Soul Harmonics ft Rachel Claudio - These Times [Jaffa Music]

This track first surfaced on the Jaffa Music EP a few months back and despite new mxes from The Jinks , Alex Dimitri and Shabu it’s the “Edmund Remix” that’s been getting my feet moving. In fact it’s fair to say that the combination of Rachel’s vocals and Edmund’s funky grooves are mighty difficult to resist. The Jinks take things deeper with a synth powered groove while Alex Dimtri goes for a cool beach style vibe. Lastly, Shabu deliver an eclectic broken beat version to complete a truly varied package.

HBSK - Jailhousy [Concorde Avenue]

My first reaction was not as positive as with previous Concorde Avenue releases but I’ve found that this release is very much a grower. Oddly for me I’ve plumped for the most commercial sounding of the mixes which comes from Laurent Schark and clearly has the flavour we’ve come to associate with the French house scene since acts like Daft Punk made their mark over a decade ago. Didier Vanelli runs in a close second with his “Lounge Beach Mix” that’s notable for the sassy brass used throughout. With mixes from Alan Mean and Logan Dataspirit to compliment the original there’s a fair bit of variety to the package and it’s well worth checking out.

Various Artists - Mutations Vol 1 [Mutate]

New label Mutate get things underway with a four track EP which certainly gives cause for optimism when you start to wonder what else they’ve got lined up for us. The tracks are diverse in style which suggests that the label will not be setting out to cater for a narrow audience. The first track from Momentum, “On Your Way” is my favourite with a style that takes me back to circa 93/94 with it’s keyboard style. Unique 3 provide “Song For Rohan” which also has a hint of days gone by about it with old school synths combined with Balearic vibes and guitars. Mad EP deliver a blues guitar fuelled acid vibe called “Acid Jig” which just grabs you by the short and curlies while the fierceness is provided by Si Begg with “Come Correct”.

Ralf Gum ft Wunmi - Brother Like No Other [Gogo Music]

I would put Ralf down as one of the artists of 2008, There are at least two of his releases this year that I just couldn’t bear to be without. This is another excellent release with far too many mixes to mention them all. Whilst I like the vocal versions it’s been the dubs that have really done the damage for me personally. In particular the “Ralf GUM Horn Dub” and “Ralf Gum Minimized Dub” are superb with rhythms that simply force you to dance. Brilliant!

Robert Nimmo ft Robina - Angel [CDR]

It’s a great privilege to preview this, as yet, unsigned release. It was this combination of producer and vocalist that blew me away earlier this year with superb “Fight The Feeling” on EM Recordings so there was a high degree of expectation when this arrived. If you like your house of the vocal variety with strong melodies and pleasing vocals then this should tick all the right boxes. I don’t think it’s quite as instantly appealing as their previous collaboration but Robina’s vocal are particularly effective and the bassline‘s a killer.

Soul Oasis pres Fast Vision Soul - “House Freestyle” [Cyberjamz]

There are two tracks on this release which are both deep laid back offerings and what I would describe as mood building music. It might seem clichéd when I write about labels pushing the envelope, but Cyberjamz does just that with just about every release. You’re not going to find music to a formula that’s set to rock the floor in the cheesy disco uptown or downtown. The music is lovingly crafted for people who understand house and who recognise quality when they hear it. In terms of the tracks themselves, “Me vs. The Music” and “Y O Ba Bu” are seriously deep synth driven numbers with the latter possessing a floor shaker of a bassline.

Soul Oasis pres DJ Aakmael - Darker Moments EP [Cyberjamz]

Following on from the excellent “Deeper Moments EP”, DJ Aamael delivers another four highly desirable tracks to tickle your musical taste buds. “13th Mood” is a deep number with melodic keys and a rumbling bassline that will, at the very least get your toes tapping. “I Dunno” has a combination of percussion and sub bass that will get your ass wiggling, even if you’re sitting down while the tender keys and strings will lift even the darkest of moods. “Afrosohl” is provided in “Aakmixx” and “Aakdubb” with and without vocal. It features amongst other things chord exchanges which remind me of early 90s MAW, albeit much mellower. Very tasty indeed!!

