all reviews by Dean Serafini unless otherwise stated

Colin Sales - Nightfall [Future Street Music]

This one packs a real punch. Pounding rhythms are combined with striking synths to create a track that’s aimed well and truly at the main room when it’s full. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea as it’s a full on experience but it will certainly do what it’s meant to when dropped to a packed floor. Of the three mixes included I would favour “Colin’s Dusk Dub” which takes me back to some of the harder house tracks around the turn of the 90s. 


Logic Fusion Orkestra - Afrodisiak [Next Dimension Music]

This is an excellent deep house number with mixes that, for the most part, manage to capture the essence of the “Original” whilst providing alternatives you can use at varying points during a set. I feel that the “Original” and “Yohan Esprada Mix” are the most chilled on offer and would work well early on in the evening or at a point when you want to reduce the energy levels. Andrew Chibale and Maji & Seraj deliver chunkier versions with more drive for the floor. Agent Matteo delivers a techier twist but without overdoing it so that you can still feel the original vibe. The final mix comes from Audio Noir whose version is almost unrecognisable from the original track. Their use of tribal beats and synths creates a powerful alternative that should cut it when the dance floor is at its peak.  


Gareth Whitehead - Lost Inside EP [Twerok]

There are two tracks included in the EP: “Lost Inside” comes in “Original” and “Patrick L” mixes with the former a deep, dark experience while the latter takes a fiercer techier route. I find “No Action” to be the stand-out of the tracks containing a powerful bassline and imposing rhythms with layered synths to create atmosphere. 


Lewis Ferrier ft Mavis Acqua - Love Is On It’s Way [Reelgroove]

Now here’s one that’s sure to please the soulful heads with beautiful vocals from Mavis Acqua and the sort of musical backdrop I could listen to all day. If it’s the smooth soulful sound that floats your boat then look no further than the “Original” or “Morten Trust Remix”. If you want something a bit deeper, “Dutchican Soul’s Deeper Dub” has a dark edgy vibe that takes me back to Angel Moraes “I Like It” more than a decade ago. First class without a single weak link in the package.  

 

Random Soul & Silky - Searchin’ [Reelgroove]

More high quality tunes from Reelgroove as Random Soul make their debut on the label. Including instrumentals and dubs there are no fewer than nine mixes included, each with something positive to offer. “Searchin‘” is a deep NY style house groover with punchy drums, powerful synths and pleasing vocals. In terms of the mixes, I’ve found “Romain’s Remix” most effective, packing a little extra heat, although the cheeky little rhodes in “Yogi & Husky’s Remix” is pretty appealing. The “Vandermeer & Nitin Remix” is much techier while “Uncle Milty’s Boom Boom Room Remix” is punctuated by some lovely piano work in an otherwise eclectic alternative. Love it! 


Legal Disko - Need A Beat / Jam Is Pumpin’ [Enjoy Recordings]

Both tracks lean heavily on samples and neither of the main samples should need much introduction to anyone over thirty. Both are fierce affairs with “Need A Beat” sampling part of the vocal from Adeva’s “Respect” and a less obvious Yazoo sample within the synths. The percussion reminds me a little of early Deep Dish productions but the similarity ends there. “Jam Is Pumpin'” samples the hugely popular “Pump Up The Jam” which despite its commercial success was a track I avoided like the plague. With dubs of both tracks included, its an interesting package. 


Mauritzio ft Marianna - The Rhythm Of Soul [Music Plan Trax]

This is a deep atmospheric groover with powerful, almost tribal rhythms and dramatic synths to compliment the vocals. The “Alternative Mix” has an edgier, almost progressive feel to it with more penetrating synths. Marianna’s vocals are almost smouldering and delivered with plenty of emotion. Just for good measure there’s an instrumental included but it’s the vocal versions I’ve been most impressed by.


Pingo and Bobby - Musica Verano [Backhammer]

I’ve been getting the best results from “Rob’s Classic Dub” which rumbles along rather nicely with a stunning synth arrangement that gives it a real deep clubby feel. The “Original” is a bit lighter with uplifting keys and a catchy vocal hook that makes it a refreshing experience. With a further “Dub” and “Chuck Cogan Remix” it’s a pretty solid package to say the least.

