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FEATURED RELEASES

A most trusted producer over the years with a sound that's evolving into something more progressive and synthy for this particular release while maintaining that classic Reset Robot reboot - this EP's lead track is its most intriguing. With a touch of techno-pop be-it electroclash weaving its way through "I Wish You'd Never" there's no denying its trancey and rave roots. Dipping deeper into straight up big room acid techno for "Time Loop", the whiplash of rip curling synths in "Fluid" peel over ephemeral atmospheres and the dusty thud of drums. And for the that serene bonus, Truesoul caps off this release with a "I Wish You'd Never (dub)", steering the original toward something arpeggio-driven over vocal-led.

Fouk

Blue Steel EP Heist Recordings

Heist regulars Fouk (AKA Daniel Leseman and Hans Peeman) had a relative quiet 2020, releasing just one EP and a single-track salvo, 'Need My Space'. Here they're back to their distinctive best, belatedly kick-starting their 2021 release campaign via a rock-solid four-tracker. Rebiere lends a hand on title track 'Blue Steel', a (drum machine) handclap-heavy house stomper marked out by deep, sub-heavy bass, jaunty synth stabs and waves of energy-packed saxophone solos. Girls of the Internet provide the obligatory remix, opting for a long, dreamy, pared-back intro before unleashing the Dutch duo's killer bassline and winding sax motifs. Elsewhere, 'Don't You Want To Boogie' is a high-octane disco-house number full of swirling filter effects, while 'Money' is a squelchy chunk of nu-disco/peak-time house fusion.

Sauco

Sun Goddess Citizens Of Vice

French label Citizens of Vice welcomes the Canary Islands' very own Sauco to the mix with the Sun Goddess EP featuring sleeper hit "Sun Goddess". With the lead track tripping out on flamenco-like guitars, looped disco-machine grooves and balearic synth, it undergoes a funk and ballroom workout in Lanowa's worthy remix. With Rayko dubbing out the guitars, tuning his synths and pumping up the Roland in his Italo-inspired version of "Soulstice", it's the undeniable vamp, build and crescendo of the original within it mega groove that does the trick on us here.

Kai Alce / Alex Arnout / Alfonzo Bottone / Javonntte

BND Project Vol 2 Body N Deep

Body N Deep's first BND Project mini-compilation was one of our favourite EPs of 2019 - a 27-minute journey into deep, soulful house packed with high-quality tracks. This belated sequel is every bit as alluring as its predecessor, with label chief Jovonn selecting another four treats for the ears. Atlanta's Kai Alce kicks things off with a sublime slab of percussive and sweaty late-night deep house ('Dreamin'), before Alex Arnout adds sci-fi synth lines, sustained chords and bubbly electronics to a rock-solid beat on 'Flashback'. Those seeking sun-drenched positivity should check out Alfozo Bottone's sparkling 'Mindfully', while Javontte's 'Too High' offers a near-perfect blend of chunky, off-kilter grooves, jazzy keys, filter effects and massively manipulated Stevie Wonder vocal samples.

Drunken Kong

Phoenix EP Tronic

Label regulars Drunken Kong release their first EP of the year on Tronic and it's a heady affair. The title track revolves around tough, pounding kicks and menacing air raid sirens that swoop in at regular intervals, while "Phase One" is a high-paced roller populated by wiry acid tones and rasping percussion. In contrast, "One Day" is more subtle, with doubled up claps and a linear rhythm laying the basis for moody synth stabs and a gurgling bass, while "Non Stop" sees the duo venture down a tripped out route as a straight rhythm provides the backdrop for eerie synth riffs and powerful filtered builds.

Various

Yacht Rock & Disco Vol 1 Midnight Riot

Sub-titled 'Late Night Cruisin' Classics', Midnight Riot's first compilation dedicated to Yacht Rock & Disco is a loved-up saunter through colourful hybrids of blue-eyed soul, revivalist disco and the kind of slick and soulful nu-disco that sounds like it should be sound-tracking a sea-bound party put on by millionaire playboys. Across the compilation you'll find shiny cover versions of blue-eyed soul classics (Change Request's 'Lowdown' and DJ Mark Brickman's 'I Keep Forgettin'), deliciously downtempo excursions of the Balearic kind (the sugary street soul flex of Saucy Lady & U-Key's 'What You Won't Do For Love', Sweetooth's simply superb 'So Into You', the Ned Doheny-ish excellence of JIM's 'Whisper In The Wind'), and a really quite remarkable Sade cover (Samma's 'Sweetest Taboo'). In a word: lovely.