'Musical Rush' and on the B-side it is more of a 2-step sound that emerges with jazzy melodies and female vocals. Groovy D's 'Another Chance' is the real standout for us with its classic vocal sample worked into a nice kinetic rhythm.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
This new and heavyweight 12" from Robot84 is a fresh fusion of Italo and house vibes that are defined by lively percussion, lush pianos, 808 drum fills, and an irresistible vocal hook. The original of this has already garnered attention with high praise from Manchester legend Justin Robertson who dropped it at a Hacienda 51 gig for its 30th anniversary. Sean Johnston, Heidi Lawden, Laurent Garnier and more have all also been playing it out recently which tells you all you need to know, really. Flip it over for a dubbed-out headwrecker that is just as good.
Funk
£7.50
DJ Cat comes through on Scruniversal here as the young label continues to go from strength to strength early in its existence. This time he serves up some re-edits and reworks of old and rare records from Scru's friends' collections. Up first is 'Roots & Culture' which is a languid funk workout with Prince style vocals bring some libidinous vibes up top while sci-fi synths and raw claps and perc all flesh out the groove. 'Possibelle' then cuts loose on a much more laid back and steamy summer vibe with the sort of chords that have you laying back in the park and staring up at a cloudless sky.
Deep House
£8.75
It's a numbers game for Selections's 11th release as they welcome 4004 to the label for a sublime four-track outing. 'Mother' is as deep as house music gets and is steeped in US traditions and smoky basement atmospheres with candle-lit chords and fragments of soulful vocals. 'Father' then rides on bumpy drums but swirling Rhodes and dusty hits keep it pure vibes. 'Sister' ups the ante once more with chord vamps and a loopy low end that works you into a steamy lather and finally 'Brother' then cuts loose and dreamy pads and an aching vocal snippet and hints of gospel. Four tasteful house gems, all in all.
Deep House
£7.99
Irish producer Balmr lands on Selections after nice outings on the likes of Sofa Movement Records, Kolour Detroit and Expanded Records which have all established him as a fresh deep house artist. His love for the Motor City shines through again here with the warm, dubby drums and swirling pads of 'In Search Of' bring to mind the Midwest's best. Jon Dixon remixes with a little extra bite in the percussion and 'Forager' then layers up more dusty drums and wooden hits with diffuse synth curlicues. It's a sound that works on both head and heel and lastly, Glenn Davis remixes with a touch of jazzy cosmic class to his synth work.
Techno
£7.50
The Sindh label head returns to his own excellent label here with a new project called the Komudo Series which we are told "will focus on mind and body movement". The music will still come with his trademark infusion of tribalism and rituals and the first volume features four brand new cuts that "merge subtle darkness and evolving alien textures with strong grooves." 'Akureh' kicks off its menacing low ends and warped bass that never lets up, 'Quake' suspends you amongst fluttering snares and drawn out whistles over linear beats and 'Liquefaction then gets more gritty with dirty loops and plenty of tension before 'Swarms' shuts down with a more thumping deep techno sound.
Various
Balearic/Downtempo
£14.75
The Last Resort: Balearic At The End Of Time is a collection of nu-Balearic sounds from plenty of established names in the game as well as some new and rising talents via Portuguese label Secrets Of Sound. Lord Of The Isles offers an early standout with 'Neptune's Staircase' which has a new age feel as soft synth sequins shimmer up amongst the clouds, Jura Soundsystem brings some gently persuasive rhythms to the fore on their impossibly light and airy 'Flotsam & Jetsam' and Leeds-based Joe Morris layers up loopy late night whispers with dubby currents on 'The New Dawn Will Come.' A soothing collection for overactive minds.
Minimal/Tech House
£8.25
Sushitech is back with another of its sublime vinyl-only projects and this one focuses on the work of Dexter. There will be three 12"s in all that draw together some of the producer's finest moments. He is a truly cult figure amongst those who know and he served up a fresh take on tech, acid, dub and house between 1997 and 2004 when these tracks were first made - if you can find any of those original records prepare to pay loads for them, or else dive into Past Moves I. It has a brace of slick, tightly programmed cuts underpinned by rolling pads with lovely lo-fi pads up top. Heady stuff.
Minimal/Tech House
£8.25
The second part of Sushitech's three-part vinyl-only series looking at the work of Dexter is another 12" doozy. The UK underground mainstay has been behind many cult and much sought-after records over the years and they all fuse obscure dub and acid tech house in smart ways. They were recorded between 1997-2004 and if you can find any OGs then you will be paying upwards of 100 quid for them. This slab has three driving but deep sounds carefully detailed with wispy pads and filtered vocals for perfect backroom deployment.
Minimal/Tech House
£8.25
Past Moves III is the final instalment of the vinyl-only series served up by Berlin's ever-well-curated and cultured Sushitech label. It is another essential 12' that packs in plenty of heat from the long-time UK favourite. His records are hard to find and expensive when you do and this collection highlights some of his superbly blended acid, dub, tech and house grooves from back between 1997 and 2004. On this one, you will find a pair of weighty, warm, and dubbed out tech cuts with bounce in the drums and Detroit soul in the pads. Timeless stuff.
Funky/Club House
£7.50
The Take It Easy label returns with a red hot one and limited edition one-sided 12" that features a Bugsy 'ReDrum' of Wema's 'Kiherehere' cut. The original artists are a five-piece Tanzanian outfit founded on community and they have a global approach to sound that plays out here. In Bugsy's hands, it becomes a club-ready cut that fuses house and techno with the original's traditional Tanzanian instrumentals and Afro-Latin rhythms. Add in a fiery vocal and the sort of unrelenting drum funk that sends crowds mad and you have another standout from this fledgling label.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£15.99
First released back in 2011, When We On was the sixth album from the Nottingham-formed Crazy P. Most significantly, however, it features songs that went on to become signature tracks for the band's live performances, including 'Heartbreaker', 'Open For Service' and 'Eruption', delicately balanced by more home listening experiences like 'Changes', 'Beatbox' and 'wecanonlybewhoweare'. Since its first and only original vinyl pressing, it's been commanding increasingly huge amounts on the second hand market, so time for 20/20 Vision to step in and re-issue complete with the original masters, Victoria Topping artwork and Bandcamp code that gives access to the full 11 track digital album as well as the vinyl. Essential for fans of the P, but also a good starting point for the curious, falling about half way through their history and at the start of a particularly purple patch.
Techno
£9.50
Falko Brocksieper is a cult German minimalist who was favoured by the likes of Craig Richards and his Tyrant project. This new EP from 20/20 Vision takes a deep dive into his back catalogue to unearth a gem that first arrived via Treibstoff Recordings almost 20 years ago in 2006. 'Frantic Formula' is a nice liquid cut with wispy sci-fi pads and rolling grooves for early evening warm-ups, while 'Outrun' gets more upright with its jumbled drum loops and gurgling bass. 'Covert Action' is another masterfully languid and elastic rhythm that layers up cowbells, wobbly low ends and silky loops that soon lock you into the groove. A welcome remaster and reissue for sure.
Electro
£11.75
Veteran electrohead and former artist on the Rephlex Records roseter DMX Krew's Ed DMX takes the well-known story by Jorge Luis Borges of The Library of Babel, said to contain all the different languages of the earth. Some deep philosophical thought has gone into the album's concept, but we'll leave that to Ed to explain. Instead, we'll tell you that from beginning to end there's plenty of the kind of trademark 80s synth playfulness in evidence, with a generally more mellow and soundtrack-related rather than frenetic and dancefloor-filling vibe in evidence, even on faster tracks like 'The Combed Thunderclap'. Still, Ed knows what he's doing when it comes to this kind of leftfield electro gear, and it's a rewarding, never boring listen.
