Nathan Haines - "U See That" (feat Vanessa Freeman & Marcus Begg - Atjazz Love Soul mix) (5:12)
The Realm x Atjazz x Kelli Sae - "On The Road" (vocal mix) (7:58)
Review: Back ion 2021, the relaunched Foliage Records imprint offered up a killer mix from NYC house legends Mood II Swing, the must-check Deep Rooted. Soon, the revitalised label will release a sequel, with long-serving British deep house don Atjazz at the helm. This sampler EP boasts six of the highlights from that set - all remixed and reworked by Atjazz himself. There's much to enjoy throughout, from the tense, slowly building deep-tech shuffle of Halo''s 'Glorty (Atjazz Galaxy Art Remix)'and the sun-splashed 6am bounce of Atjazz's remix of Dominique Fils-Aime's gorgeous 'Sun Rise', to the dreamy dancefloor wooziness of Ralf GUM's 'AWA' (re-imagined by Atjazz as an Osunlade-esque spiritual house workout) and the jazzy, bass-guitar-propelled broken house excellence of 'On The Road (Vocal Mix)', a three-way collab between Atjazz, Kelli Sae and The Realm.
A Soft Mist Production - "Upside Down Rainbows" (5:01)
Dr Sud - "Zaffiro" (Jazz cut) (3:59)
DatSIM - "Influx" (4:40)
The Rabbit Hole - "Tail Groove" (4:27)
Review: No matter your particular preference in the deep house world, this various artists' outing from Q1E2 Recordings is sure to have something for you. Mike Riveria & Marco Ohboy, for example, tap into an early sound on 'Euphoria' with its big, brash piano stabs and whistles, while A Soft Mist Production keeps it all cuddly and deep with languid chords draped over gentle drums on 'Upside Down Rainbows.' DatSIM brings in some space-tech vibes for a deft rhythm and neon infused sound on 'Influx' and The Rabbit Hole's 'Tail Groove' has a mad double bass sound jumping about beneath frantic jungle breaks.
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: Bass Culture founder, Rex Club legend and standard bearer for the Parisian underground, Julien Veniel shows fine form with his latest effort landing on Phonogramme. Featuring four tracks that each veer toward the techier ends of the house spectrum, 'The Game of Life' is sure to find plenty of admirers of floor-focused subterranean club tackle. Launching via the bumping rhythms and bouncy bass of X-Calibur, it starts as it means to go on. Upping the energy a couple of notches, the wonky bass and paranoid vocals of 'Narcissistic Scratch' power over chunky drums for a strobe-lit, late-night workout. Scene stalwart Satoshi Tomiie keeps things looped and driving on his pumped version of 'Deadbeat', before the dubbed-out original sees the record home in deliciously heady style.
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: Mule Musiq continues to refine its reputation for sophisticated electronic music with a release that radiates warmth, groove and effortless elegance. The opening track, 'Midnight Piano', with its addictive groove and shimmering melodies, delivers a soothing yet danceable experience. It sets the tone for 'Slow Ride', a Balearic-infused journey with laid-back rhythms and breezy horns, evoking images of sun-drenched coastlines and late-afternoon lounging. On the flip side, 'No Flamingos In Salinas' embraces an ambient house aesthetic, channeling a vintage '90s feel with dreamy synth work while maintaining a subtle techy edge that keeps it dancefloor-ready. The closer, 'Dream On', is a smooth, melodic builder that gradually unfolds, carrying the listener into a hypnotic state with its rich textures and serene energy. These two Italian producers join forces to produce one fantastic EP, a record which embodies the aura of summer with its lush soundscapes and masterful deep house craftsmanship.
