TINO レコード& CD

Review: After 25 years of sporadic collaboration and numerous breaks and beats-type albums through their Tino Corps, the often Meat Beat Manifesto-linked line up of Tino's Ben Stokes, John Corrigan and Mike Powell deliver their first official EP - and it's well worth the wait. This debut is a rich, vibrant slice of house music that feels both timeless and freshly inspired. Opening with 'Set You Free', the trio tap into classic deep house with sensual vocals, sharp stabs and a breezy old-school charm. 'Tinto!' follows with a more melodic, disco-tinged vibe, dripping in late-night atmosphere and subtle groove - a true deep cut. Side-B lifts the energy again with 'Give That', all crisp percussion, fun, bouncy rhythms and a smooth, infectious melody that's impossible not to move to. Closing track 'Obsession' is perhaps the catchiest of the lot, layering vocal hooks over a sleek, rolling groove that could easily become a crowd favourite. In just four tracks, Stokes, Corrigan and Powell manage to showcase a deep understanding of house's emotional core, combining for an EP that's both playful and seriously polished. A stunning debut - let's hope we don't wait another 25 years for the next one.