Review: Those two little letters GU are always enough to get us excited. They are of course an alias of Glenn Underground, the masterful Chicago house producer, musician and DJ who still has a much lower profile than his talents deserve. Here he adds a Mix Mashup to Bobpstar's 'Mayday/Captured Restless Soul Mixes' and the result is a bubbly, mellifluous deep house cut with warm and liquid synths, chopped-up vocal fragments and a gooey sense of romance. It is another crucial offering from the Windy City mainstay, even if it is a one-sided 12".
Review: Brother Aten debuts on Bruk with a minimalist masterpiece featuring the detached vocals of Ze R. This tidy 10" is influenced by cult sci-fi and early 80s no wave so naturally presents a stark, synthetic soundscape devoid of excess. The title reflects its mood: Aten's mechanical mantras are crafted with precision on outboard instruments and explore gritty, futuristic worlds. On 'Unavailable,' resonant drones create a platform for Ze R.'s initial deadpan delivery which reveals deeper humanity as the track unfurls through crisp drums. The brief yet impactful two-parter, 'Fragmented Dystopia' is a taste of Aten's cyberpunk vision while Ze R.'s words oscillate between structure and chaos.
Zopelar - "Move This Way" (feat Antonio Dal Bo) (6:28)
Retromigration - "Fret" (6:15)
Cem Mo - "Rushmore" (5:41)
Monty DJ - "Sat15" (5:25)
Review: To keep it in the family is to imply things stay pure and untainted, but the irony with the Keep It In The Family 12" series is that every record sounds raw and unsheltered. So, although 'Feel' and 'Move This Way' cycle through unperturbed and dreamatic sounds, their finish is rough, suggesting a well-wrought processing chain, the music having seen through many a prodigal battle. Retromigration's 'Fret' and Cem Mo's 'Rushmore' continue the mood of vintage deep raspiness, with one-up arpeggios closing out the final track with special glee.
Review: Massively motivational big-room techno truncators here from Germany's Terminal M. Towering over the rave with an august majesty, we kick off with Kaspar's Rocky-sampling 'Sunshine & Rainbows', which overloads the dance with extra-layered sixteenth progressions and infra-textured stabs. Then come Mark Reeve's 'Move Up' and Drunken Kong's 'The Final Night', equal parts devilishly energizing - Belze-bubblers - before a thoroughgoing sendoff from Zafer Atabey with 'Align', which has a paradoxically calming feel, post-drop. Four select cuts from an expanded 10-track compilation, the aptly named 'Bangers Vol. 9' is sure to pulverise you to mash.
Drivetrain - "This Is Detroit" (Rolando remix) (6:40)
Zadig - "Maniac Manson" (Rolando remix) (6:33)
Malvito - "Origin" (Rolando remix) (6:51)
Review: Pumping new Syncrophone remixes from producer Rolando, who helps the label celebrate its 60th outing with a fresh crock of remixes of star releases from its back catalogue. Including versions of Derrick Thompson, Zadig and Malvito, this collection brings a powerful Detroit-inspired sound to a cutting-edge modern feel, not getting too bogged down in tradition and yet keeping quite true to the raw and unvarnished finish incipient of the early motorised sound. Best here has to be the B2, which heads in a broken direction, splitting rhythmic hairs with auto-somatic woodblock strikes and deep pads.
Review: Nicolai Toma is back on Subject To Restrictions Discs with some more arresting excellence. 'Phase Binder feat. Zorimira' delivers a blend of organic synth waves and acid textures that showcases Toma's evolution/ The three tracks are built on fine beats ranging from downtempo grooves to acid-infused anthems and pop-tinged house hits. Zorimira enhances the sounds with her unique vocals and lyrics, which though reminiscent of samples, are in fact originals. Adding to the collection, Swedish producer Vesto Comodo offers a remix to enrich the EP with his distinct touch.
Review: Bobby Donny's ACE series is mostly a digital-only affair, though periodically the Dutch label will round up choice gems and stick them out on compilation style vinyl EPs. This is the third of those and contains six stellar cuts. There's much to admire, from the infectious, James Brown-sampling deep house bounce of 'Space Animals' by Bob Bonadis and the Kerri Chandler-esque excellence of Nanky Nimbo's 'Peony', to the hip-swinging intergalactic house retro-futurism of 'Nitro Bass' by ZZ Banks and the rolling New York house warmth of 'Clear Sky' by Wim Waldo. The EP also boasts a typically impressive collaboration between Frits Wentink and Malin Genie, the undeniably classy deep house excellence of 'Tongue Kiss'.