Review: Dutch duo Dam Swindle are masters of updating traditional house sounds with a subtle contemporary twist. That is exactly what they have long been doing on their own superb Heist Recordings label and now they make the step over to Jimpster's equally vital Freerange with a fresh new EP. 'Unfinished Business' kicks off with sustained chords that bring a classic touch next to some steamy vocals and warm chords. 'Under The Spell' is more loose limbed and soul drenched, then a Crue remix brings some real heft to 'Unfinished Business.' Last but not least is 'Woman', a laid back vibe with swirling chords for loved up floors.
Chez Damier - "Speechless" (Chez Damier Panorama Bar remix) (5:04)
Makez - "Rocket Music" (5:15)
Alkalino - "Rio" (Alkalino rework) (5:30)
Gledd - "Sere Yo" (5:31)
Review: Adeen Records returns with a superb EP that blends a classic with three new and fresh unreleased tracks. Deep house don Chez Damier's Panorama Bar Remix kicks off and is a a 2021 standout with a killer baseline and Spanish guitar that brings some sunny soul and makes for some top level house grooves. Makez then shines with 'Rocket Music' which has a chunky low end and glistening, golden piano chords making it a late night favourite. On the B-side, Adeen regular Alkalino delivers a tropical-infused edit for the peak time and Gledd closes with a classy cut 'Sere Yo' that is all about the drums. Lovely stuff.
Review: Dan Piu is a master of minimal sounds whether leaning more towards house or techno. For this latest one on Birds out of Chile, he opens up with some nice balmy pads and hip-swinging claps under tiny 80s keyboards. It's whimsical and dreamy then 'Late Night Beef' picks up things a little with some more driven drums but plenty of celestial synths and 'Ganas De Verte (feat Natalia)' is another balmy and spaced-out minimal house sound for hi-fidelity systems. 'Kammgarn' shuts down with the most direct sound of the lot and some nice dub undercurrents.
Review: Detroit's Julion De'Angelo is back with his second release on Maybee Hill Music, the 'Consciousness' EP. 'Ramble of a Revol' kicks things off with a 12-minute acid jack banger, full of raw emotion and a powerful message against oppressionipast, present, and future. Then there's 'Consciousness,' a smoother, more atmospheric number with dreamy keys and a bassline that nods to Larry Heard, all tied together with steady, hypnotic beats. This EP is all about reimagining the dancefloor, bringing a minimalist vibe that inspires movement and spiritual energy.
Manuel De Lorenzi & Freddie Wall - "Sun-Rise" (6:15)
Fichs - "Find Yourself" (6:35)
Manuel De Lorenzi - "You Already Know It" (7:08)
Manuel De Lorenzi & Giacomo Silvestri - "The Big Apple Community" (7:09)
Review: Monday Morning is back to roll out some more lush house depths with a second EP, this one featuring founder Manuel De Lorenzi in the company of his pals Giacomo Silvestri, Freddie Wall and Fichs. 'Sun-Rise' is a nice gritty but vibey opener with percussive skip and dry hits. Fichs's solo cut is a loopy workout with nice bulbous synths and a pared-back rhythm that gets ever more inescapable while De Lorenzi then offers up the radiant synth warmth and dubby undercurrents of minimal house shuffler 'You Already Know It.' With Giacomo Silvestri he then closes on the more percussive loops of soft house soother 'The Big Apple Community.'
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Art Of Tones remix) (5:52)
U All Disco Lovers. F*** (Floorfillers remix) (6:15)
Review: Basile de Suresnes offers a seamless blend of nostalgic disco energy and modern house rhythms. The opening track brims with soulful samples and an irresistible groove, a nod to late-night dancefloor euphoria. Following this, a bassline-driven funk-infused cut keeps the energy rolling, blending deep rhythmic elements with playful textures. Closing the release, a high-energy finale showcases soaring strings and a pulsating beat, delivering a vibrant crescendo. This is a confident statement of intent for selectors seeking to bridge classic influences with a contemporary twist.