Groove Victim - Foul Tracks EP (Memoirs From The Bay) [Cyberjamz]

Jay Brown aka Groove Victim drops one of the dopest EP’s of the year to date. I’ve often described his work as “house music for grown ups” and these four tracks give me every reason to stick by that judgement. All four are high quality deep house that deliver in terms of rhythm, atmosphere and depth. I could just as easily crank up the volume and go nuts to this at home as I could in a club and whilst the “dance around your handbag brigade” might not get it, anyone who knows their house will certainly will. Ignore this one at your peril! 


DJ Aphreme ft Lenny Hamilton - Go Feel My Love (BSC Remixes) [Next Dimension Music]

Almost from the off the vocals are irrepressible as the deep smooth groove is lovingly wrapped around a Lenny’s warm, breathy vocals which sound like they belong on a rump shaker of an r’n’b track. This is music I would happily play until the cows come home. Lovely! 


Sheltergirl - Afro Static [I Music Underground]

For me, this is a sound you either get or you don’t: the tribal rhythms are accompanied by a hypnotic blend of chants and effects that have you moving your feet and shaking that ass before you know what’s hit you. It’s a deep experience and a track that needs to be heard on a good sound system to do it full justice.  


A&G Project ft Kinsella - Your Love [I Music Underground]

Deep soulful grooves with sweet female vocals nearly always float my boat and “Your Love“ delivers big style. This particular release has a deep, soulful and jazzy rhodes fuelled vibe. The consequence is that this sounds every bit as good at home as it does cranked up in a bar or club which is not true of most house music these days. My kind of music!!


Boheme ft Angie Brown - Music In My Life [Peppermint Jam]

With vocals from Angie Brown whose past collaborations include Bizarre Inc, K Klass and recent projects with Richard Earnshaw, this release certainly delivers on the vocal front. With an array of nine mixes, there should be something of interest for most DJ’s. On a personal level it’s been the “Matt Williams & Steve Price Vocal Mix” that I’ve been most taken with while the “Original” comes a close second. Soul Survivors deliver a 90s disco version while Glovibes and Lazersonic both take provide techier alternatives. The package is completed by three mixes from Karbon Jelly which are powerful and energetic.  


Enrico Mantini ft Lucy Clarke - Love Is Real [Sweetleaf Recordings]

Sweetleaf’s fifth release is the most memorable to date from the label. Lucy Clarke’s versatile vocals work nicely with the understated production to generate a deep soulful ambience. There’s an eighties retro feeling to the track brought into the 21st Century by the cutting edge percussion. If you’re looking for something a bit tougher then the “Dub 4 Real Mix” is edgier, although for me, the “Original” wins every time.

Andy Holder ft An-Tonic - Pleasure Dome [Guess Records]

Sometimes you look at the credits on a record and just know you’re going to like it. This is just such an example - Andy Holder has been producing excellent tunes for some time now while An-Tonic has delivered excellent spoken vocals for releases on Soulfuric. Both of them are on fine form for this release. All four of Andy’s mixes and “Richard Earnshaw’s Remix” are spot on which gives me a bit of a headache working out which one to play. Play this one loud and watch the floor go!  


Groove Junkies ft Wendy Brune - Shut Up ‘N Dance [MoreHouse]

The Groove Junkies sound continues to evolve with a release that’s sure to make people sit up and take notice. There’s a choice of four vocal mixes, three instrumentals and an acapella. Evan and Parrish get things started with their “GJ’s Ol Skool Rub” complete with a keyboard arrangement that will transport those who are old enough back to the late eighties. Next up Richard Earnshaw delivers a version that sits somewhere between his typical Duffnote and Spiritchaser sounds packing a real punch. “GJ’s NYC Deep Dub” has a touch of the old Morales Red Zone style about it while the “Original” sits closest to the typical GJ’s sound, although their trademark live bass sound of old has been replaced by a punchy synth bass creating a deeper vibe. The vocals throughout are awesome with a combination of words and scat musings that hit the spot big style. Top tune! 


Votchik - Play This One [Shanghai Sessions]

This is a track I’ve not quite comes to terms with yet. It’s tougher than my normal bag but there are subtle melodies that are woven into the fabric of the driving rhythms. It’s dominated by synths and is well produced with vocals that are effective given the backdrop of the production. Nevertheless I’m still undecided.


