DJ Dervish & Charlie Edwards ft Patricia Golly - Lonely People [Duffnote]

Previously showcased on the label’s WMC sampler earlier this year, “Lonely People” finally sees a full release in its own right. The track is pretty tight and with remixes from Richard Earnshaw and Groove Junkies I wasn’t likely to need much convincing. It’s another slice of catchy vocal house music but it’s really the remixes that bring this to life for me. Groove Junkies, Evan Landes & Parrish Wintersmith, deliver a driving funky groove that’s a bit tougher than their signature sound. It’s got that little bit of an edge that turns the track into a floor filler. Label boss Richard Earnshaw’s remix also works rather well. Not quite as edgy as GJ’s version it still has more than enough energy to work the floor, particularly in venues where the crowd likes their music with a little more soul. The obligatory instrumentals are included for those who prefer them or in case you want to get creative 


Kiko Navarro & DJ Fudge - Ideal EP [Peppermint Jam]

I bet there are plenty people excited about this collaboration even before hearing so much as the first few bars. As soon as this landed, it looked an intriguing proposition and it doesn’t disappoint. The EP gets underway with “Maximal” - you can expect driving beats and a funky synth bassline which are augmented by a powerful combination of synths that are sure to drive many a dance floor wild. “Micra” is a mood builder that goes deeper dubbier and techier as does “Magnetic Rain” with its oriental flavours. If you like either producer’s previous projects you’ll want to check this out.


Vlad Caia - Al Doilea [Next Dimension]

The label’s press release describes this as “dope groovy deepness” and I think that pretty much sums this one up rather nicely. There are eight versions in all which explore varying vibes to cater for the many different tastes and venues. Of these my personal pick without any doubt is the “Audio Noir Disco Odyssey Mix” which starts off deep then takes off with an amazing vocal break. Highly recommended! 


Votchik - Why You Lie To Me (Black Liquid Remix) [Shanghai Sessions]

I first covered this track a few weeks back when it was the original version under the microscope. This time around Black Liquid get to grips with the track, injecting some serious funk with a tough yet strangely soothing vibe. Worth checking out for sure. 


Logan Dataspirit -Seven Forty Eight [Concorde Avenue]

This is quite a bit tougher than the tracks I normally go for, but it’s the crisp beats and awesome synth bass that are just about impossible to ignore. By the third or fourth listen this had absolutely grabbed me by the short and curlies. If I was trying to draw a comparison with anything I’d say think stylish, down tempo version of what LFO did back in 1990. Seriously fierce!


Steven Stone ft Angie Brown - No Other Man [Reelgroove]

Having picked up many tracks featuring Angie’s vocals over the years, I was keen to check this one out pretty much as soon as it arrived. On the production side Steven Stone delivers a smooth soulful groove that will not surprise anyone already familiar with his work. For those of you who haven’t heard his work before, think Jamie Lewis, Copyright and Audiowhores circa 2003 and you’ll get the idea. On a personal level I wish far more producers were making music like this rather than aiming for the jugular on the more commercial floors but I guess money talks. “Christian Hornbostel’s Remix” is a jazzy rhodes fuelled affair while Soul Conspiracy’s versions are reminiscent of Stonebridge’s work in the early 90s. If you want something a bit edgier, the “Groove ’O’ Holics Dub” should cut the mustard nicely as it toughens things up whilst holding on tightly to the soulful elements.


Fabio Tosti ft Marshall Jefferson - House Music [Reelgroove]

This is an absolute monster of a track. It’s not as frenetic as much of the music that’s on the go right now but boy does it pack one hell of a punch. You can expect a deep groove that’s augmented by stylish synths and keys that could very easily have come from fifteen to twenty years back. To top it off the spoken vocals are just spot on. There are four mixes in all including the stripped back “Deeper Mix” which utilises pretty much just the percussion and vocals very effectively with the bass appearing only faintly in the background.


Fimo - Pollenflug EP [Prog City Deep Trax]

Fimo deliver three deep techy tracks that manage to produce that progressive kind of vibe without ever sounding harsh. The setting is likely to determine which of the tracks work best for the individual DJ or listener. The title track is excellent even just for casual listening at home but has a deep rumbling vibe that’s equally suited to a good old fashioned underground club. The atmospheric “Casa Da Musica” is notable for its spoken vocals and liberally used brass. “The most obvious floor filler is “Endless Ride” complete with a captivating bassline. Altogether impressive. 


DJ Dealer - Chicago Love EP [Look At You]

Featuring a compelling hook from Charles Dockins this track is a real throwback. I’ve been hooked on the “Original” since it first surfaced on the “Joyride” album sampler earlier this year. Despite the new mixes which come from Jay West, Deep Factor and Lewis Ferrier and are all perfectly respectable, I don’t feel that Dealer’s “Original” can be bettered. The new versions and “Lake Shore Drive” which is also included offer up something a little tougher and techier for the main room so it’s well worth checking them out if you’re on the look out for something with a bit of bite. As for me, my mind’s well and truly made up.  