Review: The third EP on Dutch disc discoursers Runde Ecken, the 'Savoy' EP proceeds the 'Jazzfloor' and 'Another Deep' EPs as the charming third-timer by the label's sole nucleotide, Deejazzid. With an exclusive focus on breezy minimal disco set to vinyl - and paired with a Ben Day comic book visual style - we hear another six soothers round out a swole overall mix here, as 'Deep Control' moves into 'Deeptroit', cranking up the heat under the deep minimal casserole in pigeon step.
Review: UK legend Dego and killer keys-man Kaidi Tatham have been in a rich vein of form of late, dropping brilliant EPs on Eglo, Sound Signature and Rush Hour (the latter under their 2000Black alias). Here, they return to Eglo with four more slices of warm, rich, soul-flecked fluidity. As with previous outings, much of the material has a laidback jazz-funk feel, particularly "Orbiting Uhara" and the delicious "The Vault Descends" (think bustling bruk rhythms and darting boogie synths). They also offer up some tougher, synth-laden bruk-funk in the shape of "Man Made", while "Black Is Key" sees them unfurl a head-nodding vocal roller.
I've Gotta Heat (Ohm Hourani Festival Du Soleil rework) (8:43)
I've Gotta Heat (Delavelour Freespacemix) (6:38)
Review: Canadian label Poesie Angulaire kicks off its year with a new series of remixes featuring Delavelour (aka Francois Lebaron). Taken from his Paranoid Fantasies long player, this package fuses glitches, circuit-bent rhythms and nostalgic chords into something fresh. The Freespacemix blends melancholic synths with a garage bassline, while the one and only Isolee delivers a sharp, refined rework. Ohm Hourani rounds out the EP with a hypnotic minimal version, adding a deep, atmospheric touch to a fine array of new takes on the signature sound of Delavelour.
Review: Spanish label NeighbourSoul bring a heraldic design sensibility to wildout disco edits on 12", with this latest record taking on a leonine art direction on the inner label and sleeve. A top-up to their enduring vinyl-only series, this one hears a resident editor arride four more most-pleasing disco loops, believably emulating a bygone time in which DJs would sticker and knife their records to create workable tools, in the absence of software.
Review: For the uninitiated, DELINSTR is an alternative alias of Shewey Trax regulars Delicate Instruments, a Californian duo known for the decidedly intergalactic, cosmic and West Coast-friendly nature of the deep house sound. They stretch out a little stylistically on this four-tracker, confidently striding between sleazy and mind-mangling acid jackers (the raw and breathless 'Here We Go'), dubby and bleeping deep house headiness ('Earth Game (DELINSTR Winning Mix)', thumping aural intensity (the alternative 'Loud & Clear' version of 'Here We Go') and intergalactic house/techno fusion (the excellent 'Deeper Into Space'). All four tracks sound immediate and loose round the edges, as if they started life as live studio jams.
Review: After years spent serving up tasty, digital-only singles, Polish imprint That's Right Dawg Music finally makes its vinyl bow via a six-track mini-album featuring some of their most-checked catalogue cuts. Demarkus Lewis kicks things off via the carefully crafted disco-house release of 'TGIF', before Federfunk slams down the jazz-sampling peak-time punchiness of 'We Keep It Groovin' and Jazzmik offers up the funky deep house bounce of 'Get Him Outta Here'. Over on the reverse, Oggie B cannily combines mind-mangling electronic stabs, pumping beats and orgasmic vocal samples ('Steady Old Foot'), Makson makes great use of vintage rap and disco guitar samples on the energy-packed house thump of 'Last Man Standing', and Casserta and Jonny C join forces on the bass-heavy garage-house bump of 'Party #1'.