Techno
£10.99
London-based Lewi Boome brings his class to this new release on Well Street, strictly limited to just 100 copies so you better act fast! 'Dust Devil' opens with a deft touch - the pinging synth lines and airy drum loops suspending you in a tripped-out world of futurism. That cerebral style continues through the lithe and elegant, dubbed-out rhythms of 'Etched Alive' and the more unsettling moods of jungle-techno cut 'Tumble', complete with distant bird calls and humid pads. 'Deep Shear' rounds out with a little more low-end grit as the fourth and final cut on a superb EP.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Just when you think you've heard the last of Covid in music, along comes this Covid 2020 EP from Yotsume Music label head Saki Hiroaki, indicating that it was written during those most weird and dark times, specifically in the city of Kurashiki. 'I Say' (part 2) is a seriously silky deep house with wispy and liquid chords rippling out to an infinite horizon as the persuasive drums get you into the groove. 'Improvisation' is a more crisp tech cut but is still unhurried and detailed with nice deft synth curlicues and the trio of escapist gems is completed with 'TRAP'. This one again sinks you into a pillowy and gentle groove with muted chords drifting up top like clouds.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£9.50
Originally recorded in the late 1970s and using many of the musicians employed by Diana Ross on her track 'The Boss'. 'Can't Put No Price On Love' has long been regarded as North End's 'long lost' single - an inspired disco workout employing that pre-dates the Arthur Baker/Tony Carbone-helmed project's most famous song, Tee Scott/Larry Levan favourite 'Happy Days'. The original multitrack was unfortunately lost, but the track finally appears, 40-odd years after it was recorded. Whether what we're hearing was finished and mixed at the time is uncertain, but the 'Club Mix' is certainly authentic sounding - a genuinely energetic, joyous and effervescent New York disco number with full orchestration, addictive vocals (Jocelyn Brown & Dennis Collins on backing Vox) and a killer groove. Elsewhere across the EP, we get two versions of 'We Can't Live Like This Anymore' - the synth-laden, solo-heavy disco-boogie style original mix (B2) and a superb 'drum break' percussion tool (A2) - and a brilliantly low-slung instrumental dub-disco cover of The Temptations' 'Cloud 9'.
Previously listed
Deep House
£6.99
A choice selection of four deep. sultry floorfillers from four different artists across this new 12" from 124 Recordings. 'Come To Me' by Chris Fry heads up the selection with sturdy four-to-the-floor foundations hinting a original US garage vibes, all embellished with classy, oozing strings and a stickier-than-gum vocal refrain. Heat Alliance's '74 Streets' is a tad slower and dubbier and as its title suggests, revels in its rude funk and sparkly disco influences processed through some subtly modern filtering action. 'Amsterdam' from Kit Mason combines tripper FX with an irresistible, chunky groove, reminiscent of the soulful delirium of Felix da Housecat's finer moments, while 'Bit Mania' by Nicola Brusegan draws proceedings to a close with a celebratory, summer-slanted slice of uplift built around a nifty 70s-style funky guitar lick. Lots of variety, but everything here is going to get feet headed towards the dancefloor without doubt.
Techno
£8.50
Sindh combines old and new worlds on his latest mystic hymns, this time kicking off the A-Biotic label with his dark and alluring four-track EP 'Andaman'. He manages to fuse organic and synthetic materials here as he heads down a darkly introspective path where minimal and IDM, dub and techno all collide in mutant form. 'Jangil' is a real standout with its bubbling halftime rhythms and icy synths backed by distant angelic chorals. The bewitching sounds continue on 'Galathea' which rides back and forth on its heels as subtle sines, scurrying synths and menacing pads all interlock before 'Hinam' locks you in a dense synth stasis and loopy sense of lurching rhythm.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
UK mainstay Subb-An makes a welcome return with this fresh new EP on Aesthetic. It finds him in great form with opener 'Seeing Colours' heading off down a nice liquid minimal route with crisp tech drums and twinkling synths up top to bring the magic. On the flip side is 'Plants', a rather serene and sublime cut with more rolling drums and plenty of deft synth designs that bring a certain celestial charm to the fizzing leads. Snad's remix then shuts things down with a more driving sense of tech house rhythm to complete a tasteful EP of heady sounds.
Deep House
£7.50
Brixton-based David Agrella returns after the success of his Baby Ford-remixed 'Modulo 02', with two tracks and a nifty remix of each to boot. 'I Felt It Coming' is a heady peak time track, with Underground Resistance-style drum machine handclaps and an addictive synth hook and all the suspense and drama of a Stephen King horror tale. Domenico Rosa's remix turns that frown upside down, converting it into a perky, cheeky and altogether lighter workout that nevertheless will keep feet on the dancefloor. 'Reflexion Nocturna' (Priori remix) kicks off the B-side with fizzling dub techno stealth, subtly embellished with a smidgeon of 'Funky Drummer' breakbeat, while Agrella's original closes proceedings with head down, echo-set Leftfield-style prog house skank. Not for nothing is this chap known as one of the techno scene's fastest rising new names.
Funky/Club House
£8.75
Robert Owens is absolutely one of the voices of his generation. He has lent his tender tones to more classic tracks than you could possibly mention and he continues to do so nowadays with a wholeness generation of producer who want a touch go his authenticity. He has recently achieved another career milestone with a superbly poignant new single that comes with sublime remixes. DJ Spinna's re-flip adds his usual sense of soul and Adeen Records label head Camille then brings some South African Amapiano vibes. Nico Lahs takes it on with a heavy house groove and Scott Hess brings some classic acid jack to his version.
Deep House
£8.50
Adeen Records is on a roll right now and this time out they welcome the Detroit hero that is Marcellus Pittman for a new and beguiling four-track 12". Known for his work with The 3 Chairs collective as well as his solo jams, this Motor City mainstay opens up with 'You Always Hank Bank One Time' which is a real mental maze of rickety loops and blurts of degraded synth. 'Another Spring Lover' is another rusty and lo-fi piece of archetypal Detroit house that is very clearly machine music but with a unique sense of human soul. 'I'm Gonna Be The Everything' is a raw drum track with sparse, heartwarming chords and 'Slick Nickle Pladium Investment' is a knackered downbeat hip-hop closer. Magnificent.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£9.50
Los Angeles-based ASHRR are back with a new cut which comes from their forthcoming Sunshine Low album which they have re-interpreted as their ASHRR Soundsystem alter ego, while System Olympia also steps up with a remix on this fine new package from 20/20 Vision. In the hands of the latter, 'What's Been Turning You' is a remix with plenty of hi-fidelity cosmic details over mid-tempo deep nu-disco drums. The version from ASHRR is a chugging and Italo-tinged classic with loose-limbed and jumbled drum funk and plenty of bright, shiny arps. A great collection then.
Deep House
£9.50
Avidya is back with a third EP to build on the head-turning success of the first two and it is another trip to the outer edges of the dancefloor. Odopt from Born Free and 777 Recordings kicks off with a snappy cut that is deceptively simple but devastatingly effective with its gurgling and acidic bass. Remotif is a fast-rising talent who impresses with the heavy techno sludge of 'HAJKSD15' and Full Circle aka Alexis Le Tan and Joakim link with Kris Baha to offer a remix that is all twitchy electrons, busted drum loops and fizzing pads before 53X's 'Simulaatio' is another brilliantly loose jumbled of wiry electronics, sci-fi effects and techno chug for a fantastic closing beatdown.
Deep House
£7.50
B2 Recordings keeps it deep once more with a new 12" of cuddly and cosy house grooves from Those Guys From Athens. 'Be What You Wanna Be' is a perfectly humid and balmy opener for a summer's evening dance under a fading sun, then 'That's What I've Got To Do' picks up the pace with some floored melodies and disco swing. There is a familiar lazy funk bassline to 'Wish You Were Here With Me' as well as a well-treated classic vocal sample from Bill Withers to make this one a real heart melter. 'Feelin' is a more hefty and heavy house sound that will enliven any warm-up.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.50
B2 Recordings hits release number 13 with DJ Rocca and Lex combing on a trio of fresh house cuts that blend elements of disco, Latin and soul. Up first is the glorious 'Solid Street' which has loose and percussive disco-house grooves overlaid with big synth energy and steamy vocals. 'Solar System' is slower and deeper, with a more rugged bassline and low slung sense of funk that never lets up. 'Last of all, 'Rose Tree' is a ramshackle house arrangement with whistles, Rhodes keys, tin-pot percussion, florid flutes and plenty of sunny energy all making it a real standout. A timeless EP packed with musicality.
Deep House
£7.75
Amsterdam's Makez bring their old school unfused house sounds to Adeen Records in collaboration with Balance Alliance on this fresh new 12" which also features a remix from UK mainstay Mr G. 'Do It' brings super smooth chords and a prickly deep house beat that will get any floor going. Then comes 'Close 2 Us' which is even better - lush and lazy chords are draped over pent-up deep house dynamics with gorgeous vocal coos and jazzy keys also bring extra heart and heat to the mix. 'Beat Of Life' is a more busy percussive sound and then comes 'Love You More' as remixed by the don Mr G who brings his signature smokiness and basement house vibes.
