Review: Thanks to a series of killer re-edit EPs released over recent years, Chicago veteran Cratebug is finally getting the credit his talents deserve. This surprise release on Classic - his first "original" production to get an official release since 2013 - is likely to raise his profile further. "Melondrop" is something of a sleazy peak-time treat: a sweaty, disco-tinged jack-track full of urgent drum machine percussion, delay-laden vocal samples and mind-altering analogue bass. Cratebug's "Chicago Mix" subtly rises and falls throughout, with the producer tweaking a handful of killer elements to do maximum dancefloor damage. Label boss Luke Solomon provides the obligatory rework, delivering a "Savage Body Edit" that pushes the track's disco elements to the fore whilst retaining the original's locked-in intensity.
Review: Of late, Chicagoan re-edit master, Cratebug, has seen his work destroy dancefloors the world over. Now we get to get them all compiled on one big juicy long player. There are 12 cuts featured here on Cratebug Edits Vol 1, with some of the many highlights including the raw electronic arpeggios and frenetic drums fills of "Beatclock", the choppy and hysterical tight disco-house loops of "Hell Yeah Chicago" and the punishing thump-whack of the metallic "Ninos Ninas". Roll on volume two we say!
Review: It's a family affair as Grimy returns with heat from the windy city known for amazing dance edits. Tim McAllister takes it out the gate with "Rollin'", a classic soul/disco beater replete with joyous flute trills, Leslie speaker efx and a pumping house kick. In-demand newcomer Cratebug's "Get Up Move Your Body" is a spacious, cosmic edit of a little-remembered Canadian gem. The song ends with an intuitive synth jam that will be enjoyed by DJs and home listeners alike. Longtime Grimy associate Rahaan ends things with a bang. His largely original "Buari Traxx" mixes Ghanaian rhythms with killer disco bass and the nuanced, tracky drum programming you could find on a DanceMania record. The brilliant track is built for the floor and also serves as an apt transition into Grimy Trax, a sister label that will release all new music. Chicago's still burning.