Review: A reissue of this sought-after EP brings back four tracks that exemplify the best in dancefloor-ready deep house. Side-1 kicks off with 'Move', a crisp and tracky production that pairs a classy vocal message with soulful Chicago influences. Its sharp rhythms and polished sound make it a timeless groove. 'Boom' follows with a deeper, more hypnotic energy - a perfect balance of catchiness and subtlety for late-night sets. Flipping to the Side-2, 'Into My Brain' ventures into retro techno territory, weaving Italo disco elements into a cinematic, almost soundtrack-like atmosphere. Its nostalgic yet futuristic vibe creates as a bold pivot. Rounding out the EP, 'Turn Me On' blends disco and house with a touch of 70s flair, creating a smooth, genre-crossing closer. This reissue is a celebration of Demuja's ability to craft tracks with enduring appeal. Jimpster's Freerange label continues to be one of the go to labels for deep house, period.
Review: Diffrent makes a powerful entrance with his debut 'My Sound' EP on Bristol's Time Is Now label, building on the success of his summer hit 'A Little Closer,' which had clubs across Europe buzzing in 2024. Here, he dives into the UK's rich foundations of garage, bass and breaks, delivering a weighty yet finely tuned sound that's unmistakably his own. It's the kind of chuggy, speed-garage flavour that's capturing everyone's craving right now. For a debut, 'My Sound' lands with impressive force as each track brings fresh flair and a distinctive character. From the first drop, it's clear Diffrent is carving out a unique spot in modern dance music, positioning him as one to watch.
Review: Athens-based label Ethos is looking to build on the good start it made with its first two outings with a third raw and direct EP. DimDJ is a legend in Greece and has been since the 90s when he first began making his mark. His sound is not all about nostalgia though - he opens his Welcome To This World EP with 'This Little Face' which is a deep house reverie with painterly pads smeared over dusty drums. Nice analogue textures make it all the more lived in and a Beatless version strips away everything but the suspensory synths. 'Welcome To This World is another lo-fi and crackly deep house meditation and 'Hyper Tonic' flips the script with some undulating acid lines, more light synth work and hissing hi-hats.
Review: A tech house release that offers the perfect balance of groove and melody. 'Hold Me Tight' opens with a melodic, addictive groove, blending deep house elements with tech house energy. The track's strong production and underlying melodies build an irresistible vibe. The DOP remix of 'Hold Me Tight' on Side-2 takes things in a raw, techy direction, offering a dub version with deeper grooves and a more stripped-back feel while maintaining the vocal elements. 'She's Got Nowhere To Go' closes the release with catchy vocal samples and a soulful, fun melody, making it a great dancefloor anthem. The track is both playful and infectious, ensuring it will keep the energy high. Overall, a dynamic fusion of melodic depth and tech house vibes, perfect for any set.
Review: The fourth release in the limited vinyl series BS-LTD features two new and exciting talents. On one side, we have Disco Stup, a rising artist from Hossegor, now based in London and studying sound engineering. On the other side, UK-based Swin, fresh off the success of his sell-out debut EP. He goes first with 'Broken Mute Point' which is a tech-infused disco with plenty of wet synth gurgles and snappy drums, then 'I'll Show You The Attic' ups the pace with more twisted loops. Swin's 'Entropy' bring pixelated colour and echo to a dubbed-out disco-tech groove and 'Loosing Their Minds' is more dubby and tippy to make for another fine outing.
Review: Whoever is behind the Discotecas series has certainly got access to some seriously good re-edits. As with its predecessors, volume six in the series lands with no info about the identity of the editor (or editors) involved. Whoever it is, they've done a bang-up job - as inspired opener 'Perceptive', a deliciously dubby and spaced-out take on a hybrid electro/proto-house gem from the mid 1980s, proves. The retro-futurist fun continues on 'Kazbah', a fine revision of a brilliantly odd, breakbeat-fuelled Arabic acid record, while flip-side opener 'Bass Instinct' sits somewhere between bleep & breaks and early speed garage. Closing cut 'Ask a Dream' is arguably the best cut of all: a sublime slab of saucer-eyed early deep house of the kind that should probably be listened to as the sun comes up.