Gabriel Rene - Spirit [Soulfuric]

Here’s one I thought would never see the light of day. It first surfaced a good few years back on a WMC sampler if I remember correctly with no sign of a full release, until now that is. Four years on the wait is finally over with no less than ten mixes from Guy Robin, John”Julius” Knight, Doruk Ozlen, and Ray Jones. Whilst I still have a soft spot for the “Original”, (not included), Guy Robin’s versions are seriously lush and smooth: I particularly like the his “Epic Reprise”. Doruk Ozlen drops a deeper, more percussive set of mixes while Ray Jones goes even deeper and dubbier. Finally JJK provides the darkest of the interpretations in line with the style of his own Reversoul Music imprint.

DJ Dealer ft Typhanie Monique - Is You Is [Look At You]

This has a strong driving groove and one of the most memorable scat vocals for quite some time. Of the four mixes included I’ve been most taken by the “Scat Vocal” although to be fair they’re all on point. There’s one thing you can be sure of; dropping this will set your dance floor alight. 


Miss Yvonne - Look Of Love [Consortium Muzik]

This is an interesting cut with a choice of mixes from Abicah Sole, Andy Tamashi, Gene King and DJ Aphreme. You can expect a deep eclectric groove, whichever mix you favour with a memorable vocal that grows on you with every listen. So far it’s Aphreme’s version that’s working best for me. Classy! 


Max Porcelli ft Toni Leo - What Can I Say [989 Records]

This is a clever little vocal cut with a fairly deep groove that throbs away while the sweet, breathy vocals grab the headlines. I guess some people will find this a little on the commercial side but I think it sits somewhere just on the deep side of commercial and although I couldn’t see it working everywhere I reckon I could use it more often that not.  


Robert Nimmo ft Carlene Graham - Family [CDR]

I’ve been lucky enough to get a preview of this, as yet unsigned track. This time around Robert Nimmo goes for a cachy eighties vibe that’s reminiscent of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. With the excellent vocals of Carlene Graham, the result is a significant departure from most of the music that’s floating around right now. It’s right up my street and well worth looking out for in the future.

Ralf GUM - The Remixes [GoGo Music]

Two of last year’s hot tunes receive a makeover for 2009 with “Kissing Strangers” and “If No Harm” the subject of some serious treatment. In their original forms both of these were high on my radar and these new versions are pretty damn hot too! “Kissing Strangers” with Monique Bingham on vocals was the house track of 2008 so it’s a brave move to remix it so soon. The challenge is taken up by DJ Le Roi and Ray Jones who deliver a “Soulful Remix” and “Deep Mix”. Of the two, I’m leaning towards the latter but it’s a close thing. I the case of “If No Harm” which features “Racghel Claudio” there are no fewer than nine mixes from Ralf himself, DevoShun, Rafael Yapudjian and Roed Svensk and again it’s difficult to pick out a clear favourite. I suspect that everyone who picked up the originals will be unable to resist these new remixes.


G Club presents Banda Sonarra - Guitarra G (Remix) [Defected]

Having been blown away by the Original when it first surfaced, I wasn’t sure how I’d react to Funk Agenda’s remake. Initially I was a little unsure but then the deep atmospheric vibe catches you just before the guitars arrive in all their glory. The slightly tougher more synth driven sound, far from detracting, represents an excellent update to an amazing track. Sure to be a winner again this time around. 


Studio Apartment ft Yasmeen - Sun Will Shine (MK Mixes) [Defected]

With first hand experience of the dance-floor mayhem that the best MK Mixes used to cause back in the day, I was to say the least, rather keen to check this one out. If you like the original then this should also float your boat as Mark Kinchen delivers his trademark style of house with deep strings and melodic keys astride his treatment of the vocals (particularly on the dub). As with the original release, the vocals are immense and the soul shines through strongly. I love it! 