Review: Brand new promo pressure from veteran label Right Tempo, hailing from Milan. Pushing acid jazz and downtempo since 1993, they here continue to demonstrate just how it's done exactly with Attilio Zanchi's 'Mingus Portrait' and their remixes by their very own resident DJ Farrapo. Forfending brasher breaks or whackout jazz - in favour of a set of much steamier, downtemporal distillations - Zanchi's originally, already romantic takes on Charles Mingus' sonic world are lent an even slinkier feline essence by the remixer. Ever further realising Zanchi's dream of honing Mingus' essence, the best of the bunch has to be the slow burner 'For Harry Carney'.
Review: Is deep house music dead? On HM008 - Retrospect, Hardmatter co-founder and label honcho Zapata flips that notion on its head, and proves that it's anything but. The Berlin-based, New York-born producer debuts on his own label with six thoughtful slabs of deep, padded, and jazzy house, informed not only by the legacy of his native city but also by the trying times that all house lovers face. The EP begins with the spaced-out, beatless ambient yarn 'A1 Bray From Beyond', a cinematic rumination as moving as it is nostalgic, before transitioning to 'A2 Miguel', a modern deep-house anthem dedicated to Mike Huckaby. 'A3 Birchy's Lament' follows, a hauntingly strewn, piano-driven slab of the early-morning deep house certain to move dancers into thoughtful submission. The B-side finds Zapata in jazz mode: like a Strictly Rhythm record, the three dubs on the backside-featuring key and piano solos by long-time collaborator and label hero Javonntte-pull together the best of the producer's musical tendencies, from slapping basslines to jazzy interludes.
Review: Although the no-nonsense French label Skylax more often deals in classic house music, this latest 12" is a raw disco gem. It is the second in the Uprising series from Zaratustra and it opens with 'Dark Clouds (club mix)' which comes with twisted beats and a reflective hall of melodies that shine bright. 'Amours Electroniques' is an instrumental with retro-future 80s synths and drums taking you back to a different world and then comes Emilio Van Rijsel's remix of 'Dark Clouds' which comes a trance-tinged and hands in the air pumper. The Naranja instrumental remix of 'Amours Electroniques' ends with big waves of Italo-tinged fun.
Zarenzeit - "Soo Smooth" (feat Roger Versey) (6:11)
Melchior Sultana - "Nothing Like It Seems" (5:56)
Jan Kincl - "Sugar" (7:06)
Barce - "Stigma" (6:19)
Review: The young but already well-formed Deep Inspiration Show label continues its dedication to quality deep house with a new EP that comes as part of their international artist series. Zarenzeit from Zurich and Roger Versey from Arkansas open with 'So Smooth', a blend of rich keys, soulful loops and dynamic vocals over a sensual bassline. Melchior Sultana hails from sunny Malta and follows with 'Nothing Like It Seems' which features silky chords and a shuffling rhythm ideal for late-night sets. On the B-side, Jan Kincl from Zagreb delivers 'Sugar,' a fusion of house and cinematic disco with organic drums while Spain's Barce closes with 'Stigma,' a melodic union of deep house and techno.
Review: Zarkoff taps into myriad different sources for inspiration here - there are swirling vocals that remind of Bowie, chilly synths from Depeche Mode and lithe beats from the contemporary underground. It's all crafted from melancholic synths as the heavenly voices soar up top and hypnotic drum machine beats lock in the groove. It makes for music that is both suited to more cultured club sets but also home listening sessions. 'Bureau Degradation' is our favourite for the slightly speedier beats and more pained vibes of the synths. A brilliantly original EP, wherever you look.
Review: JS Zeiter returns with another masterclass in dub techno, proving why he has remained a staple in the genre for nearly three decades. The first track, Momentum, delivers the atmospheric, deep dub techno that has long defined Zeiter's sound, with swirling textures and a hypnotic groove that pulls you into its immersive world. On the second side, Exodus takes a more melodic turn, layering emotive synths over a deep techno foundation, creating a track that feels both expansive and introspective. Closing the release is Resolve, a more reserved offering, moody and subtle in its approach. While understated, it serves as a subliminal peak, building tension without overt intensity, showcasing Zeiter's ability to create depth with minimalism. This release is yet another testament to Zeiter's skill in crafting refined, atmospheric techno that remains both timeless and forward-thinking.
Review: Zendid takes the reins of this Romanian label's talents and shows plenty of studio guile and versatility. There's a nice breezy quality to opener 'Fradpause' thanks to the way the pads swirl around so expansively while the nice mid-tempo drums move onwards. 'Panama Panthers' then ups the ante a little more pressure in the drums but still a nice heady feel to the roomy pads. Last but not least, 'Nature Peinture' takes on a menacing edge with the snippets of vocals that pan about the mix amongst eerie pads and groaning sound effects. Splendid, or should we say Zendid, stuff.
