Review: Amine Edge & DANCE are self-proclaimed 'gangster house practitioners' who run their own CUFF label from the south of France. On "'Ruthless" which kick starts their debut on Loco Dice's Desolat waves of trippy acid surface over a primal jacking rhythm - and it sounds like they are channeling Phuture rather than Dance Mania. On "Rage" the pair deliver a coruscating techno track - stripped back and reduced but still deadly effective. There is a similar approach on "1993 TCHN SHT" but on this occasion waves of gritty frequency-shifting tones bubble up and are sure to cause mayhem on the dance floor.
Boss Ass Bitch (feat PTAF - Original Boss Mix) - (6:22) 121 BPM
Boss Ass Bitch (feat PTAF - Dub Bitch mix) - (6:22) 121 BPM
Boss Ass Bitch (feat PTAF - instrumental mix) - (6:21) 121 BPM
Boss Ass Bitch (feat PTAF - radio edit) - (3:36) 121 BPM
Review: Ghetto house is not for the faint-hearted or the easily offended at the best of times, but it sounds like this French duo take a more pragmatic approach to the sound. Using a female vocal as the narrator, "Boss Ass Bitch" turns into a semi-autobiographical affair, with a litany of episodes and experiences unfolding over rolling snares and low-slung, jacking rhythm. The end result is an infectious and surprisingly high-end production that Amine Edge & Dance believe has chart potential - hence the radio edit. For anyone who doesn't want to hear the questionable vocals there is also an instrumental take, but it's a bit like going to a steak restaurant and ordering the vegetarian option.
Review: Each year 'This Is Toolroom' sets the tone for the British powerhouse's musical plans. Presented by London veteran (and Soul Purpose main man) Martin Ikin, this is an essential compilation to kick off a new decade, where you will discover essential cuts from label staples and newcomers alike across these 20 tracks - that cover the musical spectrum that Toolroom dubs its own. Highlights are not limited to: label boss Mark Knight kicking things off with the sultry and tribal vocal house anthem "Mona Lisa", the man himself Ikin contributing the funky house bomb "I'll Be" featuring Malika, Windy city legend Gene Farris bangs the party with the absolutely electric "Back In The Day" as well as the hosts of the label's last compilation Sllash & Doppe and Mendo, who serve up some seriously good vibes on "Back To The House" and "Give It To Me" respectively. As always, it comes with a continuous mix that's blended to perfection by Ikin.
Wankelmut - "Toolroom House Party Vol 5" (mixed By Wankelmut) - (1:17:26) 125 BPM
TCTS - "Toolroom House Party Vol 5" (mixed By TCTS) - (1:16:29) 126 BPM
Siege - "Toolroom House Party Vol 5" (mixed By Siege) - (1:17:47) 126 BPM
Review: Despite the setbacks brought forth by the pandemic, we're confident that Toolroom will still have a stellar year as always! With that in mind, the fifth edition in their 'House Party' series' looks to be the biggest yet, with a whopping 70 tracks to keep the party going for days on end. As a bonus, label signees such as Wankelmut, TCTS and Siege (who appear with contributions to the compilation personally) provide a continuous mix each - bringing the party to your house. Other highlights come from a wide variety of artists within the tech/house spectrum such as: legends Technasia and Green Velvet with the aforementioned Siege on the mighty "Suga" (Siege extended mix), the ascendant Luxembourger Amii Watson with the sensual mood music of "Higher" and the Fuse London affiliated Rich NxT teaming up with minimal techno vetran Christian Burkhardt on the slinky and hypnotic "Basics" - plus many more.
Review: An outlet for both unreleased and exclusive music from the label's family members alongside rising talents, this is the fourth instalment of Toolroom's popular 'House Party' series. Featuring standout releases from Mark Knight's label plus the scene's biggest imprints, with highlights coming from: industry heavyweights Nic Fanciulli & Andrea Oliva on the slinky "Medium Rare", the inimitable Yousef with the pounding acid of "Save Me" (feat. Molly Green), legend Todd Terry with TCTS on the boompty bounce of "Get Freaky" and UK tech house hero Seb Zito delivering the peak time stomper "Don't Stop". As if that was not enough, there are also three continuous mixes by scene stalwarts such as Lefti, Piero Pirupa and label staple Maxinne.
Review: On 'House Party Vol. 3' the party continues well into autumn with Toolroom's unmistakable blend of killer cuts, red hot exclusives and a host of essential tracks from the industry's leading imprints. Includes a whopping 80 tracks, plus three compiled mixes from current scene favourites such as Kittball co-owners Tube & Berger, Dutch house favourite Rene Amesz, and rising UK talent Iglesias. Highlights not limited to: boss man Mark Knight with the aforementioned Amesz on the funky house anthem "All 4 Love" (feat. Tasty Lopez), Hannah Wants & Eskuche serve up some slick and bouncy electro house on "The ISH", the dream team of Alex Mills, Danny Howard & Illyus & Barrientos delivering a properly soul-infused vocal epic on "Need" (Extended Mix) and the legend ATFC returns with the super sexy "Not Enough" feat. Mia Mendez.
