Takeshi Kouzuki is back on Alley Version with this superb four-tracker EP. House music at its best, starting from the basics laid out by Chi-masters like Larry Heard, Marshall Jefferson, liquefied in the typical mesmeric touch of this Japanese legend.
Nothing Was There presetns one previously released track and a new exclusive version, plus two The Owl Rippin’ tracks.
Rawax presents Ron Allen and Hayden Andrew Brown aka VOICES, with a reissue of “Give Me Your Body” (12″) from 1990 on Chiwax Classic Edition.
Chicago underground legend Mark Grusane presents ”Take Me” on his own Disctechno imprint, a proper 12” single featuring vocals from DJ Saucy Lady, the Beantown Disco Queen. The lead single uses a driving bassline, infectious synth fills and filtered arps and pads to build up an electrified disco heater with sweat-soaked NRG. Saucy Lady’s seductive, dubbed out vocals bounce off the walls with a repeating mantra of ”just take me” and spoken words from a creature of the night, backed by her harmonizing ooh’s and aah’s. This combination sounds something like Bobby O locked in a Chicago basement during a heatwave with nothing but a fog machine and broken A/C for company. On the B-Side, disco wizard Rahaan reworks the lead single with a ”Psychedelic Dub” that layers the sounds of machine funk synth sweeps and disorienting tweaks for a mesmerizing take on the lead single. On either side of the record are also the Dub Instrumental and Accappella versions – versatile tools for freaking out any dancefloor.
Phonogramme Records announce the upcoming release of Taelue’s highly anticipated EP, “Dark Worlds”. This exclusive, limited edition marbled vinyl EP is a five-track masterpiece that showcases Taelue’s exceptional talent and deep connection to the roots of house music, offering listeners a journey through rich, immersive soundscapes and infectious rhythms. “Dark Worlds” is a masterful collection that highlights Taelue’s signature style, blending deep house grooves with soulful undertones. Each track on the EP stands as a testament to his skillful production and unique artistic vision. Among the standout tracks is a stunning remix by the renowned artist Abacus, adding a fresh and dynamic layer to the EP.
Stefan Ringer returns with a new EP which us designed for “dancing in the dark.” It comes on FWM Entertainment on a nice hand-stamped 12″ that opens up with ‘Hypnosis’ which is stepped in sublime chords and detailed with Ringer’s own vocals. ‘Echo Chamber’ is a more immediate rhythm with an atonal melody and loopy bass then ‘Nasty’ explores a fresh take on the classic Chicago jack style with hefty drums and stabbed synths that amp up the party. the varied vibes continue with ‘Slanted House’ which takes the energy out and allow you to relax in the refined chords and closer ‘Sweet Chariot’ is a smooth end to a terrific EP.
Mystic Bill’s deep house favourite ‘U Won’t C Me’ receives a remix from German electronic innovator Stefan Braatz on Nu Groove. Originally released on the legendary Strictly Rhythm and acquired by Luke Solomon’s Classic Music Company in 2015, this seminal deep house record remains a firm favourite of house heads in the know and is a shining example of the genre. This five-track Nu Groove outing features the original ‘U Won’t C Me’ alongside Jake’s Savage Acid Re-Dub from the mind of NYC’s Jake Reif, as well as the original B-Side ‘Like A Dream In The Night’. Joining these seminal tracks is the new Panic Remix from Stefan Braatz, incorporating his reverence for the deep house genre into a striking club-ready remix that ups the tempo and bewilders with thoughtful synthwork at every turn, as well as the headsy and hypnotic Panic Dub built for the backroom.
Step into the realm of legends with the extraordinary “This Thing EP” by Lukas Lyrestam & Simoncino featuring the iconic Robert Owens and remixes by legendary Mr. Fingers and Chez Damier. A convergence of past and future legends, this EP is a testament to the timeless magic of house music. Lukas Lyrestam & Simoncino’s original creation, “This Thing,” featuring the soulful vocals of Robert Owens, sets the stage for a sonic journey. Mr Fingers and Chez Damier, two of the most revered names in the game, lend their remixing prowess to elevate “This Thing” to new heights. The result is an EP that captures the essence of both classic and contemporary sounds, a true testament to the enduring legacy of these musical giants.