Review: Greg Wilson returns to Running Back, celebrating 40 years since the release of the classic and highly influential Street Sounds UK Electro compilation. The groundbreaking track 'Real Time,' which opened the 1984 album, finally gets a 12" release here. Featuring a Greg Wilson edit, a Gerd Janson bonus beats edit and two 2024 reworks, this limited edition showcases Wilson's continued influence in the electronic music scene, alongside collaborations with his son, Che Wilson, including remixes for Gabriels and Confidence Man.
Review: The next red hot and hand-stamped UKG 12" on TXTBK comes from ZEROFG (no guesses for what the naughty 'FG' stands for). Opener 'Who's The Boss?' is a raw, percussive, metallic workout that is hard-hitting and never lets up with some sleazy London gangster vocals over a bouncing bassline that is distorted and scuzzy. The flip side 'The Change' is a totally different proposition - a sweet, r&b-tinged 90s jam with deep bass, cuddly but punchy kicks and a gorgeous vibe for late-night sessions.
Review: In his endeavour, Zet Uma's provides us with a fresh spin on classic wave and Italo influences. The four tracks draw the you in with deep, pulsating basslines, while the synths create an atmospheric tension that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. 'Loveblind' sets the tone, offering a smooth yet intricate groove, while 'New Level, New Devil' amps up the energy with its driving beat. 'Pleasure Above' and 'New Direction' wrap up the EP, each track offering a distinct feel, from moody introspection to high-energy propulsion. This release captures a sense of evolution, with the duo crafting soundscapes that are both rooted in the past and looking toward the future.
Review: Albert Zhirnov returns to Clergy, where he has done great work in the past, and again impresses with his take on techno. 'Mogul' brings big drum energy, oversized hi hats and Detroit synth stabs. 'Viper' is then a skittish percussive workout with a tribal twist and 'Club Control' pairs things back to speedy, hi-tek soul that is warm and hypnotic. 'Komodo' closes out this classy and effective EP with some bouncy drums and well-designed synths that add light to the whole affair.
Review: SEVEN7 is a new label that has launched with a varied deep house remix EP and now quickly follows it up with something just as diverse. This one is a new single from Andre Zimmer with 'Wait A Minute' layering up pulling bass, hurried drum breaks and falling vocals into something seriously direct. The Vitess remix is more techno-leaning and bouncy, 'Ice Lolly' taps into surging hip-house styles and 'Round Two' is pure Jaydee-style 90s house.
Review: The talented vocalists Zion Irie and Ras Tweed grace us with their powerful voices once more here. They come over vibrant riddims crafted by Macca Dread and supported by an exceptional ensemble that includes Benyah who adds soulful brass, Crucial Rob who brings rhythmic depth on kete and cuica, while the Irie Mates deliver uplifting backing vocals and bluesman Danos enhances the sound with his harmonica. With conscious lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, their collaboration blends artistry and energy and the final touch of excellence comes from mastering by Amir El Sawah, ensuring the music resonates with real clarity and low-end impact.
Review: Z.I.P.P.O's return to Setaoc Mass's Berlin-based SK11 imprint hears the Italian producer break out from biostasis, stretching his/its tendrils out across four world-devouring tracks. 'Eleven' trades formula for feeling, its pseudopodial tempos binding to high-suction mechanics. Mournful synth phrases grate against a heavyweight pulse, as 'Hypernova' submerges into swung drum programming and murky mellifluous atmospheres. Flip it over and 'Kaus' introduces tribal momentum and swelling chords that slowly tilt the record into trance-adjacent territory; closer 'Replication' tightens the screws, bringing the most propulsive moment of the set with its warped detailing and hard-edged groove.
Review: Z.I.P.P.O is an Italian born producer now based in Berlin but who brings plenty of Motor City influences to this EP on Mistress Recordings. It is one that holds emotion high up the list of things to get right while colliding both nostalgic and futuristic designs. 'We Need One Another' is an ice-cold and minimal opener and 'Last Hope' is steeped in melancholy thanks to wispy, lingering pads. 'We Need One Another' then comes in three forms with crisp as you like snares and kinetic kicks making for a busy rhythm.
Review: The Dirty Blends label is really on fire of late. It deals in stripped-back and raw analogue grooves that throw it back to the warehouse heydays and early Chicago house sounds. Zodiac steps up first with a low-slung killer that is sparse but atmospheric with sleazy vocals unfurling up top only adding to the rawness. On the flip there are more frenzied and techno-leaning sounds of The Jak's 'Itz In Ur Head.' It's a brain-frying cut with squealing synth textures and caustic melodies all bring a scuzzy vibe.
