Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.
Review: Though 420 was originally recorded and released in April of 2020, Galcher Lustwerk's pandemic project is an exercise in counting and patience. Originally from a 16 track, 69 minute release only available for Bandcamp for $69 (or $4.20 per track), the 420 project brings us practically brand spanking new Galcher EP, just under a different name. Finally at an accessible price (and including signature Galcher vocals in a majority of the tracks to boot) this vinyl release hopes to bring more fans who missed the original release to the 420 club.
Review: Those who've followed Alex Attias' career over the last two decades will tell you that he's always been capable of crafting the kind of jazzy, soulful, life-affirming fare more readily associated with UK broken beat producers. He's at it again on "I Wanna Know", a deliciously warm and sultry slab of dancefloor soul rich in samba-fired house beats, fluid piano lines (provided, we think, by Kid K), drowsy chords and a killer lead vocal from Georgia Anne Muldrow. Over on side B, Attias strips out most of Muldrow's vocal on a Dub Mix that rightly layers up the beats, emphasizes the track's jazzy horns and virtually bathes in the liquidity of its jazz-funk synths.
Review: Rebirth kicks off its 2024 with a remix EP that serves as "a tribute to the Brescian music scene in its many facets and declinations." The full original project is a complete 12-track album that brings together many different sounds, scenes and generations, with the best bits now assembled on this new 12". The revered deep house master Fred P opens up with some texture spiritual synth depths, K-Lone brings some nice house swing to his version of 'Paline' and edit maestro Rahsaan also keeps it paired back and late night on his soulful take on 'Scent Of An Old Life'. A great reimagining of some moving musical adventures, then.
Review: Coeur De Glace on DKO Records (DKO 34) delivers four fantastic electro tracks, each with unique influences and directions. Side-1 kicks off with Binary Digit's 'U Want Dis,' an exuberant, high-energy track that pays homage to old-school rave with its lively vocal samples. Fasme's 'Morning' follows, blending smooth electro with soft keys and a whimsical AFX melody for a perfect combination. Side-2 features GGGG's 'La Cueillette,' a feel-good, fun and melodic electro tune. The EP concludes with Mud Deep & Sans-Qui's 'Mesonyx,' offering IDM goodness reminiscent of Rephlex, Squarepusher, and AFX. Coeur De Glaceis a vibrant and diverse collection, sure to delight fans of electro and techno.
Bob Sinclar - "I Feel For You" (Star B extended remix) (5:03)
Groove Armada - "Superstylin'" (Riva Starr edit) (6:18)
Review: The idea behind the Snatch Classics series, which is finally making its vinyl debut following a few tester releases digitally, is deliciously simple. It sees label founder Riva Starr and friends deliver fresh interpretations of classic cuts. On side A you'll find a fresh take on Bob Sinclar's "French touch" filter disco anthem 'I Feel For You' by Star B - AKA Starr and UK techno stalwart Mark Broom. Their version is chunky, energetic, loopy and bass-heavy, re-framing the cut as a tech-funk workout with added string-laden disco chops. Over on the reverse, Starr re-edits and pimps up Groove Armada's 'Superstylin', making it even more sub-heavy, dubbed-out and boisterous (albeit in a rather classy way, we think). Tasty tweaks of classic cuts: what's not to like?
Review: Big Strick's 7 Days Entertainment welcomes the boss man's own off-spring Butterbandz and Generation Next to the label and both serve up a fresh pair of cuts. Butterbandz opens up with 'Perfect Numb' which is a deep Detroit house jam with signature dusty drums and menacing basslines. 'Rain Man' lifts its head with broad chord work swirling around a more suspensory house cut with steely tech drums. The same lovable lo-fi aesthetic defines the flip with Next's 'Roxbury' layering up piano chords and lush pads over crispy drums and 'Whatever Major Loser' then closes out in raw, punchy fashion. Acid lines and simple but effective chords take centre stage as the pulsing bass never lets up. Pure Motor City goodness all around.
