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Enrico Mantini - Changes EP [Sweetleaf Recordings]

This is the first release on Enrico’s new label Sweetleaf and things get all deep and techy straight from the off. “Be Quiet” revolves around synthesised beats and stabby synths while “Dirty Dancing” goes ultra deep with a really moody vibe that switches back and forth between deep and techy throughout. Fans of labels such as Prog City, Cabrio and Pata de Perro should certainly check this out.

Kenny Thomas - Keep The Fires Burning [Soul Fi]

There are two angles on this one for me, firstly I've always loved the song and used to play the Gwen McRae version frequently in my sets. As far as the vocalist goes, I remember picking up Kenny's version of "Outstanding" (I think it was in 1990) and I still play it regularly nearly two decades on. It's hard to go wrong when you have a great song and an amazing vocalist. Add some classy production and I'm not sure what else anyone could ask for.

Sharon Pass & Greg Gibbs - Call My Name [Peppermint Jam]

Five years on from it’s first release on Ruff ‘n’ Tuff, this vocal number featuring two exceptional talents, best known for their work with Steve “Silk” Hurley on his Silk Entertainment label. Many of you will remember “The Word Is Love” and “The Glow of Love” which were both highly acclaimed at the time. This time around, with the exception of Richard Earnshaw’s versions, I’m not sure that the production sits that comfortably with the vocals. Shik Stylko and Syke & Sugarstarr have both delivered electro tinged versions and while there’s nothing wrong with the music, I’d just prefer to hear the vocals against a more soulful backdrop. My pick of the mixes is “Richard Earnshaw’s Reprise” which along with his “Main Mix” and “Instrumental” are more sympathetic to the talents of the vocalists.

Serious Man - To Paris [Concorde Avenue]

Dominated by soothing chords, this is the sort of deep house music that’s perfectly suited to a warm up set or a bar environment. It’s a real mood builder and the sampled airport announcement for the BA flight to, you guessed it, Paris is a stroke of genius.

Beatz Kinetic - Push The Fader [Duffnote]

Catchy and most enjoyable; here’s a track that has a simple formula. You can expect crisp beats, and an electronic vibe that seems to have one foot in the early 80s, with the other in the vocal house camp. There are three vocal mixes, a dub and four instrumentals within the package and so far it’s the piano fuelled “Richard Earnshaw Dub” that’s really fired my enthusiasm. No matter which of the vocal mixes you favour, it’s an infectious track that I can see as a bit of a “hands in the air number” in the hands of the right DJ. Right then, I’m off for another whirl around the living room with the dub blasting out loud and the bass cranked up!

Daniel Kyo - Silvered [Next Dimension]

This is a particularly atmospheric track with a package of mixes that should cover off most types of venue. Whilst all of the mixes are on point, I’ve been most impressed by the “Andrew Chibale Mix” which is, in my opinion, the deepest of the mixes. I also like the way that all the remixers have managed to preserve sufficient elements from the “Original” to keep the track recognisable. In terms of appeal, this should work for those of you who like a sound that takes you from the lounge towards a deep tech groove.

Beppe Gioia & Thomas Toccafondi - Togetherness EP [Sofitone]

Whenever I see’s Beppe’s name in the credits for a track, I’m always eager to check it out. The craftsmanship in his music is always impeccable and this EP does not break with that tradition. The title track, “Togetherness” has shuffling beats, guitars and a blend of keys that could soothe even the most splitting headache. “Being Alone” is a little edgier with accordians and ethnically influenced percussion. Finally, “Ethereal Drums” is a percussive track with piano and synths combined with accoustic guitars and memorable percussion.

Fleetside - The Beginning [Shanghai Sessions]

The track is most noticeable for an electronic bassline that’s reminiscent of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love”. That though, is where the similarity ends: You can expect driving rhythms and a tough edge from a track that’s been constructed very much with a peaktime floor in mind. It’s an interesting track, and even though it’s much tougher than the tracks I normally play, I find it very easy to listen to.

Ross Couch - Second Nature EP [Body Rhythm]

Here’s another three tracks from Ross Couch whose work I have come to admire over the last couple of years. “A New System” uses classic old school synths that take me back to Kevin Saunderson’s work twenty years ago while the percussion and bass have just what it takes to get the floor moving. “Dive In” is next up with more crisp beats and interesting keyboards before “Woman” finishes things off . There are more driving rhythms, atmospheric synths, infectious keys and female vocals. The tracks all strike a clever balance that allows them to work for differing audiences. The melodies are strong enough for mildly commercial audiences while there’s sufficient depth and authenticity for the more discerning punter.

Salvatore Agrosi - Elsewhere EP [Cyberjamz]

Cyberjamz bring you two more deep tracks that keep you on your toes from the opening beats right through until the end. “The Fate” gets underway with crisp enticing beats that provide the backdrop to lovely chords. There’s an analogue bassline which provides a bit of punch but despite this track the track still has a mellow kind of vibe. “Type The Word” is also on balance fairly mellow but sharpens things up with some more striking keys and female vocal snippets while the softer chords make you feel warm all over.

DJ Eddie Ed Cruz - Across My Mind [I Music Underground]

The two tracks included could hardly be more different; “Groove Attack” goes for the jugular with penetrating rhythms and fierce synths while “Across My Mind” is a more laid back affair with jazzy flutes and accoustic guitars. It’s the latter that’s proved to be my choice of the two which should come as no surprise since I tend to favour the laid back tunes these days.

SAMBOX - Need You Everyday [Concorde Avenue]

I love the rhythms on this one, they just the right pace and roll along nicely but it‘s really all about the awesome rhodes. With some subtle horns and guitars very much in the background, in drop some melodic female vocals to finish the job. Nice!

Arnaud G ft MJ White - I’m Africa [Music Plan Trax]

Built around the stunning falsetto vocals of MJ White, this is available in four versions with my favourite being the “Deep Mix”. There’s a wonderful analogue bassline to go with the punchy percussion and an old school blend of synths. No Age Combo provide both vocal and instrumental mixes with the “Venu D’Afrique Mix” going even deeper with tribal beats and a sparse style.

Jim Shimmer - Mind Over Matter EP [Guess Records]

Can you imagine Detroit techno meets the early 80s synthesiser sound of Depeche Mode, Ultra ox (pre Midge Ure) and Joy Divison then add in a touch of progressive and ambient? If the answer is yes then you‘ve only just scratched the surface of what‘s going on within the four tracks of this EP. If the answer is no, then you’ll just have to listen to understand it for yourself. There are four tracks of which my picks are “Expansion” and “X Tension”, the first of which is early 80’s synth disco esque and the second almost a modern take on the Detroit sound from the end of the 80’s. Striking stuff!

all reviews by Dean Serafini unless otherwise stated