Deep House
£7.75
The third vinyl release of the year from Blur Records sees three distinguished producers - ColorJaxx, T.Markakis and Manuel Kane - sharing duties, each delivering a track each but with the distinctive, music-centred 'deep house fusion' flavour of the Blur label very much at their heart. ColorJaxx's 'I Know You' kicks off proceedings in upbeat mood, goaded along by a skippy garage beat, some beautiful piano work and arresting male vocals. 'Ain't Like That' by T.Markakis rolls slower and deeper, clouds of warm synth giving it a reassuring, dub feel, while Manuel Kane's 'Funk' boasts a cheery, end-of-evening sparkle with its hypnotic vocal samples and gentle sirens. Quality without pretention whichever way you turn.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.99
Tel Aviv's Elado has put out a fine run of eight releases in just two years on the likes of GAMM, Barefoot Beats and Bonfido Disques, but for his next move, he branches out with his own reissue label. its aim is to "focus on uncovering lost gems" with the original paired with his own remixes. The first one is a 1983 private press from the Canadian pair OUI. 'Circle Of Love' is a big disco banger with flashy synth work and rugged arps, with a pair of Elado's mixes making it even more dancefloor ready. 'You Make Me High' is a more sentimental 80s pop sound. A fine start to life for this new label.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.75
DJ and producer Gratts returns to his own imprint with the third instalment of the "Balearic but bumpin'" trilogy. Here, the Belgian puts forward a captivating piece of organic, Body & Soul NY inspired deep house, assisted by Cata Mansikka-aho on vocals. As always, an instrumental is provided for maximum nightclub daydreaming. On the flipside, British duo Faze Action up the energy levels with an equally musical disco version that hits in all the right spots. Artwork once again by Mads Cooke.
Funky/Club House
£7.99
Gratts is back once again, hot on the heels of various Balearic outings like 'Sun Circles', 'Pretty Lights' and 'Jour De Fete' but this time he is in house mode. This release comes under his new Trackhead T moniker and finds him keeping things raw and stripped back. For the sessions, the Belgian artist limited himself to using only around 12 channels maximum per tune. This Klub Romance EP is the result and a track that harks back to his Berlin stomping ground, with deep but driving house cuts that have subtle hints of everyone from Felix Da Housecat to Boo Williams. The low slung sleaze and muted rave stabs of 'My Miseducation' is our standout.
Balearic/Downtempo
£7.75
Belgian DJ and producer Gratts have joined forces with London-based vocalist Mr. Beale to follow up on to success of their well-received 'Sun Circles' release last year. Here, on the sublime 'Submerge Me', they are in fine form once more with a brooding sound that features the uniquely mesmerising mantras of Beale and plenty of raw, compelling and percussive grooves that full lock you in and get you going. Versatile Records' own Gilb'r then steps up on the flip and manages to take things even deeper with some fine liquid dub excursions to complete a top 7"
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Be Strong Be Free debuts a new series here, Mellow Magic Worldwide, which will offer up a series of DJ weapons that have been produced by "worldwide studio buds." The first one opens with some superb tackle from Gold Suite whose brilliant 'Crush' is a slow-burning 80s jam and emotive rollercoaster that has made a real impact during road testing experiments. On the flipside is the mysterious Mancunian Visions Of Eden who debuts on vinyl with a lush deep house jam 'When It Has Past that has a subtle Balearic charm. Lastly comes Murrin who heads up the Puca Sounds label and co-runs Berlin party Fandango. His 'Maybe Tonight' is a late-night cosmic delight.
Breakbeat
£7.75
The Craft Music label is back after a one year break with some fresh new cuts by resident Marco Lazovic. It's an EP inspired by the sound of the English club scene in the nineties and noughties, labels like Good Looking Records and artists such as Mike Millrain. Opener 'Losin Control' sure is a compelling mix of electro and breaks that soars on cosmic lines with euphoric vocals in the distance. 'Come To London' has a distinctly garage feel to it with its crisp broken beats and there is more high energy but melody-rich breakbeat action in 'Dark Gravity' while 'Space Jazzy' is s super sweet and deep jungle cruiser.
Deep House
£8.50
Courtesy of Balance is a stamp of deep house authenticity no matter who is behind the beats. In this case, we have a debut appearance from Cordoba-based Argentinian Castoldi. He kicks off with 'Make Me Feel' with lashings of Detroit house stylings and bouncy chord sequences getting you in the groove. 'Tribute To Kerri' has kicks the New Jersey house don would be proud of with plenty of smooth synth additions and then 'Those Nights' is an eight-minute odyssey with crisp percussion and rattling dub chords. A timeless 12" for sure.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
When not knocking it out of the park with his garage alias Instinct, James Burnham is somehow also managing to find time to revert to his original Burnski moniker and the minimal and tech sounds with which he first made his name. On this latest 12" via his own Constant Sound label, 'Boom' is a rude boy jam for sure - the filthy bass and low-end wobble are accompanied by ragga vocals up top. 'Toxic' is a more straight-up tech pumper with slinky hi-hat designs, smart filters and bass-driven drums. As always with this powerhouse, the subtle production details really elevate this one into a standout cut.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Burnski and Kelper are two of the hottest artists in the game right now - their output is relentless, and their quality is always high. It is now on the former's Constant Sound that they appear with three fresh new collaborative cuts aimed squarely at the floor. 'Follow Me' has nice hooky drum loops and subtle synth stabs under a seductive vocal. It's fun and functional in equal measure and on the flip things get more naughty with hints of a dirty speed garage bassline under 'Frequency'. The vibe flips again on closer 'Frequency' which has disco-tinged loops and more laidback groves that bring a little warmth and sunshine.
Deep House
£8.75
The backstory to this one is great and goes something like this: Darryl Baalki is a reclusive person who grew up with his mother and his father's record collection. That was his only connection to the outside world and he somehow thought it was all the music ever recorded so for him to make something new he had to combine parts from it together. Whether true or not, his Flower Out Of A Stone EP on Deeppa is a sublime affair. It clocks in somewhere between deep house with serious jazzy chops and loungey downbeat, with the titile track boasting an impressively soulful vocal. Elsewhere, the organic instruemntation and improvsed grooves of Faze Action at their best come to mind, with sultry sax lines, spiritual vocal whispers and feathery drums all oozing a certain timeless musical class.
Drum & Bass / Jungle
£7.75
The fledgling Detach label continues to show it means business with a new 12" in a lovely screen-printed sleeve. Romanian artist Dyl is the one in charge and has been serving up consistently excellent and innovative sounds now for serval years. All of these cuts mix up great sound design with languid rhythms - the first is eerie, with watery droplets and glassy tinkles hanging in the air, while 'Glasshouse 2' has a percolating rhythm down low. 'Glasshouse 3' gets a little more dynamic with a shimmering low end and freaky abstract life forms and 'Glasshouse 4' layers in more intense and ever-shifting synth lines while the closer sounds like it's roaming through a deserted factory long after it shut down.
Techno
£8.50
Danza Nativa has done a great job of establishing its own unique sound in the techno sphere over the last half a decade. Now it marks the occasion of its fifth birthday with a two-part compilation that showcases its avant-garde take on the genre. They tell us that part one has been assembled as a sort of "mental (as in pensive, not deranged) techno album that takes the form of some direct tools for working DJs. Anthony Linell, Claudio PRC, Luigi Tozzi and Daniel[I] are those who step up and explore abstract, drone, deep and plenty in between.
Techno
£8.50
Danza Nativa is rightly celebrating its fifth anniversary recently and now follows up the first part of its anniversary compilation with part two, featuring tunes from across a broad spectrum. The first side delves into tribal rhythms and strident synths with Amandra keeping it stripped back and minimal and Dino Sabatini going deep and dubby on 'Danza Tribale'. Polygonia and Plants Army Revolver then set your mind free to wander among lush sound designs and captivating rhythms that head deep into a humid and futurist jungle.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
REPRESS ALERT!: The Edits Collection label is fast becoming essential with a third irresistible offering in a little over a year. This latest one opens with some soul drenched boogie and disco featuring a heart-aching vocal hook and snappy grooves, then gets more deep and jazzy with 'Disco Is A Feeling'. The flip side opens with the steamy 'Take U 4 A Ride' with its explosive Philly strings and busy percussive lines and '10.15' then slow it down with a more steamy and sexy late-night sound that is all big loved-up vocals and freewheeling synths. All four of these are glorious weapons to have handy.
Deep House
£8.99
Especial Specials has recently helped to take the Japanese label Chill Mountain Record into the world of wax after it previously operated only in the digital world. Now it carries on with a similar MO as it works with Multi Culti label head, DJ and producer Dreems on new set of limited-edition EPs. He has already landed on the likes of Kompakt, Pinchy & Friends and Futureboogie and now digs into his vaults to serve up some edits and dubs that are hard to pin down but often doused in psychedelic overtones, acid and dub. Each one is a unique work in its own right but they all add up to one helluva good EP.