David Crops ft Marina Clair - Twin Street [Nu Deep Music]

I love this tune, there’s a lovely laid back feeling with crisp beats, layered with live bass, glorious keys and a classy vocal. The remixes change the feel of the track quite significantly: Spiritual Blessings providing a deep progressive version with tribal percussion that’s dominated by a striking synth arangement. The “Mr Fuzz Remix” treads a more soulful path with a more uptempo feel than the “Original”. “N’Dinga’s LH Mix” is a deep affair that makes the most of the vocal. Depending on which version you favour, this is either soul with a twist of house or house with a twist of soul. Either way it’s hot!  

 
Ollie Brooke ft Nica Brooke - Fireflies (Parts 1&2)[Brain Kat Records]

Having picked up tracks on Om and Reelgroove that featured Nica Brooke’s vocals, I was pretty confident I would like this before my first listen. My confidence was not misplaced and with

A package of ten mixes spread across two releases there’s no lack of choice. The vocals exude power and warmth that have a soothing effect on the listener while the various remixers and producers involved set about getting those feet moving. There’s something to cater for most audiences ranging from mellow to techy. My personal favourites are “Vincent Kwok’s Mix”, the “Mystery and Matt Early Remix” and “DJ Freestyle’s Heavenly Mix”. All in all this is highly recommended! 


Pawel Kobak & Maria Angeli - Sphinx [Lace Recordings]

This is on the deeper side of my taste but I find myself coming back to it quite a lot. The sweet vocals are augmented by a varied package of mixes that range from the straightforward clubby to the more eclectic. There are seven versions in all and I’d be hard pushed to choose a winner between the “Club Mix” and Manuel Perez Remix” both of which hit the spot rather nicely. Further mixes from DJ Mourad and Raph Dumas as well as the “Original”, “Club Dub” and “Instrumental” complete the package.

Filin Brake, Greg Dorban, Eman - Change The World (remixes) [Reelgroove]

Now this was pretty damn hot when the original mixes first surfaced last year and any package that includes remixes from Guy Robin and Dolls Combers was always going to make me sit up and take notice. Dolls Combers provide some serious deepness that should satisfy even the most discriminating of the purists while Guy Robin opts for an old school synth strings and keyboard arrangement that I can’t get enough of. Phonic Funk also get in on the act with a driving dubby cut. It’s just about impossible to find fault with any of the mixes and with instrumentals included from each of the remixers this one has pretty much everything you could ask for.  

 

Filin Brake & Andy Bunney feat Diana Waite - Missing Me [Reelgroove]

Reelgroove’s prolific form continues with another excellent vocal house number. There are six versions in all, including an instrumental and a couple of dubs. It’s the vocal mixes that have been doing it for me and in particular, the “Original” which is deep, punchy and melodic. “Filin Brake’s 4am Remix” is also formidable with superb rhodes and deep synth strings complimenting Diana’s vocals. You’ll be needing this!


Steve Haines & Chris B ft Lucy Clarke - Love Comes Back [Shangai Sessions]

This is a solid enough production that’s going to be best suited to some of the more commercial clubs out there. Think of Axwell’s “Feel The Vibe” and this is along similar lines. There’s plenty of energy and strong driving rhythms to work the floor and the vocals are more than respectable and although it’s not something I would include in my own sets it will go down well in a lot of venues. 


Enzyme Black - Back 2 Deep EP Vol 3 [Enzyme Black]

Danny Lewis delivers four new tracks that all offer a glimpse into his musical past and present, championing that 90s vibe so many of us get misty eyed about. “Money Honey” is a deep edgy number with driving rhythms, scintillating synths and breathy vocals. “Drop” is altogether different, starting off quite sparse with a nagging bassline before some wonderful jazzy keys are introduced. “9Teez” takes me back to the sound that Danny himself and Grant Nelson were well known for back in the day with funky rhodes and female vocal snippets doing the damage. “Inside My Mind” finishes off the package with more compelling beats and an eclectic mix of synths, rhodes and spoken vocals. Due out exclusively on Traxsource the first week in March with extra tracks included and well worth getting your hands on. 


Vienna - Knock Me Down (Black Liquid Remix) [Shanghai Sessions]

I reviewed the original mixes of this a few months back and found them very much to my liking. This new version is even better with a strong vocal performance supported by a smooth, deep production and punchy percussion. As well as being well suited to the early part of the night it also sounds great up loud in the car. Nice!  


