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Circus Recordings
Browse the latest digital releases on Circus Recordings
Jansons feat Dope Earth Alien
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: "Switch" by London based Michael Jansons (Classic/Knee Deep In Sound) with Canadian vocalist Dope Earth Alien was one of the biggest tracks of 2019, earning massive airtime on radio and in the clubs. The pair finally return to follow up its success with their new banger "Medicine" which is sure to bang the party all over again with its addictive groove and jacked vocals. The Extended Dub Mix is a worthy addition too for all the DJs out there, working those acid house style rhythm patterns to perfection. Expect to be hearing a lot of this one as well in 2021.
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CIRCUS 139
23 Apr 21
Minimal/Tech House
23 Apr 21
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Juno Recommends Progressive House
Review: Maintaining party vibes for the lockdown period is Yousef Zaher and his Circus Recordings label with this hot hot hot collaboration with Manchester vocalist Evabee and north London duo Gorgon City. Sending in tech house beats alongside a whirr of peaking synths and progressive basslines, "Free Myself" is full of suspense, tension and melodrama just waiting to explode! Free yourself!
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CIRCUS 123
29 May 20
Progressive House
29 May 20
Progressive House
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Following up some great releases by Wheats, Pepe Mateos, Green Velvet and boss man Yousef, Circus Recordings are back with the elrow affiliate Miguel Lobo. The ascendant producer from Madrid teams up with Rion S. and Piem here for the deep down and dirty tribal tech house stomper "Stay Awake" - which signals another hot summer season on The White Isle coming soon. This is followed by the dreamy and melodic hypnotiser "Another Day" which sees Lobo fly solo and utilise yet more of those infectious percussive elements to tremendous effect - this one's more suited to the after party.
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CIRCUS 119
27 Mar 20
Minimal/Tech House
27 Mar 20
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Liverpudlian legend Yousef is back, serving up the next hit on his esteemed Circus Recordings imprint. Following up last year's personal full length effort '9 Moor Drive' he returns to form on new track "Super" - an uplifting house anthem if we've ever heard one. With its hands in the air piano melody, breathtaking symphonic arrangements and energetic groove throughout - expect to be hearing this one a lot in 2020 and beyond. Also featured are a couple of remixes of his 2017 track "Pleasure Defined" featuring Erica Thompson. The 2020 remake is a sensual exploration in lo-slung acid style with Thompson's come hither vocals a constant, while the Yousef Dub 2020 concentrates on that mind altering 303 goodness.
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CIRCUS 117
28 Feb 20
Minimal/Tech House
28 Feb 20
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Huxley is synonymous with house music, but his latest outing has a rave tinge. On the title track, this is is down to the vocal contribution of Lazarusman, who talks about the concept of power, as much as it is due to the dramatic chord stabs. Marco Lys' remix makes "Power" more unusual-sounding, with rolling toms and a dramatic, filtered breakdown pushing the arrangement towards other unexpected elements such as hip-hop scratches and pitch bent vocal effects. The Demuir version is darker and more visceral, with a gurgling, acid-soaked bass powering the arrangement and underpinning Lazarusman's narrative.
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CIRCUS 116
21 Feb 20
Techno
21 Feb 20
Techno
Review: Finding his music in a discography that includes DJ Sneak, Green Velvet and Carl Cox from back in the day, Pepe Mateos, with a sweet two-track single, finds himself in Yousef's Circus Recordings. Delving into a deeper sound of snappy drums and tech house percussion, "DMT" throws down a touch of Romanain-esque grooves to its rhythm backed by the sirens of breathy church vocals. Dennis Quin (think Simma Black) turns in a de-reverberated version that offers a solidified house version inspired for the club's more pumping moments over deep tribal grooves.