As we approach the threshold leading us back to the Black Lodge on our transformative 8th journey, we are escorted through and beyond the mystical portal by the vigorous and fierce forces of Sneaker. ‘Portrait in House’ is a collection of 3 resonant works, which are unified into a singular vision within its uncanny language that is rooted deeply in the foundations of Jak, New Beat, EBM, and Wave. Existing inside the liminal spaces of where light meets dark, we are presented with a documentation of dissonance and harmony.
Boo Williams continues to hone and refine his very particular ”cosmic house” sound. As usual you’ll hear masterfully crafted deep house cuts that take you on a journey thru outer (and) innerspace.
Classic DJ Rush in the rebound. Rawax annouce 3 releases by the Chicago Legend on Chiwax Classic Edition. The first one is the former Dance Mania bomb from 1991 called “Childs Play”.
Nu Groove presents ‘Anybody Out There / 20 Paces From The Moon’, a package celebrating the work of Marshall Jefferson as Jungle Wonz, featuring two fresh mixes from the legendary Mike Dunn and Steve Mac.
Chicago icon and Disctechno label head Mark Grusane teams up again with Detroit-based Eric Schwab for a second volume of the Midwest Rhythms series with four versatile house tracks. The A1 ‘Easy Strider’ uses low-slung skittering drum patterns, a classic FM bass walk and a touch of 303. ‘Acid Hole’ layers a tension-building acidic pulse over a jacking 707 beat and spacey effects and fills. On the B-side, “You’re In Danger” combines dissonant pads, plucky synth and bass lines, and warbled verbal warnings. The record concludes with Eric’s reconstructed version of the title track from Mark’s 2023 album, “A House of My Own,” using assorted gear to bring new colors to a modern Chicago house classic.”
DimDj is a legendary figure of the Greek electronic music scene. After establishing his reputation as an excellent DJ already since the 90’s, he continued to grow his personal myth with the delicate production of a wide variety of singles and EP’s. Following his many releases in various labels worldwide (Mathematics, Alley Version, June, TH Tar Hallow, Lower Parts, Anopolis Records), he now delivers a mini-LP for To Pikap Records. Chicago house blends with Detroit’s Afrofuturism and 707 grooves meet warm melodies, acid basslines and jazzy leads. Six tracks of pure dancefloor mental wellness by Thessaloniki’s 303 maestro.
Third outing by Utrecht’s Böhm on M>O>S Recordings. As always, a beautiful collection of warm, jacking, bleep-y, deep house. Reminiscing to good old times, 90’s Chicago house, early 00’s UK bleep techno, it all feels very much at home on M>O>S.
ManooZ on Chiwax with Juno Dreams EP. This release is for those smoother out chill-out house sessions on the dancefloor. The title track is a future classic, dreamy, like early 90s Italian ambient house. ‘Boxin’ With GOD’ is melodic and nice while ‘Galaxies’ is more soulful but still deep. A bit more upbeat and techy you could say. ‘Glow’ is possibly the most underrated here, lovely track! Overall, the Juno Dreams EP is a solid EP that is sure to please fans of deep house, ambient house and Balearic styled house music. Smooth and cool is the order of the day.
Stefan Braatz returns to Nu Groove with a four-track EP showcasing his timeless sound. Opening the EP is the eponymous track ‘Outlaw’, featuring vocals from Chicago house pioneer Harry Dennis. As Braatz’s relentless synth energy powers through, Dennis’s unmistakeable free flow guides the composition with ease. What follows are three solo tracks that summarise the Berlin expert’s opposition to the genre restraints; ‘Conversation’ opens a dialogue between synth strings and piano that loops in ecstasy, while ‘Dingy Thoughts’ and ‘One More Dream’ are darker club cuts that bubble with intensity in the lower registers.