Deep House
£8.99
Especial Specials always deal in releases with a story often as interesting as the music itself. This time out they enlist DJ and producer Dreems for a fine collection of limited-edition 12"s. Angus Gruzman aka Dreems is the man behind the vital Multi Culti label and has dropped his own wares on the likes of Kompakt, Pinchy & Friends and Futureboogie but somehow remains rather in the shadows. This deep dive into his vaults should change that - these are edits and dubs that come doused in psychedelia as they trip through several genres. There is off-kilter dub, melon-twisting dub, intensely percussive and tribal dub, and more besides across the five fantastic tracks.
Deep House
£8.75
(Emotional) Especial looks to the emergent producer that is Chez De Milo for a new EP that collides the energy of Glastonbury, historic echoes of the free party scene and the psychedelic electronics of Bristol and the West Country into four fresh new cuts here. 'Et Al' is a mystic late-night house cut with crisp hits and spooky synths keeping you on edge, while 'Gieser' is dark and paranoid as the churning beats and snaking leads tempt you into the shadows. 'Kremer' keeps you locked in a synth-heavy and transcendental suspense at the heart of the dancefloor with Egyptian folk samples and ethnic grooves and 'Thus One' is a razor-sharp electro closer.
Deep House
£8.75
Odopt is back on Especial and this time is in collaborative mode with Sebastian Hoyos aka Sano, who is a regular on the likes of Matias Aguayo's Comeme and Munich's Public Possession. The pair cook up a fine globally-minded club trip that comes with another label return, this time from remixer Jamie Paton. The original 'Picha' first started as a sketch in 2016 then became a demo in 2019 now finally arrives on wax. It's a raw percussive workout with razor-sharp snares and plenty of cowbells. Next to an instrumental comes the Paton remix and it is a trademark deep and dubwise piece of work with widescreen dynamics.
Techno
£8.75
Remotif is a fast-rising star with a sound being called 'trance fusion.' He makes his mark again to that end with a new one on Especial that brings more of his modern-day ethnic styles to the driving breaks of techno following outings on the likes of Coymix and Space Lab and sets everywhere from Fabric to Berlin's Warning parties. This one kicks off with 'U 15' which is a busy blend of shimmery timbres and sharp perc, spaced-out pads and psychedelic synths that are ever on the rise. More trance overtones define 'Glint's Pursuit' and 'The Elevated Place' is slick and sleek, ascending and always rising. 'The Sunken Place' shuts down with more slow and percolating dub mutations to round out a superb EP.
Various
Techno
£16.50
Emotional Response returns with a second volume of its All Trades compilation which is named after its own NTS show. It is just as vast both in terms of style but also the eras it spans with a mix of dub, new wave, slow motion electronics and plenty in between. Tolouse Low Trax kicks off with the filthy dirty and seriously heavy dub glitch of 'Ossia' to provide an early highlight before the likes of Al Wootton get percussive and tribal with 'Altai' and HLM38 channels some African Head Charge on another devastating dub cut. Later on, London's Good Block brings a little more light and sunshine with their lovely 'Strong Relax.'
Indie/Alternative
£16.50
Anyone who has followed Emotional Rescue knows it has always does a fine job of documenting pock punk and dubs early years, not least by showcasing the previously unheralded work of Skinbat Scramble. Now they back that up once more with a new compilation that puts together a selection of the band's previously unreleased recordings. It is a superb trip through a number of decades and finds core members Mark Eason and Fergus Crockford distilling slow tempos, experimental sounds, dub, and much more into leftfield rhythms for body and mind.
Indie/Alternative
£13.99
South African Warrick Sony is a ground breaking composer who was behind the Kalahari Surfers project which now gets a vital spotlight courtesy of Emotional Rescue. This compilation shows how effortlessly eclectic his sound was - from jive rhythms to jazz, tabla to political speeches and much more in between. A Hindu pacifist who was once conscripted into the South African Defense Force, he founded this group as a way out getting his ides out there, calling on other musicians as and when he needed them. It was the first radical white anti-apartheid pop in South Africa and as this vital collection shows it explored polyrhythms, slow motorik, dub sound collage and even a goofy cover of Nancy Sinatra.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.99
Emotional Rescue continues its love affair with Glen Ricks here by reissuing his solo debut release. 'Keep On Dancing' is a cult and hugely coveted cut that fuses disco and reggae in some style. Ricks had a first successful musical career in The Fabulous Flames then moved between Canada and Jamaica and eventually got stuck into music in earnest again in the Caribbean. He wrote this one with writer and producer Chris Stanley and it came out first on 7" in 1981, then on 12" a year later. It has a superbly soulful vocal and a groove full of subtle bump that is sure to bring joy to any dancefloor. Idjut Boys' Dan Tyler also adds his own spin under his NAD alias for a more heavy and dub-laden take.
Electro
£8.75
Emotional Rescue's vital Konduko reissue series sadly comes to an end here with a look at the label's final years. In those days it moved away from reggae, disco and boogie towards an enduring electro sound that had a vast and lasting impact on the Miami scene. The biggest tune from that time was when Noel Williams linked with local songwriter Lawrence Dermer aka Der Mer for the track reissued here. 'Fall Out' soon became a hit with its driving electro-funk rhythms. The original sits next to the later Fresh '86" mix as well as a NAD disco mix from Dan Tyler, best known as one of the Idjut Boys. It's an irresistible package of body-popping electro with hooks for days.
Electro
£8.99
The last of the Konduko series from Emotional Rescue arrives now and quite possibly it is the best of the lot from Noel Williams. His 'Fantasy' saw him work with Larry Dermer aka Der Mer on what is an effective and catchy electro jam that operates at the higher end of the tempo chart with some classic vocoder vocal action to really make it pop. Despite being released originally in 1984 this one still bangs with its emulated TR-808 beats and nagging melodies. The instrumental heightens that and then the Jonny Rock Discomix shuts down with long-form rework that shows why the DJ, editor and all-round amiable bloke is so well regarded.
Indie/Alternative
£7.99
Emotional Rescue takes another trip into the twisted world of post-punk dubs, electronics and oddities here at the hands of DJ, collector and radio host Gary The Tall. The original comes from German duo and new wave innovators Die Radierer whose pop-reggae jam 'Batman' is irresistibly catchy with its low-slung beats and lazy, sun-kissed melodies. It appeared on 1983's In Hollywood and was recorded at their home studio on a Tascam 4-track cassette recorder. Gary The Tall's remix finds him teaming up with Aaron Coyles under his new alias of Exotic Gardens and the results are loopy and dubbed out to perfection.
Various
Balearic/Downtempo
£16.50
You can never really pin down what the excellent Emotional Repose label does and that is exactly the sinking behind the title of its superb All Trades show on NTS. The sheer eclecticism of that show is now reflected in this new two-part compilation, also called All Trades, which offers up little morsels of what they do, something like a sonic tasting menu at a fancy restaurant. There is chugging electronic dub from Apiento & Tepper, industrial clatter from Black Bones, cosmic ambient breakbeat from Paperclip Minimiser and blissed out dub from Yamila & SoFa Elsewhere amongst many more highlights.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Funkyjaws Music launches a new edits series here with four absolute dons of the form on one vital 12". It's Lay Far that kicks off with 'Never Ever Edit' which is all horn-led excitement and upbeat disco claps and kicks before Admin's 'Moon Trippin' takes a more slow and soulful approach. When it comes to edits few are more essential than Chicago's Rahaan who kicks off the B-side with 'Gonna Get Ya', a leggy funk number infused with cosmic synth rays and warm piano chords. Delfonic shuts down with the loose percussive jumbles and jazzy vibes of 'Let's Dance The Spank'. A fine start to the series with volume two already in the works.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Funkyjaws Music keeps on keeping on with its Let's Dance series, which now hits volume number three. It is another doozy that follows the tradition of bringing together four different and equally able artists on one 12". Jacques Renault kicks off with some funky and disco-fried fun on 'Such A Tease' and The Patchouli Brothers take it old school with their steamy disco burner 'Wishin' U Would Call.' The flipside keeps the good vibes alive with some lovely cowbell action and mad-funky riffs on Paul Older's 'Dancin' On Your Mind' and then a little steamy psyched-out guitar magic defines the glorious closer 'House Of Rising Sun.'
Techno
£8.50
The king is dead, long live the king, as they say - except in this case the late king is DJ Bone's legendary Subject Detroit label, which has now been shuttered after 25 years, and the newly anointed king is his new outlet Further, taken from his Amsterdam parties of the same name. It kicks off with a pair of new EPs on the same day and this is the first from Yeti Mind Tricks. 'We Ain't Like Them' is a hammering Motor City techno cut for the peak time which Bone remixes into a more stripped-back but no less edgy and potent cut. On the flip are 'Bimini Road' and 'Vandelay,' both of which bring stylish techno drenched in machine soul.