Kyka - Illusions EP [Cabrio]

I keep coming up with superlatives for Cabrio and its sister label Ceremony and its not without good reason. Kyka have delivered another superb example of deep house of the highest order. “Illusions” boasts a thundering bassline that will have the whole neighbourhood shaking if you crank it up at home and is certain to rock just about any dance floor. While that’s going on the synths are dark but subtle as they draw you in. The other two tracks, “Love Impulse” and “The Golden Fish” are also excellent, treading an ambient/progressive deep vibe that I’ve come to enjoy over the last few years.

Mikey Gallagher - Heavyweight [Shanghai Sessions]

There’s a mixture of tribal beats, reggae style vocals and dark synths which on a superficial level remind me of Groove Armada’s “Superstylin”. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t sound like the GA track, it’s just the positive memories it invokes when I hear it. I’m not sure when this is likely to be available but I heartily recommend getting your hands on a copy: it’s dynamite!

Chris B - Infectious EP [Shanghai Sessions]

This is my favourite release so far from Shanghai Sessions. “Infectious” is a deep tech dubby affair: eclectic organs are blended with synths and nagging beats most effectively. “Perfect Motion” firms up the groove and ups the tempo creating what I would call a progressive result. It’s deep enough for those who prefer to avoid the obvious and melodic enough for those who like a bit of a tune. If you liked the instrumental version of “Last Rhythm” this should be right up your street.

Maji & Seraj - Emocion [Next Dimension]

This is another interesting release from a label who seem to push the envelope further with each new release. After the first few bars of the “Original Mix”, I thought I had this sussed; an edgy deep techy track, (or so I thought). Just at that, in drop some gorgeous Spanish guitars that simply sweep away any complacency. The music is deep, and in places the techy vibe doffs its cap at the early 80s but it is also passionate and soulful. HomeGroove Project strike absolute gold with a Balearic bounder of a mix that takes me way back with those keys. Andrew Chibale’s mix is deep and smouldering with a sub bass groove that is worthy of special mention. With further mixes from Alpine Son and Madueno, pretty much every angle short of sticking a hands in the air vocal over it is covered and you wouldn’t want that anyway.

Conan Liquid pres Liquid People - Abstraction & Do You Understand? [Peppermint Jam]

Peppermint Jam continues it’s fine run of form with another strong release from Liquid People’s Conan. First up is “Abstraction” which it’s chunky rhythms and deep atmospheric vibes. The drums are superb on this one while the simple but nagging bass line grabs you by the short and curlies before the synth strings add a lovely flourish. The three DJ tools supplied on the release will certainly appeal to those who like to get creative with their tunes. “Do You Understand” is aimed squarely at the floor with driving beats that make standing still a real challenge while the squelch guitars prove mighty infectious.

Arnaud D ft Donald Sheffey - Show Me Some Love [Soulshine]

This forthcoming release on Soulshine comes in a package that includes five mixes of which two have arrived for me to preview ahead of the full release. In this instance Ciappy DJ & Monsieur Cedric get to grips with the track delivering a deep electronic interpretation which keeps things sounding sparse so that the vocals can be fully appreciated. The vocals themselves are just about as smooth and soulful as you can get; Sheffey’s velvet tones doing some serious damage. If you enjoy the groove but fancy something a bit dubbier then had for the “Dub Margaritas Remix” which pretty much leaves the vocals out.