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: Massive jazzdance and UK bass fusions on the new e-glowup from Eglo (though the record is also released physically). Celebrating 15 years of the nominal "post-dubstep" label, this limited 12" EP hears four exclusive, unreleased tracks from an upcoming label-definer compilation, the third in a series. Born from the basement of Plastic People, the pressure has remained continuously on Eglo to keep the same foment of bass musical innovation that the club nurtured alive. Plastic People is a routinised object of nostalgia, and it is often deemed the last proper place for innovation in bass music before austerity Britain militated against it. Zed Bias's remix of Chunky's 'Dancing On Tables' with Metrodome - and the deep, bruk-inspired track, 'Minerals,' from Liverpool's rising star Sticky Dub - both prove this assessment totally wrong. Genius thrives. On the flip, we've also house legend Giles Smith (formerly of Secretsundaze) delivering fresh material, as well as label boss Alexander Nut making his official debut with the lo-fi electro house track 'Arcade Fun Pt. 1.' The full compilation, featuring artists like Shy One, Steve Spacek, and Fatima, drops in April.
New World Shuffle (feat Bridgette Amofah - DJ Spinna Galactic Soul remix) (8:10)
Inner Light (feat Raashan Ahmad - Anthony Nicholson Miquifaye remix) (8:41)
Review: Earlier this year, we were treated to two top-notch Joaquin 'Joe' Claussell remixes of 'Inner Light', one of the standout cuts from Nicola Conte and Gianluca Petrella's fantastic collaborative album People Need People. Here we're treated to two more fresh takes on cuts from that essential LP. On side A, DJ Spinna gives his 'galactic soul' take on 'New World Shuffle', re-imagining the track as a languid but floor-friendly fusion of cosmic soul, neo-boogie, deep house and contemporary jazz-funk electronics. Equally as impressive is former Ron Trent protege Anthony Nicholson's remix of 'Inner Light', where twinkling jazz pianos, spacey synth sounds, evocative synth-strings and Raashan Ahmad's fine spoken word vocals rise above a sumptuous and luxurious deep house groove.
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.
Doni & Leo Young - "Rebelion In The City Of Gangia" (6:03)
Pastaboys - "On & On" (Panna mix) (6:32)
Hiver - "Magic Crusade" (5:51)
GPM, Steve Mantovani, Dan-E-MC, Daniele Mad - "House In Full Effect" (9:21)
Feel Fly - "Armaduk" (6:08)
Review: Rebirth is thrilled to announce the release of three bonus parts of the 'Ciao Italia. Generazioni Underground' album in 2023, available on limited edition vinyl. 'Ciao Italia' Bonus Quattro, Cinque and Sei continue to connect two generations - the trailblazers of the early 90s and those continuing the legacy today, with a futuristic perspective and renewed energy. Bonus Sei includes classic tracks from legends like Doni & Leo Young, Pastaboys, G.P.M., Steve Mantovani, Dan-E-Mc, Daniele Mad, along with unreleased material from newer Italian artists such as Hiver and Feel Fly.
Review: Aaron Siegel's Fit moniker links up with the considerable talents of Gunnar Wendel (better known as Kassem Mosse) for this killer two-tracker on FXHE, and even Omar S gets in on the action with some mixdown assistance. "Track 1" works around sizzling drums, emotive bass and a diverse spread of melodic sources for a simple and direct slice of analogue house. "Track 2" is a real carpet-burn of a track, taking the quality up to a new level with a gorgeous line in lead synths moulded into a thoroughly sexy concoction while the drums stay pert and primed for all manner of sultry floor action.
Review: Get ready for two of the most heartfelt big room bangers aroundiStay Here and Writeriborn from a recent machine jam between Fort Romeau and Gold Panda, masters of emotional dance music. 'Stay Here' starts with simmering synths, slinky guitar licks, and gentle vocal touches. Over on the flip, 'Writer' delivers restrained euphoria, steady beats giving way to a fragile, beatless acoustic finish. A sprinkle of acid throughout keeps everything hypnotic. Wrapped in Eliot Axelsson's striking design, this is pure Studio Barnhus magic.
Review: Two years ago, UK techno mainstay Gabriel made his bow on Rawax's Motor City Edition series with an EP of cuts drawn from his seemingly endless archive of unreleased gems. We're not sure whether the four tracks on this belated sequel are old and new, but they're certainly timeless-sounding and impressively deep. Check first 'Mordax', an impeccable mixture of Motor City star-gazing and analogue deep house blessed with a ridiculously good bassline, before admiring the sun-splashed warmth of 'The Multicoloured Mind', where jazzy piano motifs, sustained synth-strings and warming chords dance atop a loose-limbed house-not-house beat. Over on the B-side 'It's All Pam's (Marseille)' is another gorgeous chunk of ageless deep house bliss, while 'Into Week Two' sees Gabriel once again blur the boundaries between Detroit techno and futurist deep house tropes.
Love & Hate In A Different Time (X-Press 2 Love & Honesty remix) (7:34)
Love & Hate In A Different Time (X-Press 2 Love & Honesty Hypno dub remix) (7:11)
Love & Hate In A Different Time (Kerri Chandler vocal mix) (7:25)
Love & Hate In A Different Time (Kerri Chandler 623 Again mix) (5:52)
Review: Soul and Gospel group Gabriels and their 'Love & Hate In A Different Time' gets some proper remix attention with house legends Kerri Chandler and X-Press. Each remixer gets a side each to themselves on this jam-packed future classic. X-Press takes side 1 and includes a more vocal mix and then an alternate dub version. Both versions are up-tempo and perfect for the dancefloor just depends on the time of night which one you might go to. For the B-side, Kerri Chandler takes a similar approach. The vocal mix being a bit more soulful while the '623 Again' version goes deeper. These remixers are like a match made in heaven for turning these into house gems. This guaranteed to be in many DJs crates and many best of lists.
Angels & Queens (Paul Woolford Special Request mix) (7:19)
Angels & Queens (3:18)
Angels & Queens (Paul Woolford Special Request radio edit) (3:34)
Review: We first got wind that the unstoppable music making machine and generally positive life force that is Leeds legend Paul Woolford would be remixing one of the hottest new bands of recent years some time ago, so we're delighted to finally get our hands on the results. Assuming his Special Request alias but in truth sounding more like what Woolford does under his own name, this remix of Gabriels's 'Angels & Queens' is all about bringing hands in the air festival house energy, big piano chords and allowing the original vocal to bring that gorgeous sense of soul. It's a perfect meeting of pop and dance, as is often the case with Woolford's remix work.
Closer Than Close (Frankie Classic club mix) (10:20)
Review: Rosie Gaines will also be synonymous with her smash hit single 'Closer Than Close' (also the name of her fifth album) which now gets reissued by the Demon Record Singles Club. Gaines actually started her career back in 1985 when she perfumed and recorded with The Curtis Ohlson Band but it was when she was a member of Prince & The New Power Generation that she really got noticed. Her Closer Than Close album came in 1995 and soon after she was dropped by Motown, but a remix of the title track a year so so later arrived in club land on bootleg and sold over eight million copies around the world.
Review: Rhythm Section's latest favourite, (Oliver) Gallegos, evidences his mastery over the art of what we like to call the "speech tune" - a format almost as old as time. Think Rum & Black's 'Slaves' or Underground Resistance's 'Transition'; the formula is as such; a slow-built dance beat, at least over 110BPM by our estimation, over which a rousing historical speech plays out throughout the track. Though this form lends well to a 90s rave aesthetic, Gallegos finds himself at a post-comedown period of history, indeed in which "rave" is often bittersweetly thought to be anachronistic; and in which house music often reigns supremer. So, then, does he bring a record-breaking, body-moving homily vocal sample to an incredibly arranged set of house arpeggiations and medley-style sample cut-ups, working in a sort of auditory bricolage but nonetheless bringing them together under a seriously reflective memorial dance-dome.
Review: We don't know much about the freshly minted Worm Records, but we can tell you that proceeds from the imprint's debut release will be donated to the Livetolove campaign, which raises funds for food banks. The EP itself is a corker, with a mix of rising stars and established heads providing genuine dancefloor goodness. Bristol-based Gallegos kicks things off with 'Rockin', a deliciously dreamy fusion of Balearic deep house loveliness and snappy, Chicago house-influenced machine drums, before long-serving producer The Mole goes deeper, smoother and jazzier and the wonderfully tactile 'Festern'. Over on side B, Tartan Records chief drops the extra-percussive, off-kilter drum workout 'Booster', while Ruf Dug drops a previously unheard rework of his Italo-disco inspired fave 'Manctalo Beach'. Top stuff!
Review: The Gallery series of edits and reworks has already dropped some killer cuts, though we're no nearer discovering the identities of the 'unknown artists' behind the imprint and its fine collection of re-appropriated disco workouts. On 'Don't Wait For The Doctor', a single-sided affair, they dip their toes into the sometimes murky world of the mash-up/bootleg remix. Of course, it's a tasteful and well-crafted affair, with our mysterious heroes combining a gently tweaked, effects-laden instrumental re-edit of First Choice Salsoul classic 'Doctor Love', with vocals borrowed from another Larry Levan favourite, NYC Peech Boys' proto-house classic 'Don't Make Me Wait'. The nods to the Paradise Garage legend don't stop there, either, with the infamous laughter sample associated with his DJ sets and remixes making an appearance from time to time too.
Pleasure, Joy & Happiness (Musclecars remix) (9:24)
Circles Going Round The Sun (Laroye remix) (8:06)
Review: Yet two more Brownswood bubblers rise to the surface, this time under the well-organised branch of the tree known as Brownswood Remix Editions, which does what it says on the lovey-dovey carving. Here, back-to-back debutants Musclecars and Laroye receive the Olympic torch from London-based acid jazz group Galliano, who've blazed a thick trail of flame since their original formation in 1988, not to mention a recent reformation in 2023. 'Pleasure, Joy & Happiness' hears a house musical chorale from Musclecars, with added vocal mystifications threshed in the stereo field, producing a Balearic effect. Laroye's version of 'Circles Going Round The Sun' brings swelling "Kaytra" grooves and bumper drums to an anticipatory mood, provided by the original's solo siren song and urban monologue.
Review: Soul Supreme is a master keyboardist best known for his covers of classic hip-hop songs by the likes of Mos Def, MF Doom and A Tribe Called Quest. Here side-steps his covers duties to handle remix productions for two of his contemporaries in the Netherlands neo-soul scene - Gallowstreet, LYMA, Shamis and Rebiere. The A side lends a wonky future house feel (a-la GoldLink, Crackazat) to '52 North', Gallowstreet's ode to the city of Amsterdam. The B tune strips it back to a lo-fi soul bapper, fleshing out its theme of loneliness in parenting.
Review: Gary's Garage arrives as a celebration of all things Gary, aiming to bring the name back into the mainstream by offering up a truly infectious garage EP. With four tracks packed with bass-heavy grooves and cheeky energy, it's impossible to ignore the pure joy of the sound. Kicking things off, 'I've Taken Too Many Garys' serves up a chunky, bass-driven anthem, filled with nostalgic vibes that instantly transport you to the good ol' 2000s UK Garage days. 'Gary's Ballad' takes a more somber turn, with a melancholic homage to Woolworths, capturing Gary's reflective side. Then, 'Gary's Garage (Is A Good Garage)' cranks up the tempo with a bouncy, feel-good anthem that'll get you reminiscing about those wild nights in Streatham. Finally, 'Nigel Garage' cranks up the BPM with a playful nod to old-school hardware, while poking fun at Gary's lack of an Emu SP1200. A fun, tongue-in-cheek reminder of the glory days of UK garage.
Review: Colin Curtis Presents 'The Head Hunter' EP by GeeW, aka. Glenn Worthington, a relative new kid on the block, yet whose releases since 2021 have dealt in expert specialist wares of danceable acid jazz and nu-jazz. Such factors continue on this latest output, with the cloud nines and fluting solos of 'Head Hunter' and 'Speedball' whisking the listener away unto a quick flight, with spirited zoomings-past of electric bass and French horn, which dance astride the craft's flanks, as we shoot ever further into the abyss of jazzspace. Then B-siders 'Brazsecco Interlude' and 'How Long Has This Been Going On?' mark a migration from the cockpit through to the onboard lounge, in which Prosecco is poured and mounted speakers vibrate, curtailing anxieties with sweetly arranged vocals and carefully stacked percussion.
Review: One of Chicago house most unique and salty tousled producers, Gemini's music will always be well regarded. It gets reissued every so often to prove that fact and always sells out as no one made house as intensely emotive and rhythmically fresh as him. This EP previously appeared on Classic shortly before he stepped out of the fray and it's not hard to hear the signs of his mental health struggles to come in the playful lyrics of the title track, but throughout the EP is the evidence of what a gifted house artist he really was. From the playful, bubbly bounce of the lead track to the heads down low end trip 'A Taste', this is essential, still.
Review: There is not much more to say about Chicago's Gemini apart from the fact that he was a true house legend who, until recently, remained largely in the deep underground of the city's music, and has inspired a new generation of producers. Sadly, although he's still kicking about somewhere in the States, the man doesn't make music anymore. However, it's difficult to say whether he could have done much more these days, given how futuristic and cutting-edge his music-making was back then, and how fresh and it still sounds today. For these reasons, Germany's Chiwax have reissued a number of his EP's by now, and Shadowlust is the latest in the series. Much like the previous instalments, these four cuts are classic Gemini delivering the pure house magic - from "Log In" to "Motion", the beats are swinging, the chords heavy and pads climactic. If you've copped the other recent reissues then this is a must, if you haven't even heard of Gemini then please do yourself a favour..!
