All reviews by Dean Serafini unless stated otherwise.

Asymmetric Soul - Diamonde [Guess Records]

Originally featured on The Guess WMC Sampler earlier this year, “Diamonde” now gets a full release complete with an additional three mixes to complete the package. It’s a deep and dramatic track with a vocal that grabs you and synths you’ll find impossible to ignore. On the remix front Spiritchaser inject a steely groove and an atmospheric vibe while Lonya & Daniel Raveh provide a deeply emotional synth and violin infused alternative. Dave Horne provides the final and grittiest mix of the bunch.　


MKY - Lost In DC [House Sound of LA]

I’m not quite sure what to make of this one. You can expect a deep percussive and synth fuelled experience that will probably appeal most to the deep tech crowd but should not be overlooked as its deep eclectic vibe is quite difficult to describe. 　


Rasmir Mantree - Only N Your Mind [Mantree Records]

With beats that chug along like a train going down the tracks and a throbbing synth bass this is a deep hypnotic number. Rasmir provides four mixes which provide subtle departures from each other rather than a radical change of direction. Throughout the mixes the deep male spoken word vocal grabs your attention while the groove makes you want to move your feet.
　

Steven Stone ft Elisangela - Alucinada de Prazer [Grooveland Music]

I first heard this about six months ago on Steven’s album “Entering My World”. It’s a lovely warm and soulful vocal track with rhodes, brass, guitars and strings, not to mention the sweet vocals from Elisangela. This package contains nine versions including instrumentals that build on the “Original” with remixes from Stereo Mutants, Jihad Muhammad, Hernan Cronner and Jarrie Modrow. All the new interpretations retain the soulful essence of the original composition and stand up in their own right. As for a favourite, I’m undecided between the “Original” and “Stereo Mutants Vocal”. 　


Subsky - Spacey Sense EP [Prog City Deep]

More high quality deep tech from Prog City Deep as Subsky deliver three fresh tracks. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say about a release and this is one of those occasions but if you normally enjoy the label’s music then this will not disappoint. All three tracks delve deep into the underground with “Ups and Downs” my own favourite.　


Leftguster - Loosing It EP [Cabrio]

Lefthander and Pete Gust get together as Leftguster for their first collaboration. The Ep contains two track, “Losing It” and “I Need You Now”. The title track is a deep tech affair with spacey vibes and a semi chilled vibe. My favourite is the deep house vibe of “I Need You Now” complete with sumptuous keys and a lush arrangement that’s about as deep as it gets. Tasty stuff!　


Stuttering Munx & Groove Junkies - Stories of An Addict EP [Moho 180]

MoreHouse Records younger sibling delivers release number two featuring new productions from Stuttering Munx and a collaboration with Groove Junkies that features the vocals of Indeya. Typical Groove Junkies / MoreHouse it ain‘t; there‘s a tougher edge to proceedings. That should see “Addicted To The Rise” and “Toasted Tubes” appeal to those who enjoy their house with a techy twist. For me it’s the “Time Nice Way Back Mix” of “Toasted Tubes” that’s doing it but it’s well worth checking out all the mixes of both tracks for yourself.　


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

It doesn’t seem like all that long ago I was waxing lyrical about the original release of this, and not without good cause. Never one to rest on his laurels, Andy Holder is back with a few new mixes, just in case he didn’t quite nail it for everyone first time around. In addition to three new mixes from Andy, there’s another version from Richard Earnshaw and an acapella all of which hit the spot. Still loving it! 　


John “Julius” Knight ft Roland Clark - This Is House [Soulfuric Trax]

Based on the JJK track “The Groove” from 2006, this collaboration between two of the scene’s stars, is absolute dynamite. Taking a solid house groove and adding the unmistakeable vocals of Roland Clark, this has everything you need to rock the floor. The “JJK Original Groove Mix” has just about everything you could possibly need but just to make sure, the guys at Soulfuric have included a package of eleven mixes that demonstrates their total commitment to this particular release. If I had to pick out a favourite, and only if you forced me, it would be “Jask’s Thaisoul Club Mix” but it’s a difficult choice. If you don’t have this already, you’re missing out! 　


Project Orange - Fantasy [House Sound of LA]

This is for all intents and purposes a cover of Baby D’s “Let Me Be Your Fantasy” and despite my utter disdain for that 1992 release, I actually like this. It’s tastefully done; with a male vocal this time and about a million miles from the Euro pop trash from all those years ago. Don’t get me wrong, this is still pretty commercial stuff, but enjoyable nonetheless.　