Review: The third installment from long serving house institution King Street Sounds offers up a stellar selection of deep house gems that shine on vinyl. Side-1 opens with Danell Dixon's 'Dance Dance' in DJ Pierre's Wild Pitch mix. Its sweeping melody and piano-driven elegance embody the quintessential house vibe, setting a high standard. Following this, Big Moses delivers 'Brighter Days' featuring Kenny Bobien. This extended mix pairs a Sylvester-inspired vocal with a mellow yet uplifting groove, carrying a timeless house message of joy and positivity. Flipping to side two, DJ Pierre's 'Dancin'' takes center stage with a filtered anthem that shows his signature Wild Pitch flair, igniting the dancefloor with energy and style. Blaze's 'Shine' closes things out in the Shelter vocal extended mix. Blending melodic piano, gospel influences and jazzy undertones, it's a laid-back yet upbeat track that exudes warmth and soul. A great taster of this label's undisputed ongoing mastery of the house genre.
Review: This latest Unxpozd release has taken a hot minute to arrive but it's been worth the wait, because once again DJ Aakmael shows off his deep house class. '6minutes' kicks off with the sort of whimsical late-night chords that soon get you dreaming as the loveably lazy grooves slouch on. 'Just A Track pt. 8' shows Aakmael's sample skills as he chops up the sounds with some nice jazzy keys. You won't find a groove more lush and smooth than the gently cosmic 'Track 123' while 'Autumn' is perfectly stripped back to chunky kicks, slowly ascending chords and a hint of Kerri Chandler soul with a gospel vocal hook.
DJ Bistro Schulz - "Disco Loves You" (AKeeM Dans Op De Deel remix)
AKeeM & 4-Takte - "The Sermon" (2024 edit)
Review: Sometimes a tune comes along that you just know is going to come a bit of a cult classic. We have the feeling that will be the case with the opening gambit on this new series, Musik For Pet Lovers, from the Memory Believes Before Knowing Remembers imprint. It is the work of AKeeM Dans Op De Deel who remixes DJ Bistro Schulz's 'Disco Loves You' into a languid, grubby groove that slowly but surely does great things with scattered percussion, radiant synths, minimal rhythms and plenty of mood shifts, not least when the classic vocal sample drops in. On the flip is AKeeM & 4-Takte's 'The Sermon' which is another slow-motion but high-impact sound with spoken words, dub drums and yearning pads.
Review: Stockholm's DJ City debuts on Dresden's Uncanny Valley with his COSMICOMICS EP, a playful, sensory-filled record inspired by Italo Calvino's 1965 short story collection. The record channels the essence of 80s Italo disco and 70s sci-fi films by blending high-energy tracks with a sense of fantasy and drama. Each one draws from Calvino's blend of scientific facts and fictional narratives and mixes in comical absurdity with metaphysical depth. With nods to Hi-NRG and dancefloor-driven rhythms, this is a high concept EP even without the back story. It comes with a cover which is a censored painting by Jens Fange. Artful stuff.
Review: Feelgood garage house with a touch of synth clavichord from DJ Fudge and Ralph Session, teaming up with singer Chinua Hawk for a rousing, string-dousing new single through Groove Culture. Here we're assured of the carat value of life, and Fudge and Sessions' appraisal is as generous as you'd hope any antiques dealer would be about your grandfather's wedding ring, with lustrous strings and belting vocals suggesting confident self-determination and regality (the NYC dub, by comparison, is much loopier, riffing on the French house feel nascent in the A).
Review: Subterranean stalwart and Underground Quality boss Jus Ed reworks a trio of archive tracks on his 'Mash Up' EP, embracing production with newfound freedom as he continues his ceaseless creative journey. The Bridgeport native has been turning out raw, uncompromising house jams for decades, routinely delivering dancefloor fire. Here, the freak flex of '209 Remix' powers over a relentless synth hook, with vocal cuts, rhythmic bleeps and emotive pads completing the stripped-back sonic landscape. The brooding dub traction of 'Back To Basics' sees hypnotic chords drift over sleazy drums as vocal delays roll into the distance before Ed gets some gripes off his chest via 'Fack Ass Muthafukas' i sending a disapproving message to someone or other, with pointed spoken words jibing over a sinister bass hook.