Andrew Chibale - Jack EP [Next Dimension]

Andrew Chibale comes up trumps with two superb deep house tracks that will sound great coming out of your speakers at home and will do some serious damage in the clubs. “Jack” is the deeper of the two with a throbbing bassline and crisp beats topped off with some lovely sax that you won’t be able to ignore. “Digital Design” is more driving, starting off quite moody before the compelling drums take full effect along with a powerful bassline and spoken vocals. My kind of deepness.

DJ Bilel Gargouri - I Feel Loved [Sweetleaf Recordings]

Sweetleaf’s fourth release is a deep tech style number available in two flavours. If you like it sparse and understated then head straight for the “Original” where the subtle electronic vibe builds to create a dark yet enticing result. For a tougher experience then check out “Enrico Mantini’s Remix” which firms up the percussion and injects a more penetrating synth arrangement.  


Ricky Inch - Winter Love [Cabrio]

Following remixes on Seamless and Deepology, Ricky Inch’s debut single for Cabrio maintains the label’s excellent form with another excellent deep house track. All the mixes are enjoyable but the “Elastic Sound Electric Dub” packs the greatest punch if you’re looking to ignite the floor. As you might expect the general vibe is driven by the synths with a deep techy flavour that doesn’t disappoint.  


Converge - Stutter [Boogs Music]

You can expect a techy vibe that comes in three versions which explore differing depths and degrees of toughness. Whilst it’s not what I normally play I’ve found that it has grown on me over the last few weeks since the first listen. The production cleverly combines soothing and more striking sounds in a style that reminds me of some of the harder edged early 90s tracks that used to be so effective on the dance floor. The “Lucius Lowe Mix” is a deeper alternative that treads a techy path while the “JJR Remix” is also a bit techy but has a synth arrangement with shades of the old school. Worth checking out for sure. 


Hakan Lidbo & Alvina Red - Moon and Stars [Enjoy Recordings]

This is a mid tempo number with an eighties feel to it and sweet vocals from Alvina Red. The production is dominated by a slick blend of synths that provides a soothing backdrop to the vocals. It’s the “Club Mix” that I’ve been playing but there’s a “Dub” if you want a little less of the vocal and a “Radio Mix” if you need a shorter alternative. The “Labulo Mix” keeps it soulful while the “Uninvited Partners” ups the tempo and injects some energy. Very nice indeed!

Agent Matteo - Gone Too Soon [Next Dimension]

Deep techy house grooves are the order of the day with a monster package of ten mixes to choose from. It’s no surprise that the synths do most of the damage as is often the case with house of a techier nature and the variety of mixes should cater for those who like it techy and those who just like their house with a deep twist. Personally I’m probably most taken by the “Original” and “Andrew Chibale Mix” but that’s a reflection of my own taste rather than the effectiveness of the mixes.  


Da Funk - Goose EP [Cabrio]

Da Funk deliver two more excellent tracks with depth and atmosphere in abundance. Of the two tracks, “Goose” is the tougher and techier of the two with a strong electronic groove that provides the driving force while the atmospheric synths provide a softer dimension. “Make It Last” kicks off with crisp beats which are joined by a deep synth arrangement that I find particularly compelling. Both tracks are of the high calibre you’d expect from this label: deep and techy but not over-powering. 


Yazee & Alexia G - I Wish You [989 Records]

Italy’s 989 Records have proved highly adept at releasing tunes that are accessible with an appeal that goes beyond those who live and breathe house. Despite the fact that it probably isn’t one for the purists out there, it’s certainly catchy enough and will work well in the more commercial venues. “I Wish You” is up-tempo with strong rhythms, funky guitars and has more than enough energy to drive the dance floor.  


SAMBOX - Solstice [Concorde Avenue]

What I’ve come to respect about Concorde Avenue is that no two releases sound the same. This time around SAMBOX delivers a deep, down tempo and ambient number complete with sounds of the forest that should ease even the worst moods. High quality and aptly named.  


Chanel Fusco - Shower [Daddy Funk Records]

There’s still a few weeks to go before this one will be available but the early indications are certainly positive. Built on a platform of lively beats and catchy keys, “Shower” has pleasing vocals and a feel good factor that should make it popular, particularly in venues where you have to be wary about straying too far from the mainstream. Most enjoyable!