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CIRCUS 115
17 Jan 20
Minimal/Tech House
17 Jan 20
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Yousef has gained a reputation over the years as a purveyor of dark house music, and this release doesn't disappoint. The title track is a tripped out affair that revolves around a snaking groove and eerie synths, with a mysterious vocal planted in the middle. "We Don't Need Yo Love" is deeper and more tripped out, with the Liverpool DJ delivering a rolling groove that resounds to tranced out synths and dramatic builds, realised against the backdrop of dramatic filters. Closing out the release is "Vivienne", a more left of centre track from Yousef, thanks to its vocal samples and infectious disco groove.
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CIRCUS 113
29 Nov 19
Minimal/Tech House
29 Nov 19
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Theta state
Review: Originally released back in 2013, Green Velvet's "Bigger Than Prince" is now made available in remixed format. Jamie Jones and Darius Syrossian's version adds wild rave stabs and splurging acid lines to the original version, while Alan Fitzpatrick's take is quite different; stripping the original back to tough drums and putting the focus on the original version's out there vocal narrative. Last but by no means least is the Siege take. It's closest in sound to the original Chicago house sound that inspired "Prince...". Boasting searing, bleeding acid lines and rolling snares, these elements are the perfect accompaniment to Green Velvet's out there vocal narrative.
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CIRCUS 112
29 Nov 19
Techno
29 Nov 19
Techno
Review: On the back of Liverpudlian legend Yousef's new album '9 Moor Drive' is the classic house vibe of single "Give It To Me".He collaborated with musician Tim Hutton, who provided live horns and organ to replicate that timeless '90s inspired vibe he was going for, complete with a roaring male vocal - this is a soulful and life-affirming anthem. Yousef reached out the legendary NYC house icon DJ Duke (Power Music / Sex Trax) who steps out of retirement briefly on his spellbinding remix, while Circus label staple Jansons delivers an additional tech house dub mix, injected with more sturdy dancefloor dynamics guaranteed to work a treat in the main room before peak time.
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CIRCUS 111
18 Oct 19
Funky/Club House
18 Oct 19
Funky/Club House
Review: After recent releases on Sola, Kaluki & Resonance, Carlisle-based DJ Ki Creighton - resident and booker at the mighty UBER - returns to his home label Circus Recordings. "Rendezvous" is a welcomed side step in Creighton's catalogue: this atmospheric and melodic house track features haunting yet sensual vocals over its slinky and hypnotic groove. Nasser Baker steps up for a remix, following on from the global success of "Say Something" last year - this remix could be as big. Be prepared for this slick, bouncy electro house stomper that oozes attitude. Also featured is "Jessies Jam" which is an ode to his daughter on this tough rolling main room groove aimed squarely at peak time dancefloors.
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CIRCUS 106
16 Aug 19
Minimal/Tech House
16 Aug 19
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Yousef's Circus Recordings has had a fine year that just keeps on going, with this new one by native Ibizans Mambo Brothers. Christian and Alan Anadon were born and raised in the world's party capital, having spent years hanging around the world famous DJ booth at Cafe Mambo with some of the most renowned DJ's playing there - and have been part of the evolution of electronic music since the beginning. Their new track "Optimo" is uplifting balearic house that's perfectly optimised for main room energy. It also receives a killer rework by ever reliable UK duo Leftwing & Kody that takes the track into peak time territory, followed by two perspectives by German minimal house expert Christian Burkhardt more suited to the afterhours.
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CIRCUS 105
26 Jul 19
Minimal/Tech House
26 Jul 19
Minimal/Tech House
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".
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CIRCUS 102
14 Jun 19
Minimal/Tech House
14 Jun 19
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Rave Energy
Review: "Riches To Rags" is the new one by Yousef, taken from his forthcoming album 9 Moor Drive which is out soon via his own Circus Recordings. The veteran producer serves up same reliable dancefloor fodder you've come to expect, with a intense track that's awash in layers of hypnotic and intoxicating melodies and and dramatic Derrick May style chord progression that's sure to get the hands up in the air - indeed there's a Detroit style 'hi-tech soul' about this track which makes it so irresistible. This is followed by the moody dancefloor drama of "I Don't Understand" getting the job done with its dark, entrancing bassline and brooding pads.