Suneil S ft Ann Bailey - Somebody [Vinyl Pusher]

This is an infectious track: pretty much straight up house built on a platform of strong synths and driving rhythms. The vocals are more than respectable in their own right and are perfectly suited to the production style. In addition to the “Original Mix” there are further versions from Marcus Knight and DubKays but it’s the “Original” that works best for me.
　

Suges ft Michael David Dyson - I’ll Be There [Iwanai]

This is the sort of music I can really enjoy to the full, not just something for the club, but something you can appreciate around the house or in your car. The track is a wonderfully melodic and soothing experience, a proper song as opposed to a groove designed solely for the club. While Suges himself provides his “Classic Mix” and deeper “Steampunk Mix”, Guy Robin interprets the track in clubbier fashion. Whichever mix you favour, there’s a healthy measure of soul. 　


Haldo ft Loryn - Be Back [Gotta Keep Faith]

Gotta Keep Faith’s latest finds Haldo delivering a funky uplifting vocal number. As usual, there’s an array of mixes, nine in all, that provide alternatives to suit most audiences and venues. With so much choice, it’s never easy to pick out a favourite mix; so far I’m torn between “Haldo’s Minimal Mix” and the “OGC Soulful Mix” which accentuate the soulful vocal in a manner I find easy to appreciate. With deeper and dubbier versions from Dee C’Rell, Steve Frisco, Greg Steiner and Marlon Sadler together with a darker alternative from Arnaud D, it looks like all the angles are covered.
　

Stephanie Cooke - Fly [Consortium Muzik]

Just in time for the summer, here’s one for the soulful heads. Stephanie’s vocals are always a hit with me and this is no exception as the warm production provides a result that will sound equally at home on your Ipod poolside as it does on a big club sound system. The overall mood is mellow, yet it’s hard to resist the funky undercurrent that runs throughout. I’ve been favouring the “Gene King Original Mix” but the subtle and deeply atmospheric vibe of the “Chris IDH Remix” will no doubt prove popular too. Excellent! 　


MonkeyFunk ft Sofia Rubina - I Believe [Ceremony Records]

It’s quite simple really: take a pleasant female vocal, create a soulful and uplifting groove with crisp beats and smooth rhodes and a fair degree of production and song writing ability and you’re on to a winner. Maybe it’s not so simple after all, as there haven’t been many tracks to better this so far this year. The “Original” is thoroughly enjoyable but it’s the “Andy Ward Vocal Dub” that’s doing the damage. This one’s pretty special!　


Jerry Flores - Late Night Vibes Vol 1 [Broken Records]

With five tracks included along with a further two remixes, this EP showcases the diversity of LA’s Jerry Flores productions. You can expect deep moody vibes on one hand through to more hard hitting house at the other end of the scale. The common thread is that the tracks are all well produced with an emphasis on the underground that works for me and should please the purists too. While I was initially drawn to the mellow vibes of “Aroma” and “3AM In The Valley”, the clubbier “No More” has been hard to ignore. The package is completed by the hypnotic “I Was, I Am, I Will Be”and the ecelectic but accessible “Mannequin”. 　


Didier Vanelli ft Carol Jiani- Hit’n’ Run [Broken Records]

Driving rhythms, old school flavours, and funky guitars are the order of the day on this release from Didier Vanelli. Carol’s voice hit’s the spot rather nicely as the well constructed track moves between moods with punchy, funky and moody interludes. For those who fancy something edgier than the “Deep Inside Your Soul” mixes, the “ElektroNik Remix” has a modern take on high energy flavour to it that should energise the more commercial floors.
　

Fabio Tosti & Marshall Jefferson - Mind and Soul [Look At You]

This deep hypnotic spoken word number comes highly recommended. I’ve been feeling the “Club Mix”, complete with crisp beats and throbbing beats that create a simple but mighty effective groove. It’s a modern take on a classic old school theme that’s bound to generate some serious action on the floor. With three further mixes including one from DJ Dealer that offer edgier alternatives this has all the bases covered.

Jonny Montana ft Stephanie Cooke - Love Again [Camio Recordings]

You can never go too far wrong with any of Stephanie’s releases and this is no exception. Expect a beautifully crafted soulful gem punctuated by lush keyboards, hammond style organs, stylish strings and of course those trademark soothing vocals. There are seven versions included with Dolls Combers, Liquideep, Justin Imperiale and Bossruu complimenting Jonny’s own versions. The toughest decision is which mix to play although I think I’ve got my own favourite pinned down to “Jonny’s Classic House Mix”. It doesn’t get much better than this.