Shobha - Letter To A Friend [Soul Fi Records]

For a label that’s not been around for that long, Soul Fi has already developed a pleasing knack of turning out catchy little tunes that it’s possible to really enthuse about. The vocals on this one are seriously smooth and with a varied range of mixes there’s a good chance you’ll be hearing this in a variety of venues - not, I might add without good reason. Okay then , so what are the mixes like? “Who here like Richard Earnshaw?” I ask, lots of hands in the air so that’s one mix down and five to go. It’s excellent just in case you hadn’t gathered. Pacier and with a rolling bassline bounding keys and lush strings is the “Funk Balls Vocal Mix” while the “Soul Fi Mix” takes a mellow deeper route that should offer up the chance of radio airplay. Newtrix provide a more energetic electrified version that will appeal to the more commercial dance floors. The “Funk Balls Dub” does what you’d expect, dropping most of the vocal and relying on the music to get the floor moving which it does courtesy of those keys. Finally, the “Soul Fi Reprise” strips it right back for the most chilled out of the mixes.

Groove Cocktail ft Nathalia - One Love [Pierogi Records]

All the way from Poland, this is a punchy little number that comes in no fewer than ten mixes. Included in the package are two versions from GoGo Music’s Ralf GUM which are both highly refreshing. It is however the “Original” that has had me interested, almost from the first listen. The rhythms and synth chords punch a hole in your defences just imploring you dance and as the sweet vocals kick in , you’re hooked, hook, line and harpoon. It’s deep, atmospheric and catchy: there are many more illustrious labels that would surely love to have released this one. Top tune!

Justin Michael - Deep Is All I Know [Soulfuric Deep]

This is an aptly named number and is about as deep as anything Soulfuric have released lately. There are three mixes plus instrumentals with versions from Justin Michael himself, Ray Jones, and Born To Funk. I’m probably just edging towards the “Ray Jones Vocal Remix”; there’s just something about the rhythm pattern that grabs me more than the other mixes.

Vienna - Knock Me Down [Shanghai Sessions]

This is the most down-tempo and deepest release I’ve heard from this label so far. You can expect a sound that takes you back to early 80s with the music almost like that of Yazoo from that era. I should stress that the similarity ends there as the vocals could hardly be more different, despite the fact that they’re female. It’s a melodic number with the pleasant vocals and melodic keys doing most of the damage.

Raf ’n’ Soul ft Tony Marino - Man On The Prowl [Gotta Keep Faith]

The vocals stand out a mile on this one with a real crooner’s performance from Tony Marino and when it comes to the music you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are seven mixes which range from the filthy funky “Ritual of Y’All Funky Mix” to the dark techy vibe of “Jesus Gonsev’s Deep Dub”. Watch out for Spiritual Blessings “SB In Miami at 6pm Mix” which combines powerful rhythms with horns and organs to good effect. If you like it seventies style then Mr Fuzz has just the mix for you, while Arnaud D & D3 add their takes on the “Main Mix”. Whatever you make of this one, it’s damn near impossible to ignore.

Dubgroove - Fat Burner EP [Peppermint Jam]

This is an outstanding EP of old school vibes that should take you on a real nostalgia trip. “It’s Back” is built on a rip roaring foundation of synths with a sly sample taken from “House Nation”. “Da Melo” takes its lead from Nitro Deluxe’s “This Brutal House” from a full 21 years ago while beefing up the synths and percussion for today’s floors. Finally, “Hit U Off” is also reminiscent of music fro days gone by, only this time I can’t put my finger on the track. Actually, the groove is very like Frankie Knuckles’ “The Whistle Song” so maybe my memory’s not that bad after all. All in all this is a very strong release.

DJ Dealer ft Derrus - Whatcha Gonna Do [Look At You]

Yet another single taken from Dealer’s album “Joyride” and another certain dance floor smash. This one takes its lead from the old school hip house of twenty years ago but has the added twist of a smoother production style. There are four mixes, all of which hit the spot as Grant Nelson, Rob T & Greg Campbell all put their own spin on Dealer’s original. I don’t have a clear favourite but I reckon that Grant Nelson’s mix has a little extra energy if you’re looking for a reaction from the floor. Watch this one go!

LooweeR - My String Affair [I Music Underground]

This has a deep groove that builds slowly throughout. It’s an atmospheric experience kicked off by the synths and percussion before a variety of keys are introduced along with some effective synth strings. The track is crafted with subtlety and I love both the construction and the mood of the music.

