Back catalogue: House

Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.

Review: Red Laser Records continue their stellar form with another knockout release, blending Manctalo fire from old hands and fresh faces alike. Frank Butters opens the EP with The Call Of The Wild, a dazzling blast of crystalline synths, thunderous bass, and cosmic effects that showcase his forward-thinking production skills. Bob Swans delivers 'Bodyform4U', a dreamy arpeggiated groove that builds an uplifting, futuristic atmosphere, perfect for igniting the dancefloor. Lone Saxon switches things up with 'Hypersleep' a breakbeat-infused piano gem that oozes nostalgic charm, before Franz Scala and Il Bosco finish strong with Webo, a late-night, tension-filled Manctalo banger.

Review: We're promised Mellow Magic and that's precisely what we get, across four tracks emerging from disparate corners of the globe but united in a common mission to provide beats that work on the more relaxed end of the dancefloor. Belgian duo Charlotte & Reinhard of Rheinzand fame kick things off with a slow motion Balearic version of a well known 80s MOR classic. Ollie Loudon's 'L.M.T.' finally makes it to vinyl after long being a secret weapon in Gratts' DJ sets, where handclaps and languid strumming meet a gentle but infectious groove. Flip it over for the more tracky affairs, as Japan's Lily Ko makes an impressive debut with 'Pure Rubber', an original mix of disco foundations and always snazzy but never showy 80s synth play. Melbourne's Biancolato finishes things off with understated deep house shuffling that adds just a touch jazzy keys and dreamy, wispy pads.

Review: Now under new ownership (international dance music powerhouse Armada Music, fact fans), long-serving New York house imprint King Street Sounds is doing a good job in showcasing gems from its vast archives. This second label sampler contains four more genuine must-have cuts. First up, there's a chance to admire the deep, soulful house wonder that is Dennis Ferrer's 2008 hook-up with honeyed vocalist K.T. Brooks, 'How Do I Let Go'. It's followed by Masters at Work's deliciously loose, disco-influenced deep house revision of 'Give It Up' by Lil' Louis' Rain project (first released in 2000), Mood II Swing's DIY Soundsystem favourite 'Sunlight In My Eyes' (easily one of the greatest deep house jams of all time) and Lil' Louis's swinging garage-house rub of Kimra Lovelace's 'Misery'.

Review: Craft Music welcomes two maestros in Funkyjaws and Los Protos for this new EP. 'Poko Sav' opens up with some big rhythmic flair, steamy vocals and percussive drums and a generally sunny vibe that brings back some summer warmth. 'Vem Meu Amor' pairs twitchy electronics with organic percussion and grooves and 'Can't Touch This' ups the ante with some punchy disco-house sounds and exotic vocals before last of all, ''Beira Mar' slows things down with a late night blend of pulsing synths and analogue drums.

Review: La Pointe, a trio formed by Geneva-based techno pioneers and a New York City stalwart, make an impressive debut on Damian Lazarus' Secret Teachings. The original mix is a hypnotic exploration of light and shadow, blending atmospheric melodies with deep, pulsating rhythms. Nathan Fake's remix takes the track into more intricate and textural realms, while Jonny Rock injects a raw, off-kilter energy with his signature blend of disco, funk, and house influences. Captivating soundscapes that resonate both emotionally and physically, a perfect fit for Lazarus' label as he continues to champion boundary-pushing artistry.

Review: The one and only Phillip Lauer continues his flawless sonic journey on 'Seventy Seven Zero Zero Seventy Seven'. The Frankfurt-based producer never puts a foot wrong, as his ever-morphing club sound moves through undulating sonic landscapes. His latest effort features a pair of originals coupled with inspired guest remixes, covering a fair few dancefloor bases. The title track features a hypnotic vocal hook soaring through dreamy pads, pulsing acid bass and plucked guitar, before Khotin ramps up the acid and toughens the drums for a slightly more robust rework. We enter new wave territory on 'Felt Bat', with a bassline that would make Peter Hook proud, euphoric synths and snare-driven rhythms. Yu Su steps up on remix duties, transposing the track deep into heads-down territory, as rolling breaks power paranoid drones and psychedelic synth lines across an immersive nocturnal trip.

Review: In the world of house music, it's often the B-sides - more adventurous or deeper alternatives to the peak-time-focused lead cut - that often last the test of time. It's a conclusion that Vick Lavender has come to, at least, because this limited-edition EP marks the first in a 'B-Sides Series' in which all cuts are bonuses, alternate takes or 'tributes' to other artists. He begins by paying tribute to Dexter Wansel on 'A Space of My Own', layering dense hand percussion, spacey electronics and intergalactic synth sounds over a rock-solid kick-drum pattern. He then slams down two versions of the King Sporty sampling 'Mr Sporty': the sax-squelch-and jammed-out keys-heavy brilliance of the 'Time Traveler Re-imagined Mix' and the more leisurely, synth solo sporting deep house warmth of the 'Drums & Life' version.

Review: The third volume in Colpo Grosso's edits series amounts to yet another slinky slice of sensual post-Italo disco sundries. With each original artist and track title on the record respectively lent a three-letter and N-letter abbreviation, we'll leave it to you to piece together the puzzle as regards to whose source material is being reworked here. On this occasion, the hired hands are Massimo Voci, M.B. Funk, Wandevogel and Legowelt, each of whose takes on the various steam-downs and sweat lodgings of the genius genre that is Italo amount to four farther, slammingly sexual condensations of the sound. Our fave has to be Vandevogel's version of 'PRNDLCS', which starts out dramatically downcast before launching into a well-placed implantation of baritone sax and *bonne brisse* vocals.