Review: It may have been seven years since DJ Koze last delivered an artist album, but in defence the popular Hamburg producer had his hands full working with other artists (most notably Roisin Murphy). He has managed to put out the odd single, though, to which you can add this typically interesting and off-kilter two-tracker. A-side 'Buschtaxi' is deep house with a subtle Latin tinge - rhythmically at least - and layered with dreamy chords, African vocal samples, twittering melodies and attractive, sun-soaked synthesiser sounds. The long-serving producer flips the script on side B, reaching for crunchy, house-tempo breakbeats, moody bass, rising chords, what sound like mangled electric guitar motifs and effects-laden vocals courtesy of Marley Waters. More, please!
Wie Schon Du Bist (feat Armin Teutoburg-weiss & The Dusseldorf Dusterboys) (3:46)
Amor (feat Cesar Lacerda) (3:43)
Review: DJ Koze teams up with Arnim and the Dusseldorf Dusterboys to craft an evocative tribute to East German soul icon Holger Biege. Building around the haunting line "Du hast erzahlt, gelacht / Mir gezeigt, wie schon du bist" from Biege's 1978 classic 'Bleib doch', Koze creates a track rich in both nostalgic warmth and forward-looking soundscapes. This release showcases Koze's unique ear for blending past and present, turning Biege's heartfelt lyrics into a fresh, emotional journey that pays homage to a timeless soul legacy with a truly modern twist.
Review: Im In Love is a German label that says bonjour to DJ Merci who serves up a dynamic four-tracker for their limited series. These DJ tools are crafted for the dance floor so while driven by effective house kicks, they are not mere tools. Each one brings some character, starting with 'In The Middle' with its nice finger clicks and bouncy drums and bass. 'Bouncing Back' is infused with dusty synth chords that hark back to classic US house and on the B-side, 'Deux Trois' pens with smooth, deep chords layered over a rolling conga rhythm. 'Swing My Baby' wraps things up with bouncy drums and stripped-back minimal house. Merci indeed.
Review: A record that crafts a smooth, jazz-infused deep house journey, blending classic influences with a refined musical touch. Side-1 opens with 'Waves', where warm piano chords and a laid-back groove create an effortlessly rich atmosphere. 'Let's Love' brings in house legend Robert Owens, elevating the track with soulful vocals, shimmering keys and uplifting energyiclassic house music with a deep jazz undercurrent. On the flip, 'Move Me' delivers a dynamic blend of funky basslines, crisp percussion and spacious keyboards, keeping the groove fluid and expressive. 'Wistful Melody' rounds out the EP with a driving four-on-the-floor rhythm, yet retains a melodic softness, balancing energy with deep, emotive textures. A beautifully crafted collection that pays homage to house music's roots while pushing toward a more intricate, jazz-leaning sound.
Review: 'Unreleased Stuff Part 'I dives into the rich vault of Charles Webster, a revered name in UK house with a career spanning over three decades. This release brings out three hidden gems from his archives that capture the depth of his skill in minimal and tech house production. Side-1 kicks off with 'The Same Thing (instrumental mix)', a refined deep house track with a tasteful nod to 90s acid influences. Over on Side-2, 'Halftoo' delivers a melodic deep house vibe that feels fresh despite its 1997 origins. Rounding out the collection, 'FYU' combines smooth, classy production with that unmistakable 90s touch, creating a sound that feels timeless yet distinctly of its era.