DJ Lamech - We Need Peace [Broken Records]

This is a high quality offering that in its “Original Mix” had my attention right from the first few bars. Underpinned by a subtle mid tempo groove with a rumbling sub bassline and rammed home by brass and clever use of the vocals, this has a highly appealing groove. The strong package of mixes will open the track up to a fairlywide audience. The “DJ Orlando Experience” treads the deepest darkest path while “AJ’s Sundance Remix” has a simple progressive groove that’s just about as captivating as it gets. Jerry Flores provides two versions that beef up the percussion whilst otherwise keeping things pretty sparse. With a couple of dubs and an instrumental also included there’s plenty to be going with and most likely a dilemma or two when choosing which version to play.  


TnT Inc ft Donald Sheffey - Feel My Love [Music Plan]

Fabio Tosti and Francesco Tarantini are at the helm for Music Plan’s first release of the year. With the smooth vocals of Donald Sheffey, “Feel My Love” comes in no less than seven mixes. The vibe is pretty accessible with the smooth “Original Mix” supported by the punchier “Classic Mix” complete with old school keys and synth strings. There are further edits of both versions together with an instrumental of the “Original” and a dub of the “Classic Mix”. The package is rounded off by the sparse “Fabio Tosti Under Club ” which has a deeper mood. On a personal level I’m most taken by the “Original” but it’s a close run thing..

M Sadler & Arnaud D ft MJ White - Sweet Innocence [Gotta Keep Faith]

Gotta Keep Faith start 2009 in excellent form as Marlon and Arnaud deliver a simply stunning number that’s certainly got my full attention. This is deep house of the highest quality with an amazing vocal from MJ White that’s passionate and haunting. As usual GKF have commissioned numerous mixes. In addition to the “Main Vocal Mix” which is my favourite, there are further mixes from Arnaud D, Greg Steiner, Spiritual Blessings, Mr Mama, Jesus, Gonsev and Steve Paradise. I could sit here all night typing superlatives but it simply isn’t necessary. You need this and the only debate you’re likely to have is which mix to play. Amazing!  


Manuel Perez - Feever [Lace Recordings]

There are five mixes to choose from on this one, all of which achieve the desired effect. Of course it is natural that most people will have their own preference but there’s something here to suit a variety of audiences. I love the “Original” which is so deep and atmospheric it pretty much had me hooked from the first few bars. Manuel’s “Machines Dub” cranks it up a notch with a dirtier groove and a techier take on things. Ralph Dumas delivers a stunning alternative with a techy disco vibe with shades of the 60s and 70s in there. Finally, DJ Mourad delivers two versions with his deep driving “Carthage Mix” and the “Gothenburg Mix” which is the darkest and edgiest of the versions included.


Hard Mix - Brazilian House EP [Mercado Paralelo]


Hard Mix deliver two distinct tracks both with a South American flavour. Now you could say that’s hardly a revelation given the title of the EP but the title only reveals so much. It’s the music that really does the talking. Whether it’s the percussive and breezy atmosphere of “Aguafresca” complete with excellent brass and keys or the deeper groove of “No Botu” that does it for you this is well worth getting your hands on. This one’s hot!


DJ Aphreme - Party EP [Next Dimension]

Next Dimension make a strong start to the New Year with this excellent two track EP. “Party With Me” is such an enjoyable number that takes funky bass and rhodes and injects a pleasing R’n’B style male vocal to good effect. “In Your Arms” has a deeper vibe and a more electronic feel. While not as catchy as the “Party With Me”, it will appeal to the deeper heads courtesy of it’s solid groove and soothing blend of atmospheric synths. Very much my kind of music. 


DJ Dealer - The Big Sexy [Look At You]

I’ve been meaning to review this for weeks but for reasons I can’t quite fathom never seem to have quite got round to it. Listening to the first few bars, this sounded tougher than I expected with a penetrating electronic groove and chunky beats. What I didn’t realise was that some awesome organs were about to drop which when allied to the groove turn this into an absolute belter of a track. I’ve been favouring the “Original” but for those who prefer a mellower alternative, the “Dream Mix” is lighter and breezier but the nagging bassline still grabs a firm hold. With the “Chi Town Dub” to round things off this is yet another excellent release from the ever consistent Look At You.

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