George from Heerd returns to the Stomping Grounds label, this time marking his debut under his new solo project George Heerd with the Acid Garden EP. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of UK tech house while adding modern touches, George crafts an EP that reminisces about the early 2000s while embracing a contemporary twist.
Underground hero and label boss DJ Steaw makes his Nu Groove debut with ‘Seascape EP’, a four-track odyssey of deep, soulful house. Opening with the powerful stabs of ‘Take It There’, ‘Seascape EP’ explores the producer’s signature, bass-heavy sound as well as the myriad of influences from further afield. The title track ‘Seascape’ contrasts breathy pads with bright, dynamic percussion, as ‘Close To You’ and ‘Exotica’ further demonstrate a recognisable, nostalgic aesthetic that is both club-ready and dreamlike in quality.
Frits Wentink, known for his eclectic blend of house, techno, and experimental sounds, with his third release for the Clone Royal Oak series. Frits comes up with a 4 track EP with his signature intricate rhythms, lush melodies, and playful approach to production. Resulting in warm deep house tracks ready for the inbound springtime.
Contrafact welcomes back Dutch icon and studio wizard, Orlando Voorn, who brings a fresh new sound with his second contribution to the label – a double vinyl album entitled ‘The Master 2’. On this long player we see Orlando delivering an album that flips the switch, moving through different shades of jazzy house, soulful funk, but still very much in Detroit zone. It’s an infectious mix of debonair soul and hi-tech jazzism injected with Voorn’s versatile palette of deep dynamics, next-level machine talk and otherworldly funk. Staying true to the velveteen house vibrations that’ve been the driving force to his seminal records through nearly three decades of mythology, Voorn drops a textbook sample of his lush and unhindered vision for innovative and soul inspiring music. This album rolls up its sleeves and pulls out a potent artillery of foot shuffling jazzy house beats, intricate drum work, and some bleached-out synths that will wash away all those the winter blues.
Cyphon Recordings presents a three-tracks electronic journey showcasing exactly why Kirk Degiorgio has sustained the level he has for so long. A melodic richness and tactile makeup, whereby Kirk’s tracks more than move your limbs, but rather meld directly to your heart.
The second part of Boo Williams’ double release on Sushitech’s sub label Pariter, ‘Day Rise’, is definitely more upbeat of the two but it’s a subtle distinction – it’s certainly not full of 4AM bangers designed to keep you awake until the busses start running again. ‘Talley Up’ is a very straight forward affair, circling around a two note synth riff and gradually building percussion. ‘The Take Over’ is similarly spritely, another builder with crashing cymbals, jazzy chords and drum machine tumbles steadily building an insurmountable wall of funkiness. Breezy, bumping closer ‘Teleport’ completes the set, meaning three ultra-handy, raw but sophisticated tunes that house and techno DJs alike will find slipping into their sets with a natural ease.
Chicago second generation house hero Boo Williams joining the roster with a two-part release for Sushitech’s sub label Pariter. The first part, ‘Night Fall’, features three tracks, all of which fit the mold of early evening classics. ‘Acid Matrix’ has an early Detroit feel to its raw machine handclap snares and panther-like, stalking bassline, while ‘Deep Tech’ might be geographically closer to late 80s, early 90s Yorkshire, a compulsive funkiness emerging from its bleepcentric soundscape. ‘Service Chamber’ is sleeker and more mellow, telephone dial tones spiralling off into the ether while tinkling, xylophone-sounded keys play hypnotically. Choice, quality material that will help any DJ to subtly pick the pace up as the sun falls.
Brasilian Producer Apoena kicks off 2024 in style for Hudd Traxx. “Pure Feeling” opens up proceedings in a deep and hypnotic style. “Rico Balanço” follows in a similar vain oozing with raw Berlin vibes, which is where Apoena currently resides. The B side features “In between The Beat” and the title track “Mystic” which are melodic trippy groovers for early hour vibes.
Colombian producer Felipe Gordon returns to the Razor-N-Tape catalog for his 3rd EP. It’s a signature FG affair, from start to finish with deep jazz house chuggers like Homage to Bossa and Flutes of Gold, to the wistful and mysterious energy of Beside Me and the arpeggiated synth stomper Acid Party at Santa Barbara.
