Back catalogue: Minimal/Tech House

Review: This new 12" on Aliens On Wax declares that Chicago Jack Is Back and we are fine with that. The raw, early, street wise sounds of the Windy City are still some of the best house has ever given rise to and that is encapsulated across four new cuts from Gettoblaster and two collaborators. First it's Baggi on 'Throwin' Down' (feat Chip E) then it's Terry Mullan on 'Armando's Ghost'. The flipside has the solo cuts though both feature house legends Chip E and Joe Smooth making this the most authentic package of jack you will have heard in some time.

Review: Phonogramme Recordings compere five sweet but breathy jam-house bits from producer Taelue, overseeing the highly anticipated new EP that is 'Dark Worlds'. From the opening, downcast kicks and singing wine glasses of 'Wistful' - full of wist - to the nominal sequel 'Wistful (An Abacus Story)', a much trickier, more swung version of the prior track, to which only more considered listens reveal a relation, we find ourselves already in for a moody yet relaxing treat. The B-side ekes a jam-packed marrow from the A-sides otherwise fleshy bone, erring more on lo-fi; 'Deviancy' and 'Scythe' echo Delroy Edwards with their twin skittish, muted movements, whilst the B3 reprise of 'Wistful' homes in on the lone backing for the establishing number.

Review: TODDSONIC33's Yes EP on Hot Biscuit Recordings is a fresh take on classic disco vocals, transformed into a modern Chicago house sound with a deep house twist. Side-1 starts off with 'Yes,' a track that features a jackin' beat blended with post-disco vibes. The result is an exciting track that captures the essence of both eras, creating a rhythmic pulse that drives the dancefloor. On Side-22, 'Make Me A Woman' and 'Deesko Music' continue the exploration of High NRG disco vocals within the Chicago house framework. 'Deesko Music' stands out for its innovative use of vocal samples, skillfully integrating them into the Chicago house sound in a way that feels both fresh and natural. TODDSONIC33's approach to blending these vocal elements with deep, groove-heavy beats is both classy and distinctive, offering a new perspective on how disco can be reimagined in the house genre. This EP is a standout example of how classic sounds can be innovatively updated for modern audiences. These will bring a different and original peak to dancefloor madness.

Review: Tyree is one of the early house artists from Chicago who played his part in shaping the hip-house sub genre, with its big beast, big vocal samples and plenty of attitude. Here his 'Acid Over' cut is served up on a new 12" from Chicago Vinyl with three different mixes. The first finds self-certified House Gangster DJ Sneak serving up a raw and rolling, loopy and frenzied remix that never quits. 'Acid Over' (Acid Over 23) is brilliantly cut up and manic with acid vocals and thudding house drums. Last of all comes Hugo's Piano Re cut version with its woody 909 drum sounds and mad whistles.