Techno
£8.50
Further is the brand new label from DJ Bone, who has started it in place of Subject Detroit which after 25 years he recently decided to put to sleep. This second EP lands on the same day as the first but is a new four-track solo outing from the now Amsterdam-based techno innovator himself. 'My Replicant Self' has synths slashing across the face of a sleek techno rhythm with sombre chords draped over the top. 'The Divine Call' ups the ante with spoken word menace and 'My Tribe' then layers up percussion and surging synth warmth. 'Remembering The Future' is a brilliantly quick and urgent track with slapping hits and bouncing drum funk.
Funky/Club House
£8.75
Frosted has pulled off a big one here as they snap up the one and only Chicago house gangster, long-time vinyl advocate and BBQ king, DJ Sneak. His debut on the label goes big, as the man often does, with 'Beat Generation' showcasing his mastery of drum loops and smart filters. It's unrelenting and funky in its own low-key way then a Horns mix brings some extra fun. 'Fair & Square' has an old school feel with sweet little guitar riffs stitched into the arrangement next to yelping vocal as the dusty drums roll on. 'Mother Of Funk' has a deeper feel and will lock you into its warming embrace.
Deep House
£7.75
For many in underground music, the words Back To Basics mean only one thing - the chaotic and anarchic Leeds house party founded by Dave Beer. The GLBDOM label is slowly broadening out that definition though with this ongoing series under the same name. It's been good to date and this third volume doesn't disappoint with Manuold, Bress Underground, MacLO duo, Jon Billick and Scruscru all offering up their own takes on deep house. From the mid-tempo and cosmic to the more raw and punchy, via the loopy and the future-facing, it's a classy collection.
Deep House
£7.75
Greenhouse Recordings label head and long-time master of deep house Andrew Macari steps up to his own imprint with a bunch of fine originals. The opener is a deep tech cut with steely drums that are tight and compelling and offset by smooth chords. Manuel Sahagun then steps up to remix and brings a touch of jazz to his chords which swirl around over heavyweight bass rumbles. 'U Got Me' is then a house sound that harks back to the DIY heyday of Nottingham with its bumping drums and lush chord work and 'When I Want' closes out with more fresh synths and an alluring female vocal.
Funky/Club House
£7.75
The Guesthouse label comes through with more irresistible house goodness from Joey Youngman who has been a master of this form for many years. His sound blends the best of funky, soulful grooves with raw house drums to light up any party. He kicks off in wild fashion with the big energy and chunky funk of 'Another Night' before 'Oakland' then layers up slinky drums and emotive vocal hooks into a bristling arrangement. 'Thankful' (JY remix) explores a deeper late-night sound with a more seductive vocal and low-slung drums then things close down with 'Elevate Me' (JY remix), a steamy sound with contemporary r&b vocals and melodies that bring the fun.
Techno
£8.75
The brand new Hyperdrive label kicks off with a mix of the old and the new - some tracks made recently, some that date back to the 90s, all of them top quality. Liquid Earth opens up with the spaced-out synths and electronic house sounds of '1_HP_D' then Art Of The State gets a little more tranced out and cosmic on '2_HP_D'. Dan Piu's '3_HP_D' is a tech house exploration with wispy sci-fi leads and a playful rhythm then Luis Malon & Seb G combine for the turbo-charged tech of '4_HP_D.' The legendary Freddy Fresh closes down with a high-speed sound on '5_HP_D.' Says the label, "Hyperdrive is dedicated to preserving the rich history of electronic music," and on this evidence, it will do so expertly.
Techno
£8.75
Hyperdrive's label debut was a biggie that brought together old and new-school techno on one fizzing EP. The follow-up comes soon after and this time makes no bones about being a Rave Revival. Anthrophia's 'The Voice' kicks off with what is a hefty breakbeat cut with edgy rave stabs and slamming bass. Dimension 23 - 'Fascination' (Seb G mix) then takes a more stripped-back approach with turbocharged synths layered up over silky drums. Centuras brings plenty of bright, euphoric prog energy to the urgent drum funk of 'Jizz' and last of all Dimension 23's 'The Eagle' then kicks out more dusty old-school breaks with machine gun synth fire. A potent EP, make no mistake.
Dancehall/Ragga
£7.50
Zed Bias has been a bass, dub and garage king since forever, but his star shows no signs of diminishing any time soon. For this one he has worked with Shumba Youth on a new single that finds him dipping into a world of dancehall and ragga. 'London Town' is heavy, with real bass weight, churning drums and fizzing digital synths under the superb bars from Shumba who muses on the state of London right now. Next to that are slithering leads and sci-fi pads to make for a fine future vibe. The acappella is served up on the flip for DJs who want to play.
UK Garage
£8.50
Zed Bias's superb recent single with Shumba Youth is a modern fusion of dancehall and ragga that is perfect for loud deployment on top sound systems. Here though it comes in four different versions, all of which tap into different aspects of the UK hardcore continuum. The 4x4 Garage mix is just that and perfect for grotty warehouses, the 4x4 VIP Refix has a more prominent baseline feel and the Jeftuz UKG remix is a broken beat killer with wub-wub goodness. Last of all is the restless and kinetic 2-step mix to close out a high grade 12".
UK Garage
£8.50
Garage powerhouse Zed Bias is back with more old school garage brilliance with the new single 'Shell Them Again' featuring the vocals of Yung Saber and Brakeman. The original has plenty of retro signifiers from the low-end wobble to the withering synth effects, plus crisp hits and jostling drums. After the dub mix comes a remix from Zed himself alongside Safire which is much more dirty and raw. The beats are broken up so the track takes on a dubstep quality as the low-end oscillations bring the weight and drums hit with more force. Finally, the acappella closes out this fresh 12" on IFG.
Balearic/Downtempo
£7.99
The by-now seminal Is It Balearic label welcomes long-time Balearic boss Max Essa for another superbly horizontal offering that will take you to the beach no matter where you are. He is a regular on this label who has been serving up top tunes and compiling superb collections like 2016's 10-Year Anniversary comp for ages, and the quality levels never dip. This fresh four-tracker traverses gently breaking synth waves, undulating dubby undercurrents and gloriously sun-kissed synth work all in a soothing and meditative style.
Balearic/Downtempo
£7.99
Marius Circus is well known and loved for a signature analogue sound and once again that is laid out for us all to enjoy here on a new EP that comes with a remix from men of the moment Jazxing. First up is the deep, unhurried and dubbed out 'Lost On A Path To Nowhere,' a subtle late-night sound with wispy synths and a muted bassline that grows ever more prominent. The Jazxing Pathfinder remix is more tropical and steamy, and on the flip 'No Way Home' douses you in more blissed-out chords before the downbeat boogie of 'Space Crumbs Trail'. This is yet more essential summer goodness from Is It Balearic.
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.50
French producer Jerome Barresi assumes his Robert's Diary Palais here for a new outing on Is It Balearic that offers something a little adjacent to the norm. Opener 'Dinky Bird' is a mix of tender keys and hand claps with a soulful vocal sample that reminds of early-era Moby. Norse mainstay Bjorn Torske appears then to remix and brings some scuttling percussive sounds and watery effects over four-four drums. 'Six O Six' is a yearning dub cut packed with wild FX and 'KXP' is a zoned-out and tinny retro-future nu-disco cut that is a perfect B-side.
Balearic/Downtempo
£9.50
NT is Nail aka Neil Holliday, one half of Bent and a master of UK tech house. But here he shows a different side across six majestically Balearic groovers. That draw on everything he has done before to send you out to sea on gentle waves of shining synth goodness, downtempo bliss and dreamy, chubby, soft focus drums. 'Beside Boa Linn' is a soothing summer sound to kick off then 'Going Out To Feel It' is a spiritual house cut for sundown, and 'Don't Hide Away' is slow motion disco brilliance. The trip continues with the star-gazing 'Evening Fixture', Eddie C style guitar licks of 'Walk In Romance' and romantic lullaby 'Dreams On Hold.'
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.50
Florecer steps up to the cultured Is It Balearic label with the sort of soothing downtempo sounds that are perfect for sunset moments with a quality drink. There is plenty of mellow and dreamy West Coast lushness to 'Hidden Thoughts' with its shimmering synths and seductive vocal coos while the first remix from Hitchhiker steps up the energy with an arp-ed sound. Das Complex gets dark and chugging as is his usual want on the flipside, then Cafe Del Mar resident Ken Fan offers a trademark chillout sound to close out another most calming EP from this great label.
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.50
The iconic Is It Balearic heads to the slightly less iconic - in Balearic terms - West Midlands to retrieve this great EP of electric dance effort gems from Wrekin Havoc. 'Camino' is a loose, melody-rich sound with silvery drums and real nostalgia, then 'Moon Dance' it's a more laidback and zoned out sonic daydream for lazy and sunny afternoons by the pool. There is an electro vibe to 'RLTW' which is a reworking of a Christopher Cross Yacht classic then a T Kurt Remix reworks it into a boogie banger. Another varied and vital EP of grown up dance sounds.
