Review: Last year, long-serving British house producers Seamus Haaji and Michael Gray joined forces with vocalist Phoebe Edwards for 'You Bring The Sun', a sparkling and life-affirming burst of summery house fun featuring piano house riffs aplenty and gospel-influenced choruses. Now the track has been given a 2023 tweak by fellow UK veteran - and Sheffield's most soulful house producer - Nick Moss AKA Groove Assassin. He opts for a 'classic' (as he puts it) sound on his two versions, reaching for synth strings, live bass, percussion, guitar, Fender Rhodes keys and piano while retaining the swing and energy associated with his particular brand of house music. His full vocal 'radio edit' (track one) is a festival-friendly sing-along in the making, while his longer 'Classic Instrumental' is a cowbell-powered peak-time treat.
Review: These days, Basement Jaxx don't tend to release that much, meaning there's much excitement when they do periodically break cover. 'Express Yourself', which lands on their previously long-dormant Atlantic Jaxx label, is therefore big news - and their first single since January 2021's rambunctious, Yo Majesty collaboration 'Bumpin' Too Hard'. Featuring vocals from Phoebe Edwards and Nina Scarlett, it's a real blast from the past - the kind of dirty, sub-heavy, Brixton-inspired U.S house mutation that the pair used to serve up during the formative years of their career in the mid-to-late '90s. In its EP-leading 'Club Mix' form - all warped speed garage bass, bumpin' beats, diva vocals, hands-in-the-air piano riffs and basement-bothering late-night grit - it may well be the Jaxx's best single in years. A triumphant return to form!
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