Timmy Vegas - Can’t Make It Through Another Day [Universe Media]

This is already causing a bit of a stir with a number of labels clamouring to sign it up. When you hear it for yourself you’ll be able to understand what all the fuss is about. There’s an excellent vocal allied to live drums and brass creating a result that will set well with those who like their house on the soulful and uplifting side. Tune!!!!! 　


SAMBOX - Relax Your Body [Concorde Avenue]

Concorde Avenue deliver more high quality chill out vibes that are just about as soothing as you could possibly hope for. On a personal level I love the beautiful keyboard arrangement and the keys could almost define the sound of the falling raindrops in places. Lovely!　


Glenn Thornton - Get It Like Jack [Slaag Traax]

There are four versions included and an acepella all of which have something to offer. The “Slaag Mix” gets things underway with a powerful hypnotic electronic groove that pulls absolutely no punches. My own favourite, the “Soulson Acid Jack Mix” has a deeper, more progressive feel, perhaps a little less funky but more captivating, (if that makes sense). The spoken vocals are impossible to ignore and I can see the “Acapella” popping up in numerous mix sets over the coming months. It certainly works for me!
　

K Joy - Lover’s Dance [Cyberjamz]

With a captivating voice and a nagging groove this is a track that’s hard to get out of your head once you’ve heard it. The production is impeccable and the vocals enticing whether they are spoken or sung as K Joy invites you to a lover’s dance. How can you refuse? 　


Keith Thompson - Miami Nights 09 [Waking Monster]

There are three tracks here to showcase the upcoming material on Keith Thompson’s Waking Monster label. The first track is “Only You” which is supplied in the “DJ Circle Classic Vocal remix”: it’s an energetic number with crisp up-tempo rhythms, guitars and brass alongside Keith’s unmistakeable voice. “Truly “ finds Keith joined by Maria Ilieva on vocals while Central Avenue provide a punchy remix that has more than enough to ignite the floor. Finally Teesquared complete the package with “Pretoria Funk” which is synth powered tech-funk number that hit’s the spot rather nicely.


Weekend Warriors - Getting High [Peppermint Jam]

Peppermint Jam unleash one that’s got everything you need to get the main room moving. It’s a peak time track with a relentless groove, spoken word vocals and edgy production. In addition to the “Original” there are powerful remixes from Audiowhores and Shik Stylko with Manchester’s finest coming out on top, at least in my opinion.

　

Anton Lanski - Not Enough EP [Loco Records]

“Not Enough” and Be Torn Between” both demonstrate depth and atmosphere in abundance as Anton Lanski delivers the sort of mood music that can work well not just in the bars and clubs but at home or in the car. Both tracks are enjoyable all though it’s “Be Torn Between” that’s proved to be my favourite so far, especially in it’s “Original Mix”.

Rickert & Vesely - Greenscapes [Sobra Recordings]

This is a tasty treat with seven tracks to get your head round and ultimately enjoy. Having listened to the music it came as no surprise to read in the notes that this talented duo reside in San Fransisco. It seems that the West Coast in particular has become a breeding ground for artists who are prepared to break the mould. You can expect a fusion of jazz and down tempo vibes that I can wholeheartedly recommend and you are advised to check it out.
　

Seiiza - Alma [Prog City Deep Trax]

More deep dark vibes from Prog City Deep that are perfect for the more intimate venues when you’re looking to build some momentum on the floor without going over the top. Both tracks, “Alma” and “Si” are understated but whether it’s the eerie spoken vocals of the former or the ecclesiastic organs of the latter there’s something to catch your attention. Of the two I’m leaning towards “Si” but it’s a close run thing.
　

Beppe Gioia & Sal - Yes Sir [Sofitone]

Sofitone goes deep and tribal with this latest offering from Beppe Gioia. The African rhythms and ethnic flavours dovetail with the chants to take you on a journey deep into the underground. The “Deep Organ Mix” is a more atmospheric take and like the title suggests relies heavily on the organ. The package is completed by the “Dub Mix” which is a slightly edgier alternative. The overall vibe is enchanting and almost hypnotic and very much a track that’s strictly for those who know.


Patrick L - Kalas [Twerok Records]

Patrick L comes up trumps with this nineties flavoured number complete with dubby synths in a style reminiscent of MK before dropping in catchy keys that he cleverly distorts in places to give an added edge. Also included is what I can best describe as a tech funk bomb in the shape of Bavern which comes with a choice of two mixes. Excellent!
　