Love House Movement - Missing U / In Love [Nu Deep Music]

The third release on this already accaimed label brings two melodic vocal tracks from Baltimore’s aptly named Love House Movement. “Missing You” is a soulful number with mid tempo rhythms and heartfelt but not overplayed female vocals. As well as the “Original“ there‘s the “Deep Y‘all Remix” which goes much deeper and dubbier. “In Love” is another deep slice of house with a choice of the ultra soulful “Original Mix” or the housed up piano led “Remix”. Just in case the vocals aren’t your bag there’s a choice of instrumentals to complete what is an excellent package.  


4 Ears ft Lady Bird - Can’t Be Without You [Iwanai]

This release sees Ralf GUM team up with Benny Pecoraio to produce a hugely enjoyable track. The vocals come from Lady Bird with a plethora of mixes and dubs from Jihad Muhammad, Suges and 4 Ears both collectively and individually. I can’t pick out a weak link in the package and whether it’s the sumptuous keys, rhythmic guitars, haunting vocals or crisp beats that tick your box there’s something here for you. The early favourite for me has been the “Suges Remix” with it’s crisp beats and deep vibe. Like just about everything that’s involved Ralf GUM this year, this is going to see some serious action.

Soulmagic - New Dimension [CDR]

Constructed using a sample from 80s funk outfit Imagination, it remains to be seen whether this will actually see the light of day. However Morten Trust & Mikkel Wendelboe have got together to deliver an enegetic synth driven track that samples the vocals of Leee John & co. This is certainly edgier than usual for both producers but will almost certainly deliver some main room action for them. 


Dennis Wonder ft Daniel Thomas - Hold On [HD Records]

Following on from the highly enjoyable “No No” here’s another slice of soulful and melodic house music. The crisp rhythms are augmented by guitars, rhodes deep bass and harmonic vocals. So far I’ve only heard the “Main Mix” but if it’s anything to go by the rest of the package should be well worth getting hold of. 


Audio Noir - Hinterland [Next Dimension]

This EP provides an excursion into the deep. “Solar X-Pedition”, Atmospherics” and Travelbug” are all deep and spacey with the latter two perhaps a little more atmospheric than the former. Perhaps not something I could fit in my own sets but more than worth checking out if deep techy ambient vibes are your thing. 


Andrew Chibale - Stranger To You [Next Dimension]

There are three tracks included on this release all on a fairly deep tip although the similarities end there as they are diverse in terms of content. Kicking off with the title track “Stranger To You” with its driving beats and bounding keys, it’s a combination of deep tech meets straight up early 90s house that works rather well. Next up is the excellent “Safe Distance” which reminds me of music from Tribal Records with its dark synths and ethnic rhythms. The packagae is completed by the more eclectic “Saturday” which treads a much techier path sounding almost spooky as it does so.


Thomas Toccafondi ft Kaysee - I’ve Changed [Duffnote]

Here’s another catchy release from Duffnote with a healthy dose of eight mixes to choose from. Overall there are four vocal versions, three instrumentals and a dub on offer and anyone who usually enjoys Duffnote releases won’t be disappointed. It’s “Earnshaw’s Piano Dub” that’s fired my enthusiasm the most, although the “Earnshaw & Jones Remix” complete with stonking keyboards and the atmospheric “DK Jones Remix” are also on point.  


The Montanas & DJ Roland Clark - Music Talking [Strictly Rhythm]

Having picked up a previous release by The Montanas on Gossip afew years back, this pretty much delivers what I had hoped for. There are six mixes which include versions from Joey Negro, Fred Falke, Andy Daniell and D.O.N.S. & DBN. It’s the last of these remixers who deliver the most distinct and toughest of the mixes, punctuated by some tougher synths. In the other mixes the combination of synths, guitars, strings and the seventies flavours make this an enjoyable listen. It’s hard to pick out a clear front runner from the mixes although Andy Daniell’s mix has proved pretty much instantly appealing. For any doubters, I would point to Dave Lee’s involvement as an indicator of the quality.  


Dennis Wonder - No No [HD Recordings]

This has proved to be an enjoyable number with pleasing vocals and a warm production style. Having previewed the “Main Mix” it’s very much one for those who like their house with a healthy dose of soul. That said, the power of the rhythms to get those feet on the move is not to be underestimated. Excellent!

Dom Navarra ft Antonio - New Life [Sofitone]

Just to make sure you don’t forget about this track which, in its original form was seriously smooth stuff, here are a few new versions to send you scurrying back to check the original release. These new versions from DaSoul & Hooger and Postiano are edgier and sometimes funkier than the original although I have a sneaking suspicion I’ll be sticking with the first set of mixes myself.