Phonogramme presents “Dey Know Vol.1,” a groundbreaking soundscape of Byron the Aquarius, where innovation meets house music in a mesmerizing fusion. Renowned for his avant-garde approach in the house music genre, Byron curates an EP that pushes the boundaries of house music. From the infectious beats of “Black Is Black” with the collaboration of Brandon Banks on “Dr. Devil,” each track is a testament to Byron’s unique artistic vision. “Real MF From The Avenue” and “Rock That 808!!!” featuring Jordan GCZ further amplify the EP’s genre-defying brilliance.
Earth Boys, the collaborative force of Michael Sherburn and Julian Duron, reemerges on Public Release with their latest EP, ‘In the Sun.’ Their signature raw and smoke-infused sound is as rugged as ever, reaffirming the unmistakable Earth Boys touch. The lead single gets a hypnotic tweaky groove courtesy of an Eden Burns remix—perfect for setting the stage for a peak-time build—while Tokyo’s Mayurashka offers a deep and contemplative atmospheric chugger. This 5-track EP is perfect for a spectrum of cheeky activities on and off the dance floor.
Boo Williams is back with a sizzling 4-track EP on Phonogramme Records that’s set to ignite your dancefloor with his tripping house, spaced out, and classy beats. Williams’ signature sound combines classic rhythms with cutting-edge innovation, creating an irresistible blend of nostalgia and modernity. Each track is a testament to Boo Williams’ exceptional talent, promising a dynamic mix of deep, soulful, and electrifying house music, all with that tripping house, spaced out, and classy touch.
Deeptrax presents Deepseries 1.3, the latest installment in their Deep compilation series featuring friends and family of the label. This atmospheric EP showcases the distinct sounds of Deeptrax, bringing together a curated selection of tracks that define the label’s sonic universe. Tracks from Caim, Mathijs Smit, Joey Anderson, Rich P & Lee and Pim Holthof.
Jordan GCZ is back on Rawax, after the Dizzy Dizzy Dizzy release from earlier in 2023. The machine-jamming maestro is at his best dealing in cosmically-charged techno, and that’s exactly what he delivers on this latest record. ‘Polyphonic Glide’ is swathed in mysterious pads and soulful leads which offset the steady-trucking drive of the drums beautifully. ‘Why So Serious’ is a subtly bumping cut with a hazy, after hours atmosphere, while ‘Sunny Side Up’ deals in squashed funk and sparkling arps before ‘Undercurrent’ takes us home on a bed of celestial synth tones and submerged rhythms. The consistent feel of the record makes it a true delight to melt into – a techno record for sure dreamers.
Chiwax presents another outstanding release by Boo Williams. “Tribute To Chicago” is Boo’s hommage to the Capital City of House Music, their artists and his hometown.
After releasing heavyweights like Patrice Scott and Dego, Forbidden Dance Records continues its story with a new release from Chicago don Specter with a 4-track EP.
Prolific producer Felipe Gordon back on Royal Oak with his signature deepness. Joined on remix duties by Byron the Aquarius for two versions of ‘No Words’ for different vibes.
After two years of silence, Downbeat comes back with an old friend of the label. DaRand Land releases a new vinyl on the label from Madrid and he is fit as a fiddle. This underground music hero presens 4 synthetic deep house tracks with all those elements that are already an original brand: Hypnotic vibes with warm and smooth synth lines, silky pads and dubby basslines, This whisper from the lake EP will be immediately loved by the label followers because is exactly what the label is. Atmospheric and erotic midtempo house that represents perfectly the sound of Downbeat.
One Level presents Aleqs Notal’s upcoming EP ‘Big Tal’s Elements’ – four carefully curated house joints by the Paris-based DJ and producer. The release encapsulates a wealth of influences combined to create a modern and innovative soundtrack. Producer, DJ, and founding member of the innovative ClekClekBoom collective Aleqs Notal has continued to cultivate a sound that’s rooted in the sonics of Detroit and Chicago. Here he gives a taste of his upcoming EP ‘Big Tal’s Elements’ with ‘Untwisted Delight’, a homage to the timeless sound of the Motor City. A bass-driven DJ tool, pulsating with the resonance of the 808, evoking echoes of Pittman, and igniting a powerful dancefloor energy.
New album from Theo Parrish & Maurissa Rose arrives on his own Sound Signature label. Hard to define, rule breaking and game-changing producer Theo Parrish is back with another of his challenging and superlative albums. This one is a collaboration with Maurissa Rose that true sooth the soul. It’s full of his usual deadly grooves, shamanistic percussive layers and jazz energies with plenty of his famous luscious, meditative loops. Add in the smooth vocals of Rose – which come in the form of a soulful stream of consciousness – and you have yet another unique album from this true maverick of the form.
The Hipodrome Of Music 