UK Garage
£7.99
If you're reading this then you will know that Instinct is one of the UK's powerhouse garage labels. Run by Burnski aka James Burnham it deals in serious tackle for rude boys and nasty girls. The drums hit hard, the reversed bassline burn goose old school cool and there gun finger salutes come thick and fast throughout this EP from Mance. 'Checkpoint' opens with the dusty drum shuffles and bulbous bass, then 'The Going Is Rough' is a little more soulful and sweet with its rolling basslines and silky pads. 'Beat 93' closes down with a seriously OG garage sound that takes you back to the mid-90s.
Deep House
£8.50
From the artwork to the vocal stamps to the beats themselves, this is a brilliantly retro-tactic release that brings plenty of nostalgia to the dance floor. Ursula 100 serves up the goods with 'Movin' 2 The Sound' - a dense and intense cut with vocals musing on drum beats and rocking the house, electro-tinged bass and lashings of acid with plenty of analogue percussive sounds. The Acid Jerks Refix strips away some of the noise to focus on the 303 and loopy vocal fragments and Fort Knox 5 up the acid-electro vibes on their rework. Last of all, the DJ Absolutely Shit remix brings some big jungle breakbeats and lively sax. A fun and destructive EP for sure.
Reggae Classics/Ska
£6.50
King Most is a revered American edit and remix master who is back with yet another big vinyl drop. This one is the first on his own new KM label and has already, we're told, been getting some high-profile plays from the likes of A-Trak. The A-side pairs off two epic classics - 'Bam Bam Tom Tom Club' has that languid, ass-wiggling groove you know and love with a twisted reggae vocal to make for something brilliantly original. The B, meanwhile, is a vinyl-only exclusive pack with Jamaican sunshine. 'Reggae For Roy' is perfectly organic and horizontal with its new reggae beat delivered under a classic Roy Ayers vocal.
Techno
£8.75
Lempuyang makes it to release number 15 with a devastatingly deep new EP from Deepchord Records co-founder Mike Schommer. He kicks off with 'Scapegoat' featuring the alluring vocals of Milly James which echo out over super slow-motion dub rhythms and icy pads. The Pole rework brings more crisp hits and distant eerie drones over a more pronounced rhythm but one that remains devilishly sparse. On the flip, 'Deceivers' has more hypotonic drive - a fleshy dub stepper to lock in any 'floor and then 'Believers' slows it down to a crawl once more. An essential dub EP that promises no represses.
Deep House
£7.75
Spanish label MATE host a four track, two artist 12" that stretches across the Atlantic to take in top house music talents from both sides. The Belgian duo Chasse follow their releases on Robsoul and Exploited take on the A-side, with 'Viola' proving a chunky but emotive offering held together by rhythmic sax stabs and suspended strings and 'Deep Link' a jazzier affair, the sax let properly loose as a plaintive piano loops atmospherically. The prolific Detroit producer Javonntte, a regular on the label, offers up the fantastic Moog improv wigout of 'Sunday Brunch Cocktail', registering some impressively original high frequency operations. 'When Music Feels' boasts a spoken word vocal from Javonntte's own sister and a more classic deep house sound with an uplifting, spiritual vibe. Maximum value for money via four very playable tunes.
Deep House
£7.75
Alton Miller doesn't get spoken about as much as he should - he is a genuine Detroit pioneer who played the city's earliest house parties and decades later he is still turning out authentic and emotive deep house. Here he debuts on Mister Bear Records, a new imprint out of Berlin. First up is 'Am Forplay', a mid-tempo roller with heady chords slowly moving through the scales next to smoky vocal coos. 'For Me' is a more edgy and energetic sound with wispy pads darting about like fireflies over more percussive, tech-leaning drums. Last but not least is our standout - 'Sweet Love' (dub) with its delightful vocal and shuffling, cuddly deep house drums soon hypnotising you.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
Ray Mono, who first came onto the scene as a resident at well regarded Leeds party Mono_Cult more than a decade ago, is now helming the label of the same name. After a notable first outing, he is quickly back with another of his supple and subtle minimal workouts. 'Synchronicity' is a brilliantly warm and bubbly opener with balmy pads and sci-fi signifiers, while 'Awakenings' picks up the pace for a more driving and late-night tech house vibe that oozes drum funk. 'Synchronicity' then comes as a Nu Zau remix with more chattery percussion and textured bass rumbles, and Sepp's remix of 'Awakenings' is deep, bumping minimal house. A super fresh EP once more.
Various
Balearic/Downtempo
£11.50
Music for Swimming Pools has put together their first-ever compilation here and it's a self-titled series that launches with Volume One. It's an assembly of their friends and label family members in with newly discovered gems. Some cuts are exclusive and some of them hint at projects to come, while some are making vinyl debuts. Pete Herbert kicks off with a seductive downbeat jam, Max Essa's 'Sacaton Skylines' is a new age delight and Gafas Du Soul lays down deep sunset house vibes on the gorgeous 'Embers' amongst many other highlights. A fine first collection for sure.
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.75
From P60 is an alias of Zoltan Nagy who this year marks the significant milestone of a quarter of a century in the music game. He celebrates that by launching his new label Midnight Fashion Chill with his own first EP for it. Over the years, Nagy has done it all from deep house to Balearic to lounge and downtempo and here brings that touch of class to six superbly soothing sounds that fuse all that and more. The opener is pure horizontal bliss, 'The Times We Spent Together' is a slow-motion daydream, 'Fallin' (with Jaidene Veda) is pure soul-soothing magic and 'When' is a gently lilting ambient soundscape crafted to perfection.
Dub
£8.99
Mysticisms' Dubplate series is back once again, this time with Nick Barber aka Doof at the helm. He was a 90s trance icon who here serves up some tunes that have previously only been available digitally. They were all recorded to tape and remixed and live dubbed on the desk so have an authentic feel to the melon twisting sounds. There are plenty of psychedelic twists and turns to the wispy synth leads and snaking hits here, all with heavy and cavernous low ends and plenty of future facing ideas. Each one is sure to set the dancefloor alight when dropped at the right moment.
Balearic/Downtempo
£7.99
Magic Wand welcomes Baz Bradley for a series of Special Editions that keep blissed-out late summer dancing sessions alive and possible even as days shorten and the sun fades away. He opens up with 'Soul Boys' (Acetate edit) which is an 80s disco jaunt with superb vocals and noodling funk rifts. 'Super Maxi' is a more stripped-back and aloof groove with sung-spoke vocals and hook melodies making for a weird yet wonderful vibe. 'Flight 207' (Gate One) is another slow-motion and dubbed-out disco funker then 'Burn The Candle' has a raw percussive twist.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Wonderful edit king Mr K is back with more of his superb scalpel work on his own Most Excellent Unltd label. This latest 7" tackles some mighty original material in the form of Thelma Houston's gloriously uplifting 70s Motown classic 'I'm Here Again'. It's just as life-affirming and joyous in Mr K's hands with some extra drum weight and drawn-out grooves that will energise any dancefloor. On the flip is 'Time Of The Season' which taps into some golden funk and soul with soaring vocals and big horns over a killer, infectious bassline.
Deep House
£8.75
Label boss El Prevost makes a welcome return to No Speakers after it's been on something of a break. Thankfully the quality levels remain high here as he kicks off with 'Catastrophizing', a brilliantly bass-heavy cut with broken beats to make you sweat. On the flip, 'Landing' has a more inward sense of reflection with its fizzing synths and deep space atmospheres making an indelible mark. Last of all, the magic of Detroit looms large with a superb remix by Motor City mainstay Kyle Hall. His version of 'Landing' brings some jazzy melodic vibes and one of his trademark deep house and bumping grooves. This is another essential 12" from No Speakers.
Deep House
£8.50
Native Soul Recordings made a great start with release 001 and the follow-up is easily as good. It's a collaborative offering from two venerated veterans in Roman Nunez and JT Donaldson that taps into both men's signature sounds. The result is 'Feelin' Real Good' which will indeed make you feel real good such is the irresistibly warm nature of its bump 'n' slide house groove and twinkling late night melodies all topped off with a smart male vocal. JT Donaldson also offers a more trippy out and tech-y dub and synth laden remix. This is timeless and summery house music that oozes class and sophistication.