Steven Stone ft Kaysee - Identity [Soul Deluxe Recordings]

Featuring Kaysee on vocal duties, this is an excellent release that contains two soulful and two clubbier mixes. Steven Stone’s “Original” and the “Born To Funk Remix” tread a path that nudges towards a deeper darker sound. My favourite mix is provided by Andrea Carissimi whose interpretation will tick all the right boxes for the soulful heads. Last up but by no means least is “Mustafa’s Soul Du Brasil Remix” contains captivating strings, live bass and distinctive percussion to provide a vehicle that allows the full emotion of the vocal to shine through.

Rasmir Mantree - Conditional Love EP [Mantree Records]

Rasmir Mantree unleashes a five track EP full of deep gems and with plenty to enthuse about. The title track is built around a strong synth bassline with penetrating rhythms deep chords and a combination of spoken word vocals from the man himself and female chants. The “I Don’t Think So Mix” of the same track strips out the spoken word vocal leaving the female voice in the foreground. “Mr Potter” is a funky guitar fuelled affair with percussion that’s sure to get you moving along with a healthy dose of brass. There’s a touch of the seventies about the eclectic “Rest n Beats” complete with double bass, while the laid back mood of “Your Sins Within” is particularly alluring.
　

The Jaffers ft Rachel Claudio - Be Good [Jaffa Music]

Nicolas Vautier and Nicolas Gueguen are the men behind Jaffa Music’s latest release delivering a funky groove that should please fans of previous releases on the label. In its “Original Mix” this is a funky excursion that’s intended to widen the label’s fan base: the catchy music and infectious vocals should take care of that. The “Scope Remix” is on a similar tip while Rocco and Kirby provide deeper alternatives for the more underground inclined amongst us. The package is completed by the “David Mateo and Rafix Mix” which is a tougher synth dominated affair. If push comes to shove, it’s probably the “Original” that I’ll use the most but each of the mixes has plenty to offer in the hands of the right DJ.　


Urbane - Let Ya Feet Stomp [Broken Records]

The tracks are cleverly constructed using rhythms that hint at a more mellow vibe than you actually experience. “In God We Strut” is the deepest with soothing chords alongside darker synths and effective vocal samples. “Let Ya Feet Stomp” is tougher and more direct while “Up And At Em” takes a techier route. All three have the dance floor very much in mind but not necessarily the same dance floor such is the variety.　


Simple Inc - Zero Gravity [Boogs Music]

I reckon this just about straddles that divide between deep tech and house well enough to satisfy DJ’s and enthusiasts from either side of the fence. The synth arrangement and rhythms combine to deliver a deep moody vibe that I find particularly compelling. Both the “Original” and “Lucius Lowe Freefall Mix” are on point and the sax in the latter mix certainly strikes a chord. 　


Mastercris - 300KM [Next Dimension]

Portugal’s Mastercris delivers some deep house of the highest calibre with this release. It’s a track that I’ve been able to enjoy right from the off as the crisp rhythms and melodic synths dovetail irrepressibly. With remixes from Andrew Chibale. Onur Ozman and Yohan Esprada allied to the excellent “Original” this is a most impressive release. 　


Jay Tripwire ft Boddhi Satva - Dema [Grooveland Music]

This one works really well for me as Canada’s Jay Tripwire and Boddhi Satva produce a gem of a deep house number. There are African rhythms, striking synth chords and impeccable spoken vocals within an otherwise understated production that hit’s the spot rather nicely and should be a big hit with the deep house purists.　


Stacy Kidd ft Fast Eddie - House Music [Metrogroove]

There’s a line in a track about Hip Hop and House being connected by more than the letter “H”. It’s a poignant line and one that’s particularly apt when you hear this modern Hip House monster from two of Chicago’s finest. Both men have more than twenty years in the business under their belts and it shines through on this release. As ever there’s a range of mixes to suit a variety of taste’s so whether you like it fresh and breezy, deep, old school or techy you should be able to find a mix that works for you. For me it’s a straight choice between the “Original” and the “Shiznit Club Mix”. This is a monster in the making. 　


DJ Bilel Gargouri & DJ Ilyes - Ibiza Can Wait [Sweetleaf Recordings]

More deep techy grooves from Sweetleaf this time with the emphasis very much on the deep. There’s not a lot to choose between the two mixes with the “Dub” perhaps a little sparser than the “Original”. Either way, if you like it deep and atmospheric this should be right up your street. 　