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CIRCUS 100
03 May 19
Minimal/Tech House
03 May 19
Minimal/Tech House
Jansons feat Dope Earth Alien
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Michael Jansons has released on labels like Knee Deep In Sound, and recently 8-bit. He's back in action but this time on Yousef's Circus Recordings out of Liverpool with the tough rolling main-room tech house of "Switch", featuring some infectious female rap vocals atop. The Funk Dub up next is more sunny and uplifting, with its sexy latin flair and finally "Octave" hammers the message home in Motor City inspired hi-tech soul fashion - mad chord progression on this one. Top!
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CIRCUS 098
05 Apr 19
Minimal/Tech House
05 Apr 19
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Dark Alleys is Carl Cox's first EP in a number of years, but it's been worth the wait. Proving that he remains the 'people's DJ', Coxy's own take on the title track is an unforgettable techno-house hybrid, its muscular bass supporting a funky techno rhythm and uplifting rave stabs. As befits a DJ of Cox's status, this version is full of deft filters and drops, making it prime dance floor material. Saved boss Nic Fanciulli turns the track into a gritty, acid-soaked affair with his reshape, with the building siren sound only adding to the sense of drama as it reaches a huge crescendo. Circus has also tapped Deetron for a rework, with the Swiss DJ's grungy bass and rave break downs also sure to illicit a massive reaction.
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CIRCUS 096
08 Feb 19
Techno
08 Feb 19
Techno
Review: New York City legend Junior Sanchez is up next on Circus. The man has worked on both the underground and mainstream side of the spectrum throughout his extensive career, collaborating with everyone from Armand Van Helden and Roger Sanchez to Azealia Banks and Stuart Price. Following up great releases of late on Kontor, Relief and Robsoul - and not to mention last year's terrific long player Under The Influence - Sanchez is still in top form here for Liverpool's hottest label. He nails that classic sound of disco house that's synonymous with The Big Apple on the uplifting "Strong Enough" complete with roaring diva vocals, while "We Found It" goes for a deeper, smoother and hypnotic vibe that's perfectly suited for early night mood lighting.
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CIRCUS 090
07 Sep 18
Funky/Club House
07 Sep 18
Funky/Club House
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Formerly masked duo Camelphat are back with more anthemic main room fodder on new hit "The Solution". Indeed, it is like its name suggests and we can imagine this percussion driven chugger rocking the peak time slot. Second orginal offering "DMT" is a more moody and tunnelling affair for those build-up moments, when the strobelight and smoke machine get turned on. Following up their terrific remix of Fatboy Slim's "Right Here, Right Now" which is being caned everywhere at the moment - it seems this dynamic duo can seriously do no wrong.
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CIRCUS 088
20 Jul 18
Minimal/Tech House
20 Jul 18
Minimal/Tech House
Ki Creighton feat Jem Cooke
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Annan's Ki Creighton has been DJing since the '90s and on the production front has released on some serious labels down the years - including Elrow, Snatch, Circus, 8bit, Lost Recordings and more. He collaborates with London based singer/songwriter Jem Cooke on the sexy and slinky tech house of "Love Is Here" (original mix), the dub version up next allows for a more driving and hypnotic perspective with more dancefloor dynamic. Then, the remix by Dutch rising star Franky Rizardo will mesmerize you with its hypnotic use of melody, lush assortment of soft synth leads and sturdy rhythm action - all supporting Cooke's seductive vocal contribution.
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CIRCUS 086
11 May 18
Minimal/Tech House
11 May 18
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Following last year's Oblivion collaboration on Bedrock, Luke Brancaccio and Simon Berry hook up again, this time on Yousef's label. The original version combines their many years' experience in creating and playing trance-influenced house, as a skeletal, metallic rhythm and searing bass provide a back drop for mesmerising builds and spacey hooks. It sounds like Nathan Fake has let his hair down and is getting down to Kompakt's back catalogue. Kaiseridsco deliver a far more functional, peak time alternative on their take on "Wake Up", with powerful drums and a slamming rhythm prevailing, while Mella Dee's version is different again, as a grainy rhythm, crackling percussion and noisy tones provide a more earthy take on "Wake Up".
