Review: Cesare vs Disorder has long been at the very heart of the minimal scene. His abstract sounds and lush synthesis never fails to seduce us no matter the mood or groove he takes. This EP for the small but well formed Rockets label opens with some peak tripped-out sound design, where dancing chords, detuned keys and wonky pins are layered up over a loopy and skeletal rhythm on 'Amoreteca.' 'Sao Paulo Concrete Jungle' is dubber house all aswarm with pads, hits, percussive clatter, 'Holy Bee' gets unsettling in its eerie melodies and 'Time For Your Eyes' is a lovely deep house gem with a jostling beat and lounge chords.
Review: CHAMI's DHAEUR deliver's a fresh techno EP that explores a futuristic and atmospheric soundscape. Side-1 opens with 'Subject Zero,' a track infused with melodic, sci-fi elements that immediately set a deep tone for the rest of the album. The journey continues with 'MIN(E)D,' where an ominous, spooky vibe takes over, giving the listener a sense of tension and mystery that feels almost cinematic. Flipping to Side-2, 'Steps' introduces an energetic, rolling groove that propels the EP forward with a futuristic edge, perfect for keeping the momentum on the dancefloor. Finally, 'HEX1904d1' wraps things up with a deep, spacey jam that delves into more introspective territory, rounding out the release with a sense of depth and exploration. This EP provides a varied and intriguing mix of techno that should appeal to those who enjoy both energetic rhythms and atmospheric, sci-fi-inspired sounds.
Deeper Purpose, Jalja & Lazy Joe - "One By One" (5:38)
Tony Romera & Crusy - "The Unknown" (5:37)
Review: This sampler offers four main floor house tracks with each bringing a unique flavour to the dancefloor. On Side-1, Chaney's 'I Choose You' blends soulful house with rhythm and blues elements, featuring a pop-infused vocal that's both catchy and uplifting. Gene Farris and Basura Boyz's 'In My Heart' is a powerful house track, designed to keep the energy high. On Side-2, Deeper Purpose's 'One By One' continues the momentum with a deep, driving groove, while Tony Romera and Crusy's 'The Unknown' delivers a big, peak-time anthem perfect for the height of any set. This collection is great for house music fans seeking diverse, impactful and popular sounding versions.
Review: The recently formed Alienist Rec has done a fine job of setting out its sonic stall so far and now the label looks to a pair of artists to take care of one side each of their third 12". Starting things off is promising young Moroccan producer Chaou B with the twitchy disco-techno of 'Instinct' and its flashes of synth light. 'Untitled Groove' is another intergalactic stomper wired up with pixelated leads. It is then season Vienna mainstay DJ Void who takes over with the pulsing and 90s style prog techno of 'Frankfurt Jaam' and bleeping future house funk of 'Transaction'.
Review: The Plastik People label has been going along nicely for its first few releases, with label head Marc Cotterell stepping up and coming correct last time out. Now he calls upon various artists with Dave Charlesworth taking care of the a-side of Nice Ripe Cuts. He offers two super slick garage cuts that cannot fail to make their mark on the club and it's no different on the flipside except D Lux & Y No combine first for '25 Miles' and then S R offers the irresistible 'Pressure.' An essential 12" for anyone looking to bring some fresh garage flavours.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
The Checkup & DJ Merci - "That Groove" (feat Mona Lee) (7:31)
The Checkup & DJ Merci - "I Wasn't Finished" (6:56)
DJ Steaw - "House Music All Night Long" (5:54)
DJ Steaw - "Yavin" (4) (7:11)
Review: The 'House Puff Split' EP series continues with The Checkup and DJ Merci, two key figures with distinctive sounds. This time out they offer a sound infused with the essence of '90s house, but also their signature soulful edge and skilful use of MPCs and drum machines. A standout is the collaboration with talented singer Mona Lee, whose smooth, powerful vocals blend perfectly with the vibrant drums and synths to make for an enchanting atmosphere that rally draws you in deep. The ever-on-point DJ Steaw adds two dynamic tracks that merge deep and acid house influences and make for two equally explosive weapons.
Michele Chiavarini - "Let Me See You Clap Your Hands" (8:05)
Emmaculate - "Konga Madness" (5:24)
Terry Hunter, DJ Spen & Reelsoul - "Warning" (feat Rona Ray) (8:06)
Reelsoul, Tasha LaRae & DJ Spen - "Rock With You" (unreleased vocal mix) (6:17)
Review: Quantize's second offering is another irresistibly lovely house EP with funky and soulful vibes to spare. It's a varied bag of artists at the controls with Michele Chiavarini going first with the throwback vocals and piano-laced house grooves of 'Let Me See You Clap Your Hands'. Emmaculate's 'Konga Madness' has stomping Afro vibes and big horn energy making for a big carnival vibe and then things get impossibly smooth and seductive on the flip with Terry Hunter, DJ Spen & Reelsoul combining to great effect on 'Warning' (feat Rona Ray. Last of all is a sunny take on Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You' that has been all re-sung and reworked by Reelsoul, Tasha LaRae & DJ Spen.
Review: The Spanish Hypnotic Collective label attempts to capture its take on the Detroit Legacy with what looks like a new series of various artists' EP. There is plenty of Motor City soul in the gorgeous synths of Cignol's muted acid and deep house opener 'Distance' which is a soothing and reverential groove, but then its pure party from Barce, Alex Martin offers up 313 style tech and three further tunes on the flip explore blistering electro with high-speed funk and cosmic intent. Mission accomplished and we're already looking forward to the next one.
The Mechanical Man - "Uncle Swing" (feat Bob Vito) (4:31)
DJ Rocca - "The Box Above" (6:03)
Lex & Locke - "Soul Escape" (6:56)
Review: Musica Solida sampler 1 marks a thrilling celebration of 40 years of Flexi, the venerable record emporium that has stood the test of time in the ever-evolving music industry landscape. As the label weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, it has remained a beacon for vinyl enthusiasts, and this compilation embodies its enduring spirit. Curated by Flexi Cuts, Musica Solida promises a series of carefully selected singles spread across multiple 12-inch samplers, showcasing the talents of cherished Flexi-affiliated artists and producers. With a vision to cultivate a movement of sublime tunes, the compilation aims to uphold the commitment to quality that Flexi has exemplified within the Italian music scene and beyond. Musica Solida sampler one sets the stage with an eclectic lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flair to the table. DJ Rocca stands as a stalwart of the clubbing scene, while Club Soda delivers live electronic ensembles brimming with house-flavored jams. Lex & Locke bring a touch of Greek sophistication to the mix, showcasing their groovy sound destined for future acclaim. Hiroyuki Kato emerges as a Japan-based multi-instrumentalist with a punchy debut track, and The Mechanical Man (feat. Bob Vito) adds a raw, gritty energy to the compilation. For those that are adventurous in finding unique music, you will want to check out this great release.
Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community is a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45rpm format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!
Cor.ece & JKriv - "Dance To Keep From Crying" (extended mix) (8:01)
Cor.ece & Danny Kane - "What's The Word" (4:52)
Cor.ece - "Possibly Impossible" (feat Dave Giles II - Crackazat dub) (5:11)
Cor.ece - "Possibly Impossible" (feat Dave Giles II - extended mix) (6:46)
Review: Following the digital release of Cor.ece's debut EP, New York City's Razor N Tape drops the Dance To Keep From Crying 12' with fresh versions and exclusive remixes. On the first side, there's the soulful disco of the title track (extended mix) in collaboration with label co-head JKriv, followed by the acidified spiritual deep house of 'What's The Word' featuring Danny Kane. Over on the flip, get stoned into the groove with the Crackazat dub of 'Possibly Impossible' (feat Dave Giles II) and the late night boogie down vibe of the extended mix.
Review: Earlier this year, Latvian label Micronica Records made its debut on wax after years spent serving up digital-only delights. Here the Riga-based imprint delivers a second limited-edition vinyl sampler. Blurring the boundaries between deep house, minimal house and tech-house, all four cuts are well worth checking. Costin RP sets the tone with 'Kiss This', where sci-fi bleeps, modem noises and spacey synth sounds rise above a chunky, hypnotic tech-house groove, before Yansima delivers a tougher and more thickset tech-house workout in the shape of 'Jisula'. Venda's 'Underwater' is a deep, dubby, head-soothing minimal house box jam, while DIN & CKB's 'Duby' brilliantly blurs the boundaries between dub techno, ultra-deep house, and smooth European tech-house.
Review: The Disciples & Creation Stepper came together for 'True Nazarite' back in 1991 and it was an instant classic on the dub circuit. It has long been sought after by collectors and now comes back as a reissue from Partial Records who have done a fine job of cutting it so that the deep, heavy UK roots sound, which has become pricey on the second-hand market, is as clear as possible. Produced by Russ D, the crucial tune has thunderous sub-bass and bouncing keys and dubbed to the max across three extra mixes. 'True Nazarite (Version)' carries traces of the vocal, while the B-side 'Nazarite' dials up digital keyboard melodies and echo effects. The fourth mix strips it all down to skeletal toms and shivering bass for a stark, raw dub experience.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Cruise Music marks its tenth EP by serving up what it says are "secret funky house weapons" and there isn't much wrong with their description. Danny Cruz kicks off with 'Shoulda Been You' which rides on smooth grooves and has gentle synth waves breaking over the beats as heartfelt vocal sounds rise out of the mix. Mark Funk's 'True Lies' brings a classic 90s vocal sample to a non-stop soul beat and the B-side has got Dirty Disco Stars going big and funky and glorious on 'Look Up' then Mirko & Meex Re-touch 'Young Hearts' .
Review: Swiss label Acquit welcomes back D'Funk for more of their no-frills techno. It's seductive stuff from the off with the opener 'In Your Hood' layers up mind-melting synth sequences with sleek beats. "Let's Play' is a more bulky cut with slamming drums and subtle percussive details then 'My Next Turn' pairs things back to rubbery drum loops and dubby chords that sound all gooey and gloopy. 'Glitch My Funk' picks things up with more taught kick drums that compel you to dance as the delicate cosmic vibes permeate the groove. 'Killing Me Deeply' is a nice raw analogue deep house closer that kicks like a mule.
Review: There's only one word for this 1996 release from Donnell Knox aka D-Knox - blistering. Originally released on Jay Denham's Black Nation Records in 1996, it's become a highly sought after 12" and now appears having been remastered by Tim Xavier and reissued on Knox's own Sonic Mind label.
It's not hard to see why it was so in demand. 'Total Concentration' starts with drum machines set to stun and the mixing desk pushed to the edge of distortion. 'Deep Meditation' is smoother but still has the speed and crunch of its companion on the A-side. 'Mind Calming' has an almost industrial thump to it, minimal and brutal in all the right ways. It hurts, but it hurts good.
Review: D Leria (Giuseppe Scaccia) leaves us delirious yet again with another frontline hypnotiser EP for Non. This sextet of sound-scanners seem at first glance as deliciously want of emotion as any release on Non ever gets, and yet through D Leria's characteristic sound, we hear an EP unafraid to scrape against the emotive skysill, though not before a transition through the wacky. The A2 'Energia' pits wriggly lead whirls about sprung kicks, and 'Kaleidoskop' veers gooier, spraying an array of cephalopod ink-squirtings on the surround mix. We return to Brum techno arcana with 'Voodoo Magic', while the ambient highlight 'Apnea' is likely to be the most "melodic techno" vibe ever released on Non, teasing the leaden cheese whilst technically getting away with a more suspensory roller. Closer 'Goccia', finally, is the closing masterclass in sensory sapping and tactile tongue-tying, foreclosing on beats in favour of low pulsations against which giant laser-neurons spark like thunder overhead.
Review: Setting the year aflame with a three-G bang, Amsterdam producer D Stone flaunts his fieriness with four house music furtherances, after two knockout releases on 803 Crystal Grooves and Cecille. 'Bang' utterly bangs, with its streetwise vocal shouts and offbeat, Chi-style beep sounds making for a cosmopolitan intro. 'Deep Inside' adds downward pressure with a central dub stab and well-hung string part, and 'No Activities' sounds to incorporate percussive glassware and bomb whistle sounds into the mix. Finally, 'Talking About' rounds things out with an extensive drumline competition, as a blurry vocal sample urges us, from what sounds like it, to flail our hands about in the air.
Review: Since the inception of the 803 Crystal Grooves imprint in 2018, Cinthie has been steadily unveiling her own material on the main label, while the sub-label Collective Cuts was inaugurated in 2019 as a platform for friends, associates and beloved producers in her circle. The past five releases on the platform have welcomed material from the likes of UC Beatz, Azuni aka Washerman, Anaxander, S3A (Sampling As An Art) and KETTAMA among others, while here the label welcomes some fresh talent from the Dutch capital, namely D Stone and Milion, who've been releasing their raw house sound on the likes of PIV, Moscow Records and Cecille respectively in recent years. 'Next Morning' is an uptempo full-body-scan in the form of speed garage / garage house, taking after but not fully submitting itself to tropes and motifs of deep and jackin' house (synth organ, rampant swing, etc.). Anthemic moods throughout, and with an added sense of 'slap' not otherwise heard often, we don't bet many selectors would be likely to go wrong with this one.
Review: Veteran Italian duo D'arcangelo return with a new EP for Aussie label A Colourful Storm. Across the five tracks featured on the Arium EP, Fabrizio and Marco present their singular take on IDM that earned them several releases on Aphex Twin's seminal Rephlex label. There's the introspective, mesmerising bliss of opener 'Godsonix' plus the emotive 'Spacing Out', as well as the artificial intelligence of the title track and the visceral beats of closing track 'Familiarity' rounding out another terrific release by the Roman brothers.
Review: The second in D'Julz's rollicking Raw Toolz series brings four 'Out Of Place Artefact's to the contemporary deep house sphere. From 'Big Wag' to 'Lionozed', every track on this dreamatic, diatonic whorl eschews high tones and sibilants for a rigorous, plombing exercise in depth and draught. The sampled, suspended echoes of jazz and piano blues ripple through the extra space thus provided; for those DJs seeking a selection of mid-set sauces, precooked to keep the party pumping, from which to choose without faf, this is your record, courtesy of the longtime French DJ and production artisan.
Review: D'Julz is one of those producers who you can always rely on to do the business. His sounds are made for DJs and dancers - they establish a raw groove then keep you locked without any fads or cheap drops. This latest outing on Chiwax is another gem from the Frenchman with the stripped-back and lo-fi chunky of 'Murky' kicking off before 'Ruff' brings scuffed-up and well-swung drums. 'Jackie' is an old-school sound that nods in the direction of original Chicago house and 'Raw' keeps it deep and tight with a moody bassline and plenty of eerie melodic touches.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.