Fina At Juno Download

Review: A sub-label of Ralph Lawson's 20:20 Vision empire, Fina has already dispensed four EPs since they set up shop at the beginning of this year. For their fifth, they invite Dutch duo Morning Factory to the label. Titled "Sultans Of Swing", the EP (thankfully) bears little resemblance to Dire Straits and includes a remix from the UK's very own Cottam. The title track earmarks an instantly soothing edge; its succulent horn-like synths swelling against the percussion and making way for lengthy beds and brass melodies. Cottam's remix however drags "Sultans Of Swing" deeper still as pitches drop and synths slow to a crawl like pace to create a trippy, dream-like remix. "Lady" follows in its predecessor's simmering footsteps, before a looped vocal reminiscent of late nineties R&B lifts the entire track into a melodic heart wrencher.

Review: 2020 Vision offshoot Fina racks up its third release, with veteran house producer Roberto Rodriguez at the helm. While the title track and bonus cut "Fall Night" fit easily within Rodriguez's sophisticated, tech-tinged deep house back catalogue, it's the more disco-leaning "I Got" that really stands out. Pitching up somewhere between vintage Chicken Lips, the early Infant productions of Simon Baker and the live discofunk of Crazy P, "I Got" somehow manages to sound freaky, dubbed-out and weirdly anthemic - all whilst riding a groove that's funkier than a rugby player's jockstrap. It's a perfect late night sound, all told.

Review: Still very much emerging as a potential key player in future deep house and techno, Steffen's really found his groove on this release for 2020 off-shoot Fina. "Cold Water" wears a timeless sheen; the funky 808 bassline screams classic while the cascading, whirling synths and carefully arranged layers keep it firmly set in the now. "Ma Home" flips the switch; a beautiful ballad laced with a soft vocal refrain and a simple but poignant sounding chord hook, it's equally blissful on a dancefloor, headphones, car journey or sun-kissed beach. For added soul power head for Luca C's slower tempo, re-rub. Emotional stuff.