Karol XVII & MB Valence - Deep Deeper Deepest Remixes EP [Loco Records]

I must confess that until this promo arrived, I wasn’t familiar with Loco Records material. If this is anything to go by, I’ve been missing out as all three tracks deliver big style. “Deep Beginning” is a deep affair with sumptuous sax and a nagging groove that I just can’t get out of my head. “Jazzified” also hit’s the spot with a throbbing deep house groove topped off with gorgeous flutes. Finally, “Drooling Mouthpiece” combines compelling rhythms with atmospheric synths and more sax and a punchy little synth bassline. These are of course all remixes from previous EP’s and Sebastian Davidson, Nacho Marco and Ross Couch all come up trumps. Very tasty indeed!　


Charles Dockins - I Gotcha Back [MoreHouse]

I could spend ages waxing lyrical about this with lots of superlatives and a detailed description of each of the mixes but for once I’m going to keep things brief. It only took one listen to get me hooked and from what I’ve read on various forums, there’s plenty others who’ve been similarly impressed. Despite the presence of six mixes, I still can’t see past the “Original”, and suspect I’ll be caning this for some time to come. Essential!
　

Spheric ft O.B. - Rock &Roll Life [Sincro]

Due out mid May and with a varied set of mixes, this should have a pretty wide appeal. Whether you’re a rock child that loves guitars, a disco kid or someone who likes their music with a techier twist there’s a version included just for you. Personally it’s the disco flavoured “Original” and “Disco Dub” that have been doing it for me. Whichever mix you go for, the catchy vocals help deliver a feel good vibe that should not be underestimated.
　

Vegas & Da Pimp - Push It [Universe Media]

This a hard hitting number with and fierce synths and a nineties style arrangement that should have little problem provoking a reaction in main rooms everywhere. If you’re looking for something even tougher then head straight for the dub which is about as dark as it gets.　


Carolyn Victorian / MCM - The Consigliere EP [Consortium Muzik]

This is my kind of music as Jonny Montana lays down some seriously smooth vibes that are sure to please those who like their house drenched in soul. The first track to receive a Montana makeover is Carolyn Victorian’s “I’m Back” in which the blend of lush keys, soothing chords and swirling atmospheric synths lovingly embrace the lovely vocals. Next up is MCM ft Tmajaa - “Love High” which is punctuated by beautiful keys and rhythmic guitars that provide the perfect vehicle for the melodic vocals. Watch out for the excellent dub complete with stunning keys. The music delivers on all fronts and I can see myself enjoying this one on the beach in a few weeks time.　


Max Cherry - Beat Conductor [Enjoy Records]

This gnaws away at you until you give in and enjoy it for the infectious little number that it is. The “Original” has catchy keys, powerful electronic bass and cleverly woven vocals. DJ Janoz and Raph Dumas deliver a techy synth fuelled alternative while Manuel Perez deepens the groove before cranking it up on his dub. In this case it’s the “Original” for me every time.　


Kyka - Modern Talking EP [Cabrio]

Dave Storm’s Cabrio imprint delivers another shot of deep progressive house with three excellent tracks to choose from. “Modern Talking” is deep and techy with a gentle acid twist that takes me back a decade or two. “Walking Home” is another deep, synth fuelled groove while the edgiest of the three is “People From Planet House”, which has a techier twist and a grittier feel about it. 　


Universe Project ft Miss Broadway - Where U Wanna Be [Universe Media]

It’s taken me a few weeks to pen a few words about this one, but make no mistake, this is not a track you should be sleeping on. There’s an excellent package of mixes from Timmy Vegas, Dee C’rell and DJ Romain. On a personal level it’s the “Dee C’rell NYC Mix” that’s been floating my boat although the brassy version from Timmy Vegas, Romain’s guitar fuelled groove and the deeper “DCS Mix” are all pretty hot too! Oh yeah, and the vocal’s smoking hot too!! 　


Beaten Soul ft Nicole Tyler - Take My Time [Tempogroove]

This is a punchy number with a strong groove and more than enough going on to cause a stir on the dance floor. The track has energy, depth and a strong vocal that sits really well with the production. Amongst the six mixes there are versions from Souldynamic, Alfred Azzetto and Bright Coffee.While they all work well, my favourite is the “Souldynamic Remix”which has a deep throbbing groove I‘ve been unable to resist. Very nice indeed!

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