Back catalogue: Deep House

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: House with an extra dose of crispy high-end from DJ Aakmael, who has haunted the saucier ends of the Chicago house scene since the mid 1990s. Aakmael is a mysterious entity, and can be ghost-spotted behind any solid pair of decks on a rainy night. 'Deep Cookie' harkens after a forgotten platonic form of house, in which East Asian synths and 808 claps collide compellingly. Meanwhile, '4ever' rounds off the B-side; it's a diggers' delight with a near-UK feel and mystical vocals and sax, recalling recent tunes this side of the pond by Ben Hauke.

Review: A fresh digital single by DJ Zombi, an Israeli DJ and producer and maestro of everything progressively downtempo. A curt two-track statement comes on this fresh vinyl release; the original 'Everything Nice This Morning' is a shoulder-lifting bop, with syncopated layers and melodic upticks backing up a measured, burgeoning mood. The B-side's remix from Volen Sentir is far weightier, bringing drums front and centre while also paring back the rhythmic synths for pure ambience. Released by Moments, a project of internationally acclaimed DJ Guy Mantzur that connects the elite producers with a series of gatherings, this one's a surefire path to joint ecstasy.

Review: It's a match made in Balearic heaven. Ela Minus, Colombia-born, Brooklyn-based artist, best known for building synths, placing agitational statements between her carefully woven ambient melodies and her Acts Of Rebellion album, meets fellow New Yorker DJ Python, he of the hypnotic dembow stylings, for a bumper value-packed six track EP. Ghostly vocals float across stark beats and sometime gloomy, sometime edgy but cheery dayglo musical textures on the three vocal versions, and there are three instrumentals for those who prefer their grooves that way.

Review: This deep, jazzy and lo-fi house 12" is perfect for escaping at this time of year as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the general weight of modern life can get all too much. It comes from an array of standout producers from around the world including Darone Sassounian, Jamma D and Jarren from Los Angeles, Roche from Portland and Morris Mobley from Nancy, France. Between them, they offer the cuddly, cloudy depths of 'Drippin'' (Sauce dub), humid and jazzy heat of the sumptuous 'Don't Wanna Leave The Couch Today', playful rhythms of 'House Shuffle Boogie' and more besides.

Review: Despite the universal imposition of lockdown, DJ Harvey's Mercury Rising nights have made a lasting impression on one particular Ibizan hideaway - the world-renowned rock n' roll themed hotel, Pikes, a favourite of Ibiza titans Fatboy Slim and Patrick Topping. To keep the spark of this monthly party alive, Harvey launched his 'Mercury Rising' compilations, putting only the best of Ibiza's balearic talents on display. The third and final volume is now finally in our mitts, and what an impressive array: odysseys of aquatic, twanging sound come courtesy of choice cuts by local mainstays Kraak & Smaak, Project Sandro and MODE.

Review: TrioRox is a new project uniting three prominent Italian music figures namely pianist Giovanni Guidi, bassist Joe Rehmer, and electronic musician DJ Rocca aka Luca Roccatagliati. Guidi, a jazz piano prodigy, has recorded for ECM and collaborated with Enrico Rava and Ricardo Villalobos before now while Rehmer, an American bass player based in Italy, has worked with jazz greats like Bob Mintzer. Here they combine their skills with Rocca on a record that is a mix of electronic, dance, jazz and pop styles, all with some sleek underlying grooves and hints of electro, classical and minimalism that add up to a real melting pot.