Review: Liverpool institution Circus returns for the seventh edition of its Selector Series and it could be the most impressive installment yet. Label chief/local legend Yousef claims that this collection of certified bangers have been burning up dancefloors at the world's best clubs and festivals recently and are guaranteed to make their way into the collections of all decent DJs - to pump out throughout the summer of 2019. Ascendant Italian Alex Kennon has the main room in mind on the tough rolling and bass-driven groove of "Dimension", CJ Jeff delivers some moody heads-down tackle on the stomping "Caged Animal", Joe Red serves up the slick minimal back room dub of "Beast" and Siege channels the blistering drum machine attack of a certain Plastikman classic on "Robalo".
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.
Review: Melinki has been dishing out the goods on labels like Fokuz for a few years now, as well as running his own 'Four Corners' imprint, but he hasn't done many projects like this. The S.T.L project is a full, album length collection of collaborations with producers all over the scene. T>I is on remix duties for previous Melinki banger Dancehall Sound, flipping it into a spaciously destructive bit of work, whilst HLZ is present on the sub-heavy and drum-excellent 'Nemea'. Softer notes abound on 'It's Over' featuring Macca & Maverick Soul, a soft and deftly rolling vocal slice of liquid action, a trend repeated on 'What's Real' with Low:r. This is an expression of scene strength and an excellent one at that.
Review: A mighty collaboration here by Belgian Siege (Saved/Circus/We Are The Brave) and Spain's Fer BR (Mindshake/Minus), who have long admired one another's work and have realized that ambition here for Adam Beyer's Truesoul. Packed with surefire main room tackle, such as the chunky mentasm fuelled banger "Say My Name" and its infectious rap vocal, while the steely greyscale austerity of "Something" or the dubby "Or What" are loaded directly off the factory floor - proper tension and suspense for the warm up. Finally, it's back to bang the party at peak time on the relentless stomper "Put It Down".
