New releases last eight weeks: Progressive House

Review: he North Macedonia label Pirka releases its fifth album and features four excellent tracks by the longtime producer Vincent Casanova. Things begin with the addictive melodic burner 'Mikey's Attic", which has a great balance of being futuristic with being retro enough to get everyone to the dancefloor. 'Euphoria' is bit more reserved but deeper. The track sneaks up on you as rhythmic elements continue to change and evolve under this excellent bassline. The track is carefree and fun that makes for an enjoyable time. On Side two, 'Strike' is more up-tempo jam that we cannot get enough of while 'Lush Void' might be our favorite of the bunch. This spacey romp into the cosmos is not only beautiful but it feels in constant motion like you are on a magic carpet ride. This EP has something for everyone!

Review: For the first time ever, Basic Spirit has enlisted an artist who isn't in-house to contribute to its fine catalogue. And there is no one finer for that honour than Fantastic Man, a legend in the game with a fantastically fresh sound no matter what style he turns his hand to. He kicks off with 'Spiritual Guidance' which is pacey, spacey house music with real synth serenity. 'The Beach' brings broken beats and sot acid manoeuvres next to rueful piano chords. 'Novara' then appears twice on the flip in two different versions - a Progressive Fantasy which lifts you off your feet and takes you amongst the stars, and a darker and more moody Progressive Mindfuck.

Review: Under the border umbrella of the Yoyaku crew, Kord El makes a strong debut appearance with this first EP on Superbanger. The vibe on the record is instantly detectable as balmy, trippy tech house which stays on the subtle side of the trance spectrum and lets the groove take centre stage. 'Kryptonight' is a swirling, hazy mind warp peppered with samples and hypnotic chimes, anchored by the warmest of basslines. 'Grammy' is a slightly techier, dubbier affair for when the party's fired up a notch, and 'Stereo Solitude' plays around with breaks in a delicate fashion for maximum rolling effect. 'Phantone Zone' slips a little 303 into the soup, and makes it sound wholly natural in another prime slice of contemporary wigged-out house.

Review: Josh Ludlow shows that he knows a thing or two about crafting superb arps and lush prog house records with this new outing on Nocturne Music. 'Mindways' is a brilliantly colourful opener with neon lines and bubbling sequences over fleshy drums. 'Touch' channels a bit of Metro Area style nu-disco production with its cowbells, textured bassline and late-night allure, and 'A Little Love' then gets more deep cut and steamy with some sensuous vocals and vast, pillowy kicks. Last of all is the more textural and raw tech-disco stepper 'Diska Tek!' to complete the package.

Review: Plenty of dark disco's finest practitioners come together on this new 12" on Iptamenos Discos, with Psycho Weazel serving up the original tune. They are two producers from Switzerland who mix up indie-dance, cold wave, breakbeat and EBM. Here they offer 'Mains D'Argile' featuring Curses which has sweeping, widescreen synths bring a retro feel to a stiff, kinetic beat. The wonderful Marvin & Guy offer an extended mix for extra long club fun and then it is Local Suicide who guests on 'Matra Murena' which brings a perfect mix of light and dark to stark grooves, and Rafael Cerato remixes to close out the package.

Review: London-based artist and Semi Delicious label head Demi Riquisimo brings some peak time future tech inspiration to his new Windows 95 Anthem EP on Higher Ground. He has already dropped signature sounds on Ninja Tune, DJ Tennis' Life & Death and collaborated with Carlita, UNKLE and TSHA, so is very much a man of the moment. In this EP he leans on Italo and acid for his melodic licks which are high speed and glossy as they surge over crispy beats and retro-future keys. Chloe Caillet and Spray also add their own remixes to this tidy new 12".

Review: Sasha's Fleuron Drift epitomises classic progressive house, showcasing his expertise in the genre. The original track features a strong melodic build and consistent energy throughout, captivating listeners with its dynamic progression. On the B-side, the remixes kick off with Theo Kottis' remix injects a more upbeat and trance-like vibe, with futuristic and techy elements. The growling bassline adds intensity, while a melodic break and tension release keep the energy flowing. In contrast, Kassian's remix takes a more minimal approach, focusing on groove. Stripping back the layers, it emphasizes rhythm and movement, creating a hypnotic atmosphere that draws listeners into its depths. Overall, Fleuron Drift and its remixes offer a diverse range of sounds and styles, staying true to the essence of classic progressive house.

Review: As the artist alias kind of suggests, Abyssy takes a deep dive into the unknown depths of the human spirit. It finds the artist returning to Simona Faraone's label after several years and finds him exploring electronic sounds of the 70s and 80s, blending Berlin school minimalism with Detroit techno's soul and funk. It is a record that ranges in mood and tempo as it heads into oceanic depths where wispy pads and chattery percussive patterns collide in unusual ways. It's a largely abstract album of unusual sound designs and genuine electronic discovery that often has you wondering just how certain abounds have been made.