Review: This is Ukrainian artist Zola's first EP since the war began back home so we shouldn;t be surprised that it's one of resolve and survival. The five tracker explores the tension between peace and conflict and notes the forest as a sanctuary for strength and reflection, somewhere to find respite from the chaos. The tunes shift between moments of quiet introspection and raw confrontation by layering delicate melodies with haunting textures. Personal and cathartic, it reflects the resilience and the importance of sanctuaries and is a great reminder of the spaces that ground and sustain us.
Review: Zopelar's 'Horizonte' is a captivating exploration of soulful house and jazzy influences, blending rich melodies with upbeat grooves. The title track, 'Horizonte', delivers a jazzy Detroit house vibe, setting the tone with smooth rhythm and deep bass. 'Let It Live' brings an uptempo energy, with a soulful saxophone that adds a distinctive layer of warmth. On the flip side, 'Pure Heart' strikes a perfect balance between house and techno, nostalgic yet fresh with its groovy, melodic appeal. 'Venus' stands out with its dreamy 90s-inspired piano, uplifting spirits and evoking an emotional connection. Closing with 'Serena (feat PR.A.DO)', the EP ends on a high note, leaving a lingering sense of euphoria. Each track blends beautifully crafted melodies with rhythmic intricacies, making 'Horizonte' a standout for anyone craving jazzy, soulful house with a modern twist.
Review: PMLD Records describe Zorak as a 'ghost producer', though what they exactly mean by this is up in the air. But this, of course, lends to the mystery. Does Zorak work nights as a hack hand for stadium-packing EDM artists, or are they (the likelier scenario) simply an enigmatic name on the much vaunted international disco edits scene? Whatever the case, we buy the hype. Our psychic investment is certainly helped along by the content of this slick blue-vinyl variety-hour; A-sider 'Jackie' channels a dubby boogie-house temperament, risers and eighthy vocal gates aplenty, while 'Mystery' pulls no punches in working the odd amen break hit between each kick and clap.
Review: Returning some 25 years after its original release on the beloved IDM label deFocus, these three refreshed takes on the skittering melodic gem of the genre are something to behold. The original 'Arrest' shines with jittery beats and intricate melodic patterns, embodying and example of the best of early 2000s. Nuron's remix keeps the track's kinetic energy but envelops it in lush textures, creating a perfect balance of rhythmic complexity and ambient depth. Voyance's remix pivots toward organic instrumentation, introducing drum sounds that ground the track while maintaining its melodic evolution, a satisfying balance between the original and a fresh, dynamic new feel. Mike Golding's ambient techno rework is a standout, blending his vintage touch with the original's core elements, a sublime, paradisiacal soundscape that recalls great memories of this golden era of challenging new melodic music. A project that succeeds on so many levels, artistically and creatively.
Blue Collar (DJ Spinna Galactic Soul remix) (6:52)
Review: Zy The Way hails from Taiwan and are a jazz ensemble that interlaces their dynamic sounds with ancient Chinese poetry compiled by Confucius. They also bring in more contemporary compositions which results in an utterly original sound and great gateway to some of the world's oldest literary works. They recently finished a debut full-length album and now the single 'Blue Collar' from it comes on limited edition vinyl. The track tells the ancient tale of young scholars in love with a powerful narrative and moving melodies. The one and only DJ Spinna steps up on the flip to offer his own classy deep-house remix.
Marc Ertel & Wayne Robert Thomas - "Coronation Ring" (11:56)
Review: This new one from our favourite US ambient outlet takes the form of a selection of long-form compositions from artists who are close to the label. As such it's a perfect reflection of its signature sound - deeply immersive soundscapes, slowly shifting synths and meditative moods made with a mix of hardware tools, guitars, pedals and even baritone vocals. It's named after a Norwegian term for warmth and intimacy, which certainly plays out from the evolving loops of 'A Whisper' to the textured melancholy of 'Canaan' and the reverberant drift of 'Coronation Ring'.
Review: Udacha family band Zdehvedo Gob is a collective of musicians who all hail from various cities around the world. It consists of Udacha label head Alexey Kalik as well as drummer Roman Shestaev and Gamayun associates Anton Dvoenko and Stas Mitrofanov and they all got together in the studio in Moscow in summer 2023 and the results are now presented on this new album. Employing an organic music approach to instrumentation combined with subtle electronics, the group go wild for various combinations of off-kilter percussion, organ, chant and birdsong in full ceremonial swing, they trace a path through the various branches of 20th century minimalism, pan-global folk-ism's and the harmonious collective consciousness that My Life In A Bush Of Ghosts encapsulated. It's a gorgeous mix of world, jazz, spiritual percussive, experimental music that rides on nice loose and vibrant rhythms with a great mix of synthetic and organic sounds all offering plenty for the mind as well as the body to get excited about.
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