Seria - Paradise [Broken Records]

It’s taken a couple of weeks to get round to reviewing this, but it’s been well worth the wait. Seria has a wonderful charming vocal delivery that exudes both warmth and passion throughout and the production from Jesse Saunders is pretty damn hot too. There are eleven mixes in all which provides a bit of a headache for a reviewer so I’ll get to the point. I have a personal preference for “Jesse Saunders Bahama Mix”, although the “Qwertz Saxalicious Dub” runs a close second. With further mixes from Didier Vanelli, Groove Pusher and Steve Cole most angles and audiences are covered although if I was to dwell on any one feature of the track it would have to be those vocals - what a voice! 


SAMBOX - Rising Sun [Concorde Avenue]

Here’s an artist who has managed to keep me guessing with every release, I never know what to expect. This time around it’s a down tempo, ambient theme from SAMBOX. The production is lush with strings, synths, flutes, gently plonked keys and breathy whispered vocals. Over the piece it has somewhat of a calming effect.


DJ Jeroenski & Jorn - Make Me Groove [Peppermint Jam]

Jeroenski & Jorn deliver a tough groove aimed squarely at the main room: look out for punchy percussion and a striking blend of synths. The “Original” goes straight for the jugular while the “Phonic Funk Remix” reigns it in slightly to deliver a funkier alternative. It’s the latter of the mixes that’s doing it for me but depending on personal taste and target audience either works well enough.


Rob Hayes - Don’t Feel Right [CDR]

Rob was kind enough to share this with me a couple of weeks back and it would be most unfair if I didn’t take the time to put a few words together. Straight from the off it’s a catchy number with female vocals and a disco flavoured groove that takes me back to Chic and the era when Nile Rodgers and co were turning out disco classics for fun. There’s a real feel good factor about this one and that’s something you look for in your choice of music then you should look out for this whenever it surfaces.


Sebastian Carriaga - Breathe Deeper [Next Dimension]

This is a deep number with breathy female vocals and a relaxed groove punctuated by a variety of synths. There are five mixes which explore differing depths but the theme is similar throughout. I’ve developed a taste for the “Original Mix” myself but I’m sure you can all make up your own mind. 


Shana - Uyangichamela [Gogo Music]

This is another high quality release from Ralf Gum’s excellent label although I must confess I can’t even begin to pronounce the title. So far I’ve found it hard to look past the “Ralf GUM Classic Mix” which combines tribal-esque beats with rhodes and guitars to maximum effect. With a further two mixes, a reprise and a dub to choose from there isn’t exactly a lack of choice.  


Born To Funk - Get Funky [Gotta Keep Faith]

With a string of releases and remixes on some of the most esteemed labels in the business, Born To Funk should be no strangers to most of you. This release on Italy’s Gotta Keep Faith lives up to its title with a package of four mixes that are all on point. It should certainly get the crowd going, whichever version you favour. As is often the case, I’m struggling to come up with a clear favourite but it’s looking like the guitar fuelled “Spiritual Blessings Dub” so far at any rate.

Alan Mean - Influence [202 Digital]

Due for release in December, this is an interesting number with penetrating rhythms and effective chords in its “Original” version. If you like it deep and techy then head straight for the “Logan Dataspirit Mix” complete with haunting synth combos. The final version and my own favourite is the “SAMBOX Deep Mix”. It revisits the keys from the original but introduces tribal beats that are more subtle and persuasive before dropping in some tasty brass and rhodes. Nice! 

Fabio Tosti - We Love House EP [Music Plan]

Fabio Tosti delivers three new tracks which include two funky numbers, “Funky Lovers” and Sweet House” and “Look For Love” which is much deeper. All three are on point and well worth checking out with “Sweet House”, interesting lyrics and all my personal pick.

Logic Fusion Orkestra - Tales From The Music Room EP Part 3 [Next Dimension]

Here we have three deep techy tracks that each have their own distinct flavours. My personal pick is the funkiest of the three, “U Dig”. Also included are “Connection Error” and “Innocence”. You can expect dark sounding vibes that retain a soft touch and a fair dash of soul. 

Morten Trust ft Ida Corr - I Put My Faith In You [MoHo 180]

This new label is an imprint of the acclaimed MoreHouse label fronted by Groove Junkies Evan Landes and Parrish Wintersmith. Its first release is a remake of the 2004 release from Morten Trust. This time around the track has been toughened up for maximum main room effect. The new versions come from Morten himself, Groove Junkies and Dirty Freqs with my pick of the mixes being “Morten’s Digi Dub” although in truth I’m still a sucker for the 2004 originals.

all reviews written by Dean Serafini unless stated otherwise