Review: It would seem every nominee DJ and producer - hopefuls of inclusion in one pantheon or another, regardless of which - must undergo a certain rite of passage: build up a backlog of "lost tapes", as proof of an excess of genius and industriousness later down the line. DJ Romain (Romain Gowe) is no exception to this rule, having served as a joint New York and New Jersey house musical earl since the early 1990s, in which time he has issued many a waxen decree under multiple aliases and regularly collaborated with scene peers Matt Echols and Matt Keyz. This second part of a two part series flings open the hardened steel vault door to the DATs with ease, unveiling such treasures as 'Find My Way', 'Release My Body' and 'Insane', the second of which is a specially frosty groundswell of stringy emotes, pitchy vocal reflections and watery synthesis.
Review: OGE hits release number 19 with a delectable new bap from DJ Sandwich, layering sweet programmable piano cheeses and cornichons between tricky, seeded deep tech sourdough slices. It's the first release by the artist for the otherwise usually "unknown artistic" moniker, through which the likes of Funk E, Vincentlulian, Phillip Boss and Giralda have also bared their identities. Best here has to be the low-filled 'Lee', whose sequent synth pianos, rubber resinous basses and splashy snares hint at a materially informed approach to dance production, emphasising raw organics and recalling the works of Bambooman.
Review: DJ Slugo is a legendary producer who very much helped to define the sound of the equally legendary Dance Mania label back in the day. Now Subterranean Playhouse has put together a collection of his most influential works across the juke and footwork spectrum on one vital 12". 'Bang Dem Walls' kicks off in signature style with hard-hitting rhythms and ghetto vocals. 'Like It Raw (feat DJ Deeon - 2002 remix)' is another hardcore dancefloor banger with jittery rhythms and turbocharged stabs and 'On The Low (feat Double AC & DJ PJ)' is exactly the sort of short but sweet and impactful jam that DJ Slufo is such a master of.
Review: He's the original (and maybe only self-proclaimed?) house gangster and he is back in 2025 and sounding as good as ever. Puerto Rico by way of Chicago's DJ Sneak makes beats as raw as the meat he likes to chuck on his BBQ grill and UK house legend Nail must be a fan cause it's his label he lands on now. This is a solid four-tracker that ticks all the boxes with its killer grooves and smart loops. 'All I Need In Life' is a playful opener, 'Das Gud!' gets more intense and trippy with its bleepy melodic refrains and 'Help Me Somebody' then sinks back into loose and dusty, disco-tinged drums with classic cowbell hits. 'What You Expecting From Me' is a sweaty and gritty warehouse banger to close with aplomb.
Review: Original Chi-Town bad man DJ Sneak shows up with his latest selection of loop-driven house jams, serving up five floor-focused cuts on the 'Disko Dialogue' EP. A key figure in the second wave of Chicago house, his prolific career has seen him explore acid house, disco cut-ups, and hypnotic, tracky realms. Much, if not all, of that is on display here. The title track features looped strings and echoing vocals over a pounding kick and skippy snares, while 'Kick Da Flow' follows a similar trajectory, albeit with a slightly more restrained mood. 'Bottom Acid' ups the energy with pulsing 303 gliding over piercing drums, while 'Acid Wunders' dives into trippier territory, with its nocturnal groove endlessly undulating. The rolling rhythms of 'Elements' cap a fine EP, with DJ Sneak proving he's lost none of his big-room bravado or production swagger.
Review: First released on Cajual in 1995 as part of the 'Beautification Of House' EP, DJ Sneak's 'The Jacker' is comparatively less known or revered than his earliest outings on the label, or those of his released on the contemporary and now much-coveted Strictly Rhythm. But its choppy lead razz and boisterous vocal cutups make it no less of a quintessential case of early 90s "jackin" house, which heard Chicago producers such as Carlos Sosa privilege only the barest of sonic bones. As it was in 1995, no track on this 12" stoops to the nadir of overwrought "depth", and both the Jacker 3000 remix and Gettoblaster's remix here are as readily deployable as they are functional, with ample dead space left in the gaps between drum hits.