Steve - Mats Ballad [Concorde Avenue]

Soothing down tempo vibes are the order of the day with guitars, keys, sax and lazy percussion creating a track that’s perfect for chilling out to. This is lazy afternoon music.

Mark Picchiotti ft Dana Divine - So Sweet [Metrogroove]

It seems like only yesterday I was blasting out “I Believe” and “What You Want” at outrageous volumes every weekend, apparently it’s been a lot longer although my fondness for those particular Picchiotti productions hasn’t diminished with time. I guess I should get to the point; Picchiotti 2008 style brings more catchy melodic vibes with more than enough for the soulful house floors around the world. The vocals are lovely and the production tight, complete with guitars, keys and brass alongside the essential bass and percussion. If you fancy an interpretation with a bit more oomph then head straight for Chris Tall or DJ Dervish’s mixes which will appeal to the more commercial floors and for something in between “Yuriy Poleg” delivers an energetic version that retains the flavour of the “Classic Vocal Mix”. Most enjoyable!

Roed Svensk ft Simon Green - If You Remain [Reelgroove]

This has been my track of the week for each of the last two weeks and right now is available as a vinyl exclusive with the digital release still several weeks away. Of the five mixes included, I’ve struggled to get past the “Main Mix” which should appeal to anyone who has a fondness for the traditional Soulfuric vibe that’s also been championed by the likes of Richard Earnshaw as well as Roed himself. The vocals are truly awesome with Simon Green injecting bucket loads of emotion. There are further remixes from Central Avenue and Dolls Combers as well as an excellent dub from Park Street while the package is completed by “Central Avenue’s Instrumental”. I’ve got two words for you: hell yeah!!!!

Calico - Moonlight Rhythms EP [Selekta Recordings]

Not a new release but one from the back catalogue of a label that’s been breaking the mould when it comes to house music. They have went out of their way to showcase music that’s defined by its quality rather than its genre. This particular collection of tracks is on a mellow tip ranging from ambient to deep house all of an exceedingly high quality. The pick of the bunch for me is “December Moon” with some truly haunting keys on show.

Kyle Worde - Physical EP [Shanghai Sessions]

This is a very cleverly put together EP with three very different tracks that seem to draw on a variety of influences. I can detect in all three tracks elements that take me back to the late seventies early 80s synthesiser sound, whilst there’s shades of old school Detroit techno and more than a hint of what gets referred to as deep tech. It’s music for the club rather than for casual listening but there seems little doubt that it was intended to be that way.

Votchik - Why You Lie To Me [Shanghai Sessions]

I like this one despite the fact that it’s nowhere near what I normally listen to these days. It’s got a strong rhythm and catchy melodies despite the tough synth driven flavour. Whilst it won’t appeal to the purists, it’s got all the ingredients needed to rock the dance floor in venues up and down the UK although perhaps not one for those who like it deep.

Marga Sotirovska - Serenade (Sambox Deep Mix) [CDR]

I haven’t heard the original mixes of this but I certainly like this one. Full of deep synths, guitars, flutes and percussion that certainly gets the feet moving it’s an enjoyable track with Mediterranean flavours and passionately delivered vocals. Certainly well worth a listen whatever your normal bag.

Dolls Combers - Floating Vibes EP [Reelgroove]

I could run out of superlatives for this label, but nineteen release on, and I’ve yet to be disappointed by a single release. The EP includes five tracks which showcase the talents of this production team whose work has been gaining serious plaudits lately, and deservedly so. “Dreaming Of You” is a deep melodic track that utilises crisp beats, beautiful keys, lush strings and the sweetest vocals from Dawn Nicole to produce that even Frankie Knuckles himself would be proud of. “Back To Love” is punchier but no less classy and includes another superb vocal performance from Alex Sun Drae. I love the old school synths on this one. Moving on, “Summer Morning” is a mellow instrumental track with sumptuous keys and strings, not forgetting the horns and guitars. “Jazzy Keys” has just that and a funky ass live bassline and drums that provide a real live performance feel before an instrumental version of “Back To Love” is thrown in for good measure. If you don’t like this lot then you need your ears tested!