Breakbeat
£7.99
North Phase and ADR share duties on this four track split EP, each dropping two tracks, although all four of them are firm dancefloor-filling candidates. North Face's 'Breaks Away' adds a few retro rave flourishes to a beat that's a distant cousin of Zinc's '138 Trek' and a bouncy, bumping bass holding the whole thing together. 'Sound Connection' has a hypnotic charm that nods to Fluke and early Underworld, although choppier and less linear in rhythmic approach. Aside from being probably the best named track we've come across in 2023 so far, ADR's 'Ned Flanders Hot Chocolate' is skippy enough to be 4x4 garage but with its scratched asides and cheeky, funky b-line has a unique personality, while 'Comet Relief' nods to the progressive house of the early 90s with an unexpected xylophone-like twist. It's all good, as they used to say.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.99
It's hard to keep up with the hugely prolific output of UK don Burnski and his several different labels these days but one thing is for sure - Pilot keeps on serving up the goods. For its 15th release, the tech and minimal focussed label welcomes Robin Graham who opens up with the lively and colourful synths of bustling groover 'Check Me Out'. 'Spark Plug' is more business-like - the dry drums and hits overlaid with retro chord stabs that amp up the crowd and 'For You' then gets loose and funky with some twisted and sugar synths over garage-flecked beats and 'What's That' (Refix) offers a jumbled percussive sound full of dynamism.
Breakbeat
£7.99
Pilot is one of the many labels in the orbit of the unstoppable production force that is Burnski aka garage innovator Instinct. It deals in proper club tackle from a wide range of artists and here it is Hatori Hanso that offers up the brilliance. 'Low Rider' opens with a very familiar hook and some deep, deep half sung, half spoken vocal, before nimble live bass, brass and crispy breakbeats bring the party. 'Cherry On The Cake' is a lively house cut littered with James Brown samples and screwy synths that keep the pressure on. 'Don't Know Why?' closes proceedings in a more cool and breezy tech house mood, with sci-fi designs, to complete a set of varied but reliable frug-starters.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.99
Kepler is a man on fire right now - well, he has been for some time in fact. As well as serving up a new collaborative outing with Burnski, he has also put together this solo EP for Pilot. 'Zone' is a twitchy tech cut with bleeping melodies over silvery and silky tech drums. 'Good 2 Me' has a naughty shuffle to it as the crisp drums bring the infectious groove and the smart vocals add human colour. 'The Beat' kicks off the B-side with a nice squelchy bassline and some rude-boy sonic signifiers while 'Back Moving' then has a lovely low-slung swaying funk to it.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
The Politics Of Dancing label hits release number 30 here with a suitably fresh new offering that finds the eponymous label head stepping up with three balmy new tunes. 'Let's Do This' is fresh as you like house music with deep drums and heady pads circling round in cosmic fashion. Boris Werner's Bleep remix is a little more driving and thumping for the later hours and then 'Mamma' again gets its head up amongst the stars with more colourful synth work before the liquid and loopy house pumper 'Never Stop' closes out a lively and vibrant EP.
Deep House
£7.75
The Plastik People label is a great repository for deep house that is timeless but never tired. Katermurr is next up to prove that point with an EP that transcends the ages. It opens with a lovely throwback Chicago vocal over fresh modern drums. After 'Wanna Be With You' gets you going, 'Let's Dance' brings the party vibes with some busy lead melodies that will get hands in the air old school style. 'Donny' then keeps it deep with some languid grooves and a nice smoky soulful vocal drifting above. Last of all is the more bumping and dusty drums of 'Show Some Love' to close out a classic EP.
Minimal/Tech House
£8.25
Goettingen's long standing dub techno servant XDB takes us to Chicago At Midnight with this new 12" on Pariter. 'Fenders' is one and is a deliciously elastic rhythm with rolling kick drums setting a hypnotic groove as the bubbly synths rise up through the mix. 'Cagomi', more edgy and amped up with gritty hits and swaying bass, gets a new lease of life after first surfacing on XDB's Metrolux Music back in 2009. The same cut gets a remix from Delano Smith that's more rooted to the floor in the Detroit man's usual textbook style. A classy outing from all, then.
Deep House
£8.50
The first part of a two-part release for Sushitech's sub label Pariter, with Chicago second generation house hero Boo Williams joining the likes of Delano Smith and Norm Talley on the roster for 'Night Fall', the partner 12" to the simultaneously released 'Day Rise'. It features three tracks, all of which fit the mold of early evening classics. 'Acid Matrix' has an early Detroit feel to its raw machine handclap snares and panther-like, stalking bassline, while 'Deep Tech' might be geographically closer to late 80s, early 90s Yorkshire, a compulsive funkiness emerging from its bleepcentric soundscape. 'Service Chamber' is sleeker and more mellow, telephone dial tones spiralling off into the ether while tinkling, xylophone-sounded keys play hypnotically. Choice, quality material that will help any DJ to subtly pick the pace up as the sun falls.
Deep House
£8.50
Boo Williams is in good company appearing here on Sushitech's sub label Pariter where he joins the illustrious likes of Delano Smith and Norm Talley in its ranks. You wait for a Boo Williams record and then, of course, two come along, 'Day Rise' being accompanied by the simultaneously released 'Night Fall', each with their own corresponding vibe. 'Day Rise' is definitely more upbeat of the two but it's a subtle distinction - it's certainly not full of 4AM bangers designed to keep you awake until the busses start running again. 'Talley Up' is a very straight forward affair, circling around a two note synth riff and gradually building percussion. 'The Take Over' is similarly spritely, another builder with crashing cymbals, jazzy chords and drum machine tumbles steadily building an insurmountable wall of funkiness. Breezy, bumping closer 'Teleport' completes the set, meaning three ultra-handy, raw but sophisticated tunes that house and techno DJs alike will find slipping into their sets with a natural ease.
Funky/Club House
£7.75
The fast-rising Purveyor Underground Ltd kicks on again here with a sizzling seventh EP that is as rude as they come - in both meanings of the word - from Die Familia. It is his own East Side Gangster remix of 'U Dat Bitch' that kicks off with hard-hitting house kicks and sleazy vocals over a rugged bassline. 'House Music' (part 1 - Late Night edit) is just as raw but more deep and hypnotic with its ascending synth lines and steamy vocal coos. 'Organic (Like Weird)' might be the best of the lot - a quick and urgent house thumper with silky hi-hats and rolling bass getting you up on your toes amidst swirling pads and a melange of vocals.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.50
RFXN kicks off life with a new single from David Agrella which has seen early support from Ricardo Villalobos. First off he offers up his own Acid Mix of 'Perro Balearico' and it's a supple, deep and dubby track with liquid synths and prog chords that sound both retro and future all at once. The original is a more dreamy and spaced-out sound for 5 am sessions. On the flip is a more punch but still silky and warmly melodic remix from Mario Liberti before last of all, Gabriel Rai gets darker. His drums hit harder and the synths are moodier as he takes dancers down a late-night path of mystery and intrigue.
UK Garage
£7.75
Rhythm N Vibe treats us to four different and equally brilliant garage cuts here from four different and equally brilliant artists. Marc Cotterell opens up with the slinky and dusty drums of '96 Is Back' powered by a rasping bassline. Jason Ward then brings some fresh 90s sounds with a neon baseline and diva vocals on 'The Meaning' while J Erazo keeps it deep and paired back on the sublime 'The Pulse' which is a real late night warmer. Paul French then layers up nice fresh and bumping drum funk on his lovely number 'Jump' (unreleased dub). There is lots to love here on a very useful EP.
Electro
£7.75
Luke Eargoggle joins forces with Dataintrang here for a seasonally appropriate ice-cold electro outing on Return to Disorder. It kick off with side-long opener 'Top Of The Pyramid' which is full of sidewinding synths and squealing analogue lines over corrugated bass. After that one comes the manic and high tempo electro-shocks of 'Not Unique' with snappy snares and darkened vocals. Last but not least is the most brutal assault of them all - '7 Days A Week', a melange of wild acid lines and liquid metal leads with turbulent bass and a general sense of intergalactic warfare.