Review: Experience the innovative sounds of DJ Sneak with this 12" vinyl release, an EP delivering four standout tracks that redefine the garage and house genres. From the commanding groove of 'Years In The Game' to the dynamic beats of 'Bad Muthafucka', each track exemplifies DJ Sneak's legendary prowess. Only Cuts expertly curates these bangers, ensuring superior quality and a transformative listening experience. Dive into this sophisticated collection and discover the future of house music.
Review: Fun fact: over the course of his near three-decade career, DJ Sneak has only previously released one 10-inch single ('3D Print' on Pressure Traxx back in 2018). Now he has a second to add to the discography thanks to this killer two-tracker on German label Salon. Check first A-side 'Pass It Around', a heavy, breathless and restless loop jam marked out by loose-limbed drum fills, ragged acid squelches, weighty bass, disco guitar licks and cut-up vocal snippets. Over on side B, 'House Bullet' is a similarly tough but stripped-back affair in which acid house era vocal samples, TB-303 motifs and tight synth stabs ride an energetic, non-stop beat.
Review: Black Angus Records founder DJ Soch is no stranger to ChiWax, having made his label debut in October 2023. Curiously, this is the previously prolific producer's first outing on wax since then - and it's a doozy. The four tracks on show are undoubtedly classy, fusing the far-sighted, intergalactic ethos and analogue-rich approach of Motor City dance music with the warm tactility of Italian house and the soulfulness of garage-house. He begins with the rubbery synth bass, loose machine drums and spacey pads of 'Walking To The Beat', before reaching for some vintage soulful vocal samples and oodles of sonic smoothness of the delightful 'Kiss My Baby'. The R&B vocal-sampling 'Lost On My Way' sits somewhere between the two tracks (with added synth-sax solos), while 'Soul Deep' is a breezy, sun-drenched delight.
Review: DJ Sommer honours the dancefloor with the committal statement 'House Music Forever', embodying a stripped-down surrender to the genre that made him, and which he makes. From hardware jammed geneses to peaktime, edited finessings, 'Make Me Groove' and 'Loose Style' bring ample jazz flurries and plodding kick chunks to an overall mood of walloping conviviality. 'Groove On' and 'Calling You' break out the Selmer Paris and Steinway respectively, as the implied goal of ascendancy proves increasingly euphoric.
Review: The fourth release on the promising London's Shadow Pressings label is creating quite the buzz already. This five-track collection feels like an unearthed Detroit classic, expertly blending Chicago and Detroit influences into timeless dancefloor gems. Side-1 opens with 'Last Night Baby', a tracky, beat-machine-driven house cut reminiscent of Derrick May's groove-laden style. Beautiful piano keys float atop the rhythm, adding a touch of elegance to the infectious beats. 'XNXX' follows with a deep house and techno edge late 80s vibe that channels Detroit sounds with a rich, authentic warmth. Flipping over to Side-2, the title track 'Can I Tell You?' delivers tribal goodness with euphoric, melodic moments, while 'Step For' keeps things lively with fun chords, a snappy beat and a dubby, acid house twist that evolves into a serious groover. Closing out the EP is 'One In A Life Time', a futuristic end-of-the-night anthem with claps and a slightly jackin' feel. More proof this is a label to watch.
Review: To celebrate Rutilance Recordings' 30th release, DJ Steaw returns after a three-year hiatus, presenting four tracks that capture his trademark French house grooves. True to form, the release features a standout collaboration with Mona Lee, delivering a soulful texture, and a remix of 'Feed Your Spirit' from long-time collaborator Gunnter, adding a deeper edge. Each cut reflects DJ Steaw's dedication to dancefloor energy, blending classic French house sensibilities with a fresh intensity that aligns perfectly with Rutilance's enduring style. This milestone release underscores the label's continued evolution and commitment to quality house music.
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