Minimal / Tech House

Review: Oliver Moon introduces the Dancing With Strangers record label, alongside good friend and fellow DJ/Producer Paul Louth aka Agile Kind - who inaugurates the label here. While it may have been a long time between drinks for the veteran DJ on the production front (he's intermittently created music under aliases like Water Walk and Soulfish over the years) he proves that slow and steady wins the race on the "Pyramid EP". The emotive vibe of early '90s British IDM and US techno-soul is eminent throughout. From the sensual deepness of the title track or B side cut "Mime" which are reminiscent of classics by the likes of DaRandLand, not to mention the full throttle rework by legend Kirk Degiorgio under the As One moniker on the flip.

Review: Mannheim's Sukhumvit returns after a little time out to focus on brother imprints such as NCSS and Yaji Project, with a release by Mancunian Josh Baker who's on duty for this orange beauty, delivering four fresh cuts for the dancefloor - no remix needed! Four strong cuts on "EP Y": from the ethereal hypnotism of A side cut "In Two Minds" followed by the tough rolling funk attack of "Barge Deluxe" and its subtle French touch (think Djebali!). On the flip, standout track "Laid Back Trax" with it bumpy and swing-fuelled groove hammers the message home in style. Tip!

Review: Following a sterling first drop from Nick Holder, Selections return in fine style with this EP from Tobi Danton. This is proper deep house in the modern mode - crisp beats and silky smooth synth lines shot through with a spaced-out attitude. Just tune in to "That's Right" and find yourself transported to the dancefloor of your dreams. "1988" is equally light and limber, with a classy vocal sample heralding the Chicago roots of the music, while "Last Dance" takes on a more anthemic tone with its strong melodic core and uplifting bump. Kevin Over comes on board for a remix of "Last Dance" that treats the original with care, edging some 90s motifs, dubby flourishes and a tougher jack into the mix without losing that hazy mood.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: Vigenere is creating a mysterious vibe with its obscure collaborative releases, but the music speaks for itself as it plots a course through deeper realms of the dance. After contributing to the first release, Malin Genie is back and seemingly flying solo for a more direct trip into dubby techno territory - that's certainly the vibe on opening immersion heater "Eschaton". "Drain" has a more tripped out minimal flavour with the after hours in mind, while "Venus" swaps moody atmospheres out for a hazy shuffler peppered with slices of warm instrumentation. "Elara" brings things full circle with another crooked dub-out to bring eyelids down heavy in a state of transcendental bliss.

Review: Colin McGraw's MDA Analog project continues to enjoy a renaissance after more than 20 years of silence, serving up the third instalment of vintage techno with a house-spirited warmth. "Lost But Not Broken" capitalises on some particularly soaring synths to create a uniquely uplifting flavour, while "A Theory Of Everything" takes things deeper with dubby pulses underneath an ear-snagging set of keys. "Mimico Creek" has a particularly playful arrangement marked out by nimble arps and bleeps, and "Scavenger Hunt" completes the set with a punchy rhythm section and yet more plush layers of harmonic interplay.

Review: The always heady Slow Life is back with more of that otherworldly minimal house music, this time from groove futurist Alex Neri. He toys with silky, serene loops and slithers of synth on opener "Redeem" that don't so much race forwards as tread water in beautifully delicate fashion. "Riding Light" is more of a classic house bumper, with knocking drums and bright finger clicks run through with some mind melting bleeps. "Peaceful Warriors" is somewhere in between, with puddles of synth disappearing down below into an oceanic abyss, but also direct, driving house drums that keep you nice and upright. "Cosmic Rain" closes in playful fashion, with dancing drums and perc so nimble and light-footed you'll be hopping like a cat on a hot tin roof. Pure vibes.