Judea Stonez - Inner Expansion EP [Next Dimension Music]

This EP contains four tracks that might just tickle your musical taste buds if you can only bring yourself to check it out. “Stay Tonight” is a funky, percussive mid tempo groove with a mixture of male and female vocals. “In Motion” has a middle eastern vibe with what sounds like a sitar while some sweet female vocals drop in and out. “Reach Down” has soothing acoustic guitars, atmospheric flutes and crisp beats to augment the female vocal snippets. Last up is “Do It Like I Do” which is notable for its dark synths and punchy beats. The tracks are quite difficult to describe adequately so , if you’re intrigued, best have a listen for yourself.

Rulers of The Deep - Planet Drum [Peppermint Jam]

Every now and then ROTD produce something that just blows me away and this is the latest example. I first heard the “Extended Original” a couple of weeks ago, and despite a package including ten mixes, I still can’t get past it. Deep, atmospheric with a strong vocal performance and packing a real punch for the floor- you’ll either love this or loathe it. Either way, it gets a thumbs up from me.

DJ Dealer ft Inaya Day - My All [Subsensual]

Neither producer nor vocalist need any introduction, both have been knocking out great tunes for years with a variety of musical partners. It’s no surprise then, that this track, taken from Dealer’s “Joyride” long player should see a full release in its own right. The “Original” contains a seriously funky bass line, soothing strings and jazzy organs that provide an excellent vehicle for Inaya’s voice. The remixes too are excellent, particularly the “David Harness Thread Mix” which contains a beautiful deep groove and gently plonked keys. Last but no means least, Yass deliver a straight up house version with the floor very much in mind. With instrumentals and dubs included, the full package should include something for most tastes.

Grantorino - Ice Cream [Nu Deep Music]

Nu Deep’s second release is the very interesting “Ice Cream” which comes in three distinct flavours. The “Main Mix” leans heavily on the synths while the sultry female vocals raise the temperature a notch. Mr Fuzz takes it all deep and dubby with tribalesque beats while the “Steve Paradise Mix” takes disco style bass and guitars and blends them with those vocals and some seriously groovy synths. Tasty!

Santi Touch - Night Zone EP [Cabrio]

Santi Touch debuts on Cabrio with an EP full of deep vibes. With previous ntable releases through Reelgroove amongst others, this was never likely to disappoint and it most certainly hit’s the spot for me. Stylistically all the tracks are a good fit for Cabrio and I can’t imagine too many people who pick up Cabrio’s material regularly being less than impressed. There are three tracks; “Night Zone”, “Coast” and “Dirty Talk”, all of which are on point and of a mellow tech flavour that veers towards but stops short of ambient whilst possessing more subtlety than the old school progressive sound.

Amorhouse & Fabio Tosti ft Addati Band -Let You Go [Music Plan]

This has proved a tough one to describe and consequently it’s taken me two weeks to get round to a review. The vocals and synths are certainly the defining elements of the production while each of the different mixes treads its own path. Kicking things off is the “Club Mix” complete with pounding rhythms and a sparse style. The “Under Club Mix” goes deeper and more introverted with a techy twist. My pick of the mixes is actually the “Original” which kicks off with the percussion and bass before the eighties style synths swirl in atmospherically followed by the vocals.

World of Colour ft Nicole Tyler - Change [Metrogroove]

Nicole Tyler has certainly enjoyed a busy year and pops up yet again on Metrogroove’s latest. Of the six mixes, I’ve formed the strongest attachment to the “Deep Elements Mix” which is by far the mellowest of those on offer. The “Yuriy Poleg Mix” is also very pleasing on the ear with lots of energy and infectious semi electro vibe. If you like your house with some old school keys then head straight for the “Steve Haines Mix”. For those who like a little less vocals, then the “World of Colour Dub” provides a suitable alternative. The package is completed by the “Original” and “do Cruze & the Funkfinders Mix”.

all reviews by Dean Serafini unless stated otherwise