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CIRCUS 084
30 Mar 18
Minimal/Tech House
30 Mar 18
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Circus Recordings boss and all round UK tech house legend Yousef returns with the absolutely electric Tools EP - which like the name suggest are a bunch of well perfected DJ weapons optimized for peak time groove action. From the loopy and energetic hypnotism of "The Night", the grinding acid sleaze of "Sweetness" to the fierce and rolling adrenalizer "Santiago" which could very well receive a rinsing on The White Isle this Summer. Here Yousef consolidates his nearly 20 years experience into the game into yet another fine package of reliable tracks. Follows up some impressive releases from the Liverpool founded (now London based) imprint by the likes of Danny Serrano, Leonardo Gonnelli and Ki Creighton.
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CIRCUS 083
02 Mar 18
Minimal/Tech House
02 Mar 18
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Liverpudlian institution Circus Recordings is back following up some great releases in 2017 by the likes of Catz 'N' Dogz, Ki Creighton and Leonardo Gonnelli. It's now the turn of Danny Serrano from Madrid: a rising star with hot hits on top labels recently such as Relief, Moon Harbour and Knee Deep In Sound. Kicking off with the tough roll and shuffle of "Never Alone" (feat Nukkah) which is just as suited to the label's club namesake itself as it is to Summer mischief on The White Isle. "Twisted" (original mix) is a tad deeper and well funkier - this one has a sense of swing that even original house gangster DJ Sneak could appreciate. Big time bassline in this one! Finally "Never Alone" (feat Nukkah - Secondcity Da Groove remix) differs from the original with its smooth tribal rhythms and sultry type of groove. We wouldn't be surprised to be hearing this one a lot on The Island still in a few months to come.
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CIRCUS 082
12 Jan 18
Minimal/Tech House
12 Jan 18
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Newcastle Upon Tyne's Christoph is back after some killer releases on the likes of Warung, Truesoul and Knee Deep In sound: who released his brilliant Closer LP last year. Now for Liverpool's finest Circus Recordings is The Skedaddle EP where he delivers some bouncy and slinky tech house that's just as dark and suspense filled as you like on "Cozen" (original mix). The title track is a brooding tribal workout that rolls deep and is perfect moodlighting for Ibiza dancefloors during the morning shift. Finally "Boundless" is the most mellow and evocative affair: this sublime progressive house workout with some seductive vocals atop is pure magic.
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CIRCUS 073
10 Apr 17
Minimal/Tech House
10 Apr 17
Minimal/Tech House
Yousef feat Erica Thompson
Review: Deep sexy and slinky tech house for the early hours courtesy of LIverpool's finest and Circus resident Yousef on "Pleasure Defined" with its tribal sensibilities taking you back to the turn of the millennium when Danny Tenaglia and Steve Lawler reigned supreme. It also gets some wicked remixes: W&O Street Tracks head honchos Waze & Odyssey give the track a grinding and bumping house makeover that retains Erica Thompson's sultry vocals, but throws in a jacking beat and buzzy sub synths beneath. Also the unstoppable London duo Krankbrother deliver as always with their remix, channelling that deep and emotive Kompakt vibe like they've been doing so well of late.
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CIRCUS 072
13 Mar 17
Minimal/Tech House
13 Mar 17
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: BEDRAN.
Review: Well, we all know by now that Circus Recordings was set up by the legendary Yousef and named after his world-renowned club event Circus, in his hometown of Liverpool. The in-house label has been doing the business for a while now, presenting us future British heroes in the form of Lewis Boardman, Krankbrother and Ki Creighton in recent times. It's now over to their newest recruits on Selector pt 5 where young gun Bontan gets straight into it with the funky and sexy tech house of "C'est Moi" which is reminiscent of classic Greg Fenton or D'julz. Next up, Lee Walker presents "2am At Medicine Bar" which does exactly what it says on the tin; taking you to a sweaty dancefloor in the legendary Middleborough club. Adrenalised tech house aