Review: This split release sees veteran UK DJ Yousef paired with a more recent name for a varied house release. Evana's "Losing Consciousness" is the most straightforward of the four tracks, its rolling tribal groove underpinned by a powerful, surging bass and an effective filter that makes the chord sequence bubble to the fore. Evana's "Devil Inside" is more intense; centred on a buzzing bassline, it insinuates its way into the heart of the arrangement to make for an acidic climax. By contrast, Yousef's "Don't Worry About It" also uses a 303, but it plays a supporting role, providing the basis for a soulful vocal intoning the track's title. However, there are no such niceties on offer with "Launch Baby Ready", a tracky, squelch-laden workout.
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: Toolroom is back with the second instalment of the 'House Party' series, with Chicago veteran Gene Farris, the enigmatic Wh0 and ascendant duo Raumakustik closing out the summer in style with their respective mixes. Featuring 80 tracks from leading international names including Carl Cox who goes for a minimal vibe on his remix of Hannah Wants & Kevin Knapp's "Call Me", Hot Since 82 serves up something different than usual on the summertime vibe of "Rise", Saved chief Nic Fanciulli gets some spiritual and life-affirming vibes in effect on "Virgo", Hamburg disco stu Tensnake gives Dombresky & Boston Bun's "Stronger" a neon-lit makeover and label boss Mark Knight impresses with the funky house anthem "Tonight" ft. Chenai and Mr. V.
Review: With Miami Music Week 2020 now ticked over for another year there's been an inundation of compilations pointing us in to the best in tech house theatrics. Furtherstill, for the more discerning heads, there's Saved with their own mega selection: Collection H. See pounding burners from Groovebox in "Mr Hofman" to the undeniable rhythm tracks in Lorenzo De Blanck's over the top "Electric Body". Sultry and stripped backed minimal to be found in "Let Your Body Chill" to Boris Ross & Baggi's banging club hit "Hondo". Look to Hector Couto for your cooler house vibes ("Shawty") with bigger room numbers coming from Anthony Attalla, Daniel Orpi and Mendo. Ice canons please!