Funk
£7.50
This is the third installment in the Local Sugar Diggers Series from Scruniversal in which old and rare records from the label head's friend's collections get reworked and edited. This one is a collab between ScruScru and an equally passionate digger from Cyprus known as Dwaal. Both tunes offer quite different looks but with great results. The first is the steamy and loose-limbed 'Destination? Funk!' with its squelchy bass and neat guitar riffs, while the flipside is a super deep and lush downtempo jam, 'Camelot Chill'. This one has romantic sax notes and gentle grooves with jazzy keys finishing it in style.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Super Spicy's Super Spicy Recipe series is back with a sixth mouthwatering offering and once again it's a super hot outing of party-ready house and disco sounds. First up is the irresistibly colourful disco charm of Birdee with the freewheeling 'Underground' and its groove-infused piano. Label boss Monsieur Van Pratt then adds his own spin to a rare groove classic with a lung-busting soul vocal and Pato Watson is in edit mode as he tweaks 'Ella Fue' to perfection. Italian don Paul Older brings some funky jazz fusion sounds to his steamy 'Turkish Lights, C. Da Afro keeps it a party with his 'Nothing But The Funk' and Mexican Juan Soto slips into a more deep and loved-up funk-house vibe on 'All Is Full Of Love'.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
The fledgling Stereo:type label is back with a sizzling second release and it is the UK's Risk Assessment at the buttons. Once again here his sophomore vinyl outing is all about soul drenched and peak time disco cuts with plenty of passion and character. 'Welcome' has all the funky loops and neat keys you need to get you going, 'I Hear Music' is a real stomper with freaky guitar riffs and '5 O'Clock In The Morning' brings some big diva vocals and plenty of lush strings. Last of all is the steamy hot disco funker 'Disco Night' with its slick filter work and rich bass. Another delicious EP, then.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£7.75
Stereo:type is keeping busy with a number of releases already lined up from the young and auspicious label. It is UK artist Risk Assessment that has been behind the first couple and is again back in action here with number three. This one kicks off with a slightly deeper disco cut that has a seductive vocal and rousing chords then 'Dreamz' is a nice blissed out roller with magical melodies bringing the richness. 'Someone Like You' is denied by the voice of the one and only Barry White - his buttery baritone riding over loop and funky drums and bass and 'Power' then brings a touch of house to close out.
Techno
£7.99
Styrax has the rights to a great reissue of some long-lost but enduring classic cuts from Merv here. Written in 1995 and 1998 they are archetypal dub techno rollers that draw as much from the European school of Basic Channel as they do the lo-fi depths of Detroit. 'Dust' opens up with warm and humid chords over elegant and rolling beats that cannot fail to sweep you up, then 'Melted Vein' offers a more driving but no less hypnotic sound, this time with sleek tech pads peeling over the airy hi hats and bouncing kicks to take you up amongst the stars. Perfect for those zoned-out, low-lit basement moments at 5am. Quality tackle.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.50
Gledd brings a great mix of funk, disco, Afro and plenty of extra special magic to this hot new 12" on Saint Wax. It opens with 'Papa Bel' which is a steamy cut with florid melodic leads and tribal percussion. 'Tanda' then brings wailing vocals and more organic and jumbled grooves that ooze summer heat. The Afro rhythms continue through 'Rewild' which has a lively broken beat that rides stiff drums and last of all is the most intense of the lot - 'Guado Loop' is heavily layered with drums and perc, vocals, congas and background chants that will get any dance floor in a sweat.
UK Garage
£7.75
ScruScru is a name you might well recognise but it is fair to say you might not recognise his work on this first release from Talkbox. He shows a very different side off the back of plenty of top edits that bottle up plenty of disco and Bossanova vibes. Here he has teamed up with Russia's dubplate don BR Selecta for an EP full of energy and joy. 'YEAH YEAH' is happy-go-lucky garage with pitched-up vocals and lively drum, 'Get My Gruv' is a kinetic two-stepper and 'Cyberrave' is just that with its all-out synth madness and flurries of breaks, then 'Serious Talking' closes out on a darker jungle tip. A varied and vital 12' for sure.
Minimal/Tech House
£6.99
Thisisnegentropy's fourth outing looks all the way to Bangkok's own DOTT who runs the More Rice Record store in Bangkok and has studio skills to spare. He heads down a minimal path here with 'Dem Swing' a kinetic mix of dry hits and well swung kicks and tripped-out FX. 'Mind Designer' then gets deeper, with more lovely hits this time landing on tight drum patterns that are detailed with whirring synths and chopped-up vocals. The flip side is taken up by 'Trouser In The Heat', a more manic cut with dense percussive layers and edgy synths that never settle and always keep you guessing. Another fine statement from this top Thai talent.
Minimal/Tech House
£8.99
Few labels do minimal as well as Trelik and in terms of artists, Edwards is also as good as they come right now. This perfect pairing opens up with the deeply alluring 'Time' with its woozy pads and smeared chords over warm and rubbery drums. It's a hypnagogic affair then 'Vacuum Tube' has a more menacing air thanks to the wispy and unsettling synth details and clunky hooks. 'Watch Out' brings a more spangled and rubbery rhythm that has colourful details peeling off the beats and last of all, 'Stream' ups the ante with some thudding deep house and widescreen ambient synth work.
Minimal/Tech House
£7.75
The fledgling but already notable UFO Series now looks to Italian producer and prodigious underground innovator Riciar Ghir for a captivating journey through the more energetic house realms, all with an outer space feel. 'Niriba Shuttle' opens with tribal percussion and progressive synths that are coloured by subtle acid lines. 'Silenzio' is slow, heavy and persuasive with its old school piano acting lighting up your soul. There's a twisted tech funk to 'Platter Dreams' that makes it perfect for 2am cruising and 'Bad Egg' sets down with plenty of colour. These cuts will all work several different moments on the dance floor making it a hugely useful 12".
Balearic/Downtempo
£8.75
3 Men Gone Mad were an independent group formed in Blackburn and Darwen in the UK. They fused electronic sounds with rock and were prolific in the 1990s when they became cult favourites amongst those who know. You Try is a much sought-after collection that has been restored by Utopia Records many years after it made its way onto John Peel's 1991 Festive 50. He heard in it a mix of The Clash, Joy Division and Talking Heads and that still rings true. The main mix has a raw energy that captures the angst of Britain at the time - and still today, frankly. A spaced-out dub brings a fresh feeling of euphoria and an extended B-side mix draws out this record's undeniable pleasures.
Progressive House
£7.75
Belarusian producer Four Walls is back - this time around he finds himself on the new Ultraworld Records imprint from DJ Craft. This one kicks off with the lush prog house and silky synth arps of 'Mind Charger' which soon takes you to the stars. 'Metamorphosis' is a more raw-edged and acid-laced techno stomper for peak time action and 'Summer Nights' is a bubbling, elastic tapestry of new age overtones, thudding kicks, and trance-tinged pads. A remix by Toronto-based Pletnev adds another dimension to this club-ready EP.
Electro
£9.25
Random Factor's 'On The Air' EP is a hugely sought-after classic by those who know. It came on Ralph Lawson's ever-reliable 20/20 Vision and now, as it turns 25 years old, he has decided it is the right time to get it remastered and reissued. 'On The Air' is first up on this fine EP from Carl Finlow and it has serene synths that bring to mind Detroit techno soul over pulsing bass and slick drums. 'Lockdown' has a raw vocoder vocal over punchy drums and twitchy synth stabs and 'Undercurrent' is another weapon that has more than withstood the test of time as it bumps along on funky drums and is overlaid with more playful synth patterns. 'Disconnect' is a crunchy and 8-bit closer with pixelated synths and screwy acid lines. Superb.
Deep House
£8.50
De Lichting label co-founder and Amsterdam-based artist Eversines debuts on Ralph Lawson's venerable UK label 20/20 Vision here with an EP that follows up previous outings on Kalahari Oyster Cult and Nous'Klaer Audio in fine style. It finds him serving up plenty of his intricate sound designs and meticulously crafted rhythms with 'Turning Blue' a full favour tech cut with cosmic energy. 'Retract' is darker with thudding drums and futuristic moods and 'Vlaag' then gets all heady with deft synth modulations and 'Clarity' brings some lush late night house sophistication. A classy EP, for sure.
Experimental/Electronic
£7.50
Well Curated is a series of releases and parties that - in its own words - "reflects the ethnomusicology of the last 50 years of music" - and aims to reach into all genres, merging classic styles and breaking down barriers. Steve Spacek occupies the A-side with the breezy broken beat and soul-in-space of 'Alone In Da Sun', while Lukid's 'Hair Of The Dog' is a more intense counterpart, with wobbling sub-bass and swirling, surging atmospherics hovering above.
Disco/Nu-Disco
£8.50
Time to Attack the Dancefloor once more as we supply some heavy Disco & House weaponry. Featuring the brand new remix of Opolopo's storming 'Stroke my Disco' by dutch funkateers Fouk who double down on the Piano and Clav workouts for the peak time. Exclusive new material from Wipe The Needle who's 'Skyscrapers' track is a modern Jazz-Funk masterpiece, heavy on the flute and soulful bass. On the flip Dave Lee takes it back to '97 with his rework of Backroom Productions 'Classic Vibe' which sees him flex his house-ier muscles, re-arranging the classic elements and adding extra keys to this much loved underground tune. Finishing off the EP is Dave's remix of nu-soul diva Raquel Rodriguez, where he crafts Raquel's dynamic vocal delivery over chunky Disco drumming & soulful synths before letting loose into Roy Ayers-esque vibes finale!