Review: The most sought-after release from the entire Sounds catalogue, Gemini and Unit T's 1995 release, 'Sideburns', finally gets a much-needed reissue. A1 track, 'Trip', is a prime example of deep house if there ever was one. An infectious, encircling melody meets the deep groove of the bassline to create a finished product that is in equal measure sun-soaked and cosmic. 'B Trip', the A2 track, is a gloriously shifted, off-beat reimagining of A1, pummeling percussion reverberates across the track, left alone to enjoy moments where everything is stripped back, before the body of the track returns. On the B-side, 'Mystery Tones' arrives with the kind of groove that instantly makes its way across dancefloors - a unifying track that feels precise in its simplicity, whilst still retaining exactly the right degree of looseness to get a crowd moving. This is a must-have record for any deep house aficionados, and you can now save yourself the hefty Discogs price tag!
Review: Dance of Enjoyment seems a perfectly fitting name for an album from Geed. The German DJ, label head, writer and tastemaker is known for his party-starting sets and for being as liked by threads as he is the more casual dance music enthusiast. His joyous selections span sounds and eras with ease and this new collection of tunes does the same. The title cut is a throwback, piano-laced banger, 'Let The Music Take Control' brings some raved-up breakbeats and 'Change of Heart' brings 80s synth energy to lively house betas before 'Digital Illusion' is a glistening and synth-laced disco gem.
Review: Dan Ghenacia's D is a mesmerizing journey into the realms of deep house, showcasing his unparalleled talent in blending various genres seamlessly. Released as the second installment from Aweed, a new exciting French label in the electronic music scene, this album is a true gem for any music enthusiast. The tracklist begins with the futuristic 'Detrance,' a nod to 90s style techno that is impeccably executed. On side 2, 'Dafternoon' captivates listeners with its Detroit-inspired vibe, combining an ominous melody with a playful yet profound undertone. 'Dubapest' blends dubby elements with deep house sensibilities and a touch of electro flair with expert drum programming and a unique sonic landscape, D by Dan Ghenacia is a must-have for fans of deep house, tech house, and electro techno alike.
Review: Amongst Larry Heard's many, many celebrated achievements in the field of pioneering house music, the Gherkin Jerks tracks have a certain magnetism thanks to their downright nasty rawness. The original late 80s 12"s have been revisited in the past, but now the bonus tracks originally released on a comprehensive 2013 compilation get their own outing, cut to wax for the first time to serve all those who love their foundational house as rough as it comes. 'Psychotic Fantasy' is a dissonant masterpiece of gnarly acid, while 'Rezynator' has a slightly more melodic demeanour alongside its own grubby brilliance. The 'Original Full Take' of 'Ecstasy' is a slow-burning monster of needlepoint 303 tweaking and bludgeoned beats which jacks out for a full eight minutes.
Review: A double A-side featuring 'RESIST!' and 'I Keep on Making the Same Mistake', Ghost Assembly's latest offering is less a release and more a protest on wax. Abigail Ward, the force behind Ghost Assembly, has crafted two distinct yet complementary tracks that pulse with raw energy and emotional depth. 'RESIST!' (Extended 12" Mix) is a primal scream against the injustices of the world. This 111bpm acid track is a visceral call to arms, primed for ALFOS and Optimo crowds. Think of it as a sonic Molotov cocktail: squelching 303s intertwine with a driving 707 beat, while unexpected bursts of Arabic melody add an intriguing layer of texture. It's like DJ Pierre jamming with Omar Souleyman in a Berlin basement. A fragmented vocal sample adds to the urgency, culminating in an icy string coda. The 'Utter Kunt Mix' of 'RESIST!' takes a detour into dub territory. It's a stripped-down, bass-heavy reimagining that draws inspiration from Sleng Teng rhythms. It's a hypnotic, almost meditative experience, where echoes of the Mission Impossible theme collide with the playful energy of Les Negresses Vertes and the raw sampling aesthetic of 'Duck Rock'. It's unexpected, yet strangely compelling. 'I Keep on Making the Same Mistake' (120bpm), on the other hand, explores the darker recesses of the human heart. It's a cinematic journey through heartbreak and regret. A glacial breakbeat provides the backdrop for a mournful bassline that tugs at the heartstrings. Hazel Grove's haunting vocals are fragmented and distorted, adding to the sense of unease, before being consumed by a wave of melancholic strings. A fleeting French voiceover adds a final touch of poignancy. The release concludes with a stripped-back string-a-pella version, a haunting reminder of the track's emotional core.
Review: Chris Gialanze brings plenty of dancefloor clout to this fresh drop on the Beeyou label. The title cut 'Gunna Bee' is already one that has been doing the rounds and doing the damage recently so it's great it finally gets a proper release on vinyl. As well as coming as s dub mix, also included is 'So Criminal' which is a steely and metallic garage infused tech cut, while 'Tough Cloud' entirely switches things up with downtempo and breakbeats combining in old school post-rave or second room fashion to provide a great comedown after the main room fun. As such this is an EP that shows Gialanze has greta style and versatility no matter what he's making.
Review: Gideon launched Homo-Centric Records with great fanfare and for good reason. It is on a mission to be passionate, definitive and powerful in re-establishing the queer heart of house music that has been lost in recent homogenised times. The south London artist is back with his own work for this new EP and it features Tobirus Mozelle and Tasty Lopez. 'Brighter Day' is his response to Cajmere's original house classic 'Brighter Days' feat Dajae and it is a warm, balmy and seductive vocal house cut with timeless vibes and rich production. It's a ray of light and love that brings the good times in classy ways.
Review: Berlin's Giraffi Dog and (Emotional) Especial have joined forces for a special two part EP series that brings their live set to wax. It came after so many live tours were cancelled during the pandemic and proves to be a great success. The Giraffi Dog sound comes from Max Webber who debuted it with his L'Existence Du Reve album back in 2016 and further drops on the likes of Aiwo Recs and the WARNING label series. Poker Flat and Dessous associate Max Heesen was then brought on board to take the show on the road and thrill crowds with elements of their punk and hip-hop background colouring their breakbeat driven club cuts. These have been recorded live in the studio using drum machines, synths and vocoders and really do capture their pair's live energy.
Review: (Emotional) Especial and Giraffi Dog join forces once more to offer up the second installment of their concept EP series. It is focussed on live and studio collaborations and this one comes in two halves: the first half kicks off with '6th Chakra' (feat DJ Deflektorschild) - a fully live deep house and hi-tek soul exploration with mind-expanding synths and Detroit drum sounds. 'King OTN' is a jack dup acid cut ripped with cosmic synth details and 'DX Metero' has sheet metal synths lashing about next to ethereal synths and busted drum breaks. 'Starfather' is a star-facing closer with elegant piano notes dancing over serene grooves. A vital showcase of this essential live artist.
Review: Tom Kerridge's Girls Of The Internet project is back after a successful debut via WNCL Recordings, landing on the excellent Ramp Recordings with an aptly rampant four-tracker that's just in time to catch the rest of the summer heat! "When U Go" is a super-chilled, super-vibing deep house sketch with a marvellously sexy wave of female vocals, then remixed into something more 'tech' by FYI Chris. On the flip, "Running" wins our hearts over as the killer tune on this EP, not least because of its painfully soulful vocals and mild-mannered elegance on the instruments and groove beneath it; The rework, from Finn, once again adds a lot more of a tech-house vibe to the arrangement, and a whole load of bass on top of that. TIP!
Review: Funk master Gledd has assembled a well made EP here that is chock full of house and disco goodness for the more playful and fun dance floor moments in a night. He kicks off with 'I Don't Know' which is a slinky and loopy jam with rugged bass and cosmic synths. Then there is a Latin tinged house gem in 'Amapola Sunrise' which comes with some wild sax energy and on the flip 'Muni (De Gama Re-Groove)' pairs it back to an international and afro tinged but still pumping disco-house groove. Last of all is the freewheeling and positively upbeat 'Japan Lips' with its trilling loops and swinging drums.
Review: After some great releases by the likes of Butch and BB, Hot Chip's Joe Goddard arrives on Kornel Kovacs and HNNY's Puss imprint with a, well, 'loved-up' anthem called "Love LUV". This is trippy and sensual mood music if we have ever heard it. Label co-head Kovacs gets onboard for a couple of remixes on the flip: the KK Beat Tool reaches near tribal moments on this moody backroom dub, while for the more adventurous selectors out there the KK Vox Tool is a handy acapella strictly for DJ use only.
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