Review: Rocksteady Disco welcomes Dennis Liber & Lex for a standout debut here. Their four-tracker captures the magic of musical nights spent down in Mexican hotspot Tulum with organic and airy grooves aplenty. 'Una Sera D'Estate' (feat Max Giovara) exodus late-night warmth and loved-up vibes with its melodic bassline and disco-tinged house drums. 'End Of The Line' is more lively but is no less direct with its big drums and pointed bass phrasings. Liber then goes solo for the dreamy, Italo-tinged yet tropical 'Playa Eden' and wonderfully escapist closer 'Hidden Island' complete with Balearic beats and the sound of singing dolphins.

Review: Tapping vocalist Latrell James on Bostonian vox duties, Live A Little dishes out a deep 12" and promises to deliver it straight to our doors, not unlike pizza delivery. Across a woodfired record, we're assured we've "got it good", with an initial "get it, get it, good" sample rounding out a ferrety lead beat, as "cribs" and "crooks" are further concept-checked by James. Caserta flips the A with a melodious meander on the B-side, lifting the record from its opening certis of loose-slung 4x4s and haggard textures for a reversion that brightens, smoothens and softens everything out, as if to say, "chop-chop!".

Review: Former Paper Recordings artist Sophie Lloyd apparently started working on "Calling Out" whilst gripped by the January blues. Her intention was simply to make "happy music". To that end, she turned to her gospel roots. The results, shared here on 7" single for the first time, are little less than spectacular. With collaborator Dames Brown in tow, Lloyd's vocals - accompanied by a gospel choir, of course - simply soar above a jaunty, piano-heavy track rich in live instrumentation. It sits somewhere between traditional gospel, house and disco, with a flipside instrumental brilliantly showcasing the quality of the instrumentation throughout. The piano solos, in particular, are breathlessly good.

Review: LUXXURY's 'Reworks Volume 7' serves up irresistible disco edits, transforming classics into fresh, dancefloor-ready versions with a signature flair. Opening with 'Is It Real, Now?', LUXXURY reimagines Empire of the Sun's 'Walking on a Dream' into a more melodic and expansive experience, adding layers that amplify its epic feel. On 'Rap Chore', Blondie's 'Rapture' is slowed down to a funky, slick groove, highlighted by a smooth guitar riff that enhances its iconic cool factor. Side-2 kicks off with 'Groove Prove', a classy, disco-infused take on Madonna's 'Get Into The Groove', capturing the catchy energy of the 80s with a fresh twist. Finally, 'Disco 82' brings a late-night Latin-inspired vibe that's perfect for setting the mood as the night unfolds. Each track offers LUXXURY's unique touch, making this collection of edits a must for fans of inventive and stylish disco reworks.

Review: Detroit-raised, London-based Demi Riquisimo assembles a dynamic mix of label favourites and fresh talent on Love State, the 22nd release from his Semi Delicious imprint. This six-track V/A hears offerings from Demi himself alongside Clint, Swoose, Lulah Francs, Dukwa, Anastasia Zem & Asa Tate, blending club modernity with classic analogue dance influences, sampling every sonic cate from Italo to tech house. Best among the bunch has to be Swoose's 'Re/Vision' and Anastasia Zems' 'Eternal Beauty', which bring together wasted electro, Italian new beat and trance for well-measured tinctures of dreaminess.

Review: Nina Simone's rendition of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' stands as a definitive interpretation of this jazz standard, with her distinct, soulful style infusing the track with fresh charm. Originally recorded in 1957, the song gained new life decades later, reaching the UK top ten in 1987 after it appeared in a perfume commercial. Simone's piano work shines, blending playful syncopation with bluesy phrasing, while her voice adds an intimate, deeply expressive layer. Her version transformed this classic into a timeless, iconic piece, reintroducing her genius to a new generation and solidifying her lasting influence in jazz.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Small scratches and surface marks on records; label defect on disc 1, side B***


Vick Lavender presents a captivating journey through soulful house music with 'The Time Traveler'. This double LP is a testament to Lavender's deep understanding of the genre, seamlessly blending classic influences with a contemporary edge. From the infectious grooves of '4-11' and 'A Space Love Affair' to the hypnotic rhythms of 'Acid Outpost' and 'Archive 80', the album is a masterclass in soulful house production. Lavender's collaborations with Ammawhat and Angel-A add further depth and dimension, while tracks like 'Misty' and '1981' showcase his ability to craft emotive and atmospheric soundscapes. The extended mixes on Side 3 and 4 provide extended journeys into Lavender's sonic world, highlighting his skills as a DJ and remixer. This is a must-have for any house music enthusiast, a timeless collection that will transport you to the dancefloor and beyond.

Review: Vick Lavender presents a captivating journey through soulful house music with 'The Time Traveler'. This double LP is a testament to Lavender's deep understanding of the genre, seamlessly blending classic influences with a contemporary edge. From the infectious grooves of '4-11' and 'A Space Love Affair' to the hypnotic rhythms of 'Acid Outpost' and 'Archive 80', the album is a masterclass in soulful house production. Lavender's collaborations with Ammawhat and Angel-A add further depth and dimension, while tracks like 'Misty' and '1981' showcase his ability to craft emotive and atmospheric soundscapes. The extended mixes on Side 3 and 4 provide extended journeys into Lavender's sonic world, highlighting his skills as a DJ and remixer. This is a must-have for any house music enthusiast, a timeless collection that will transport you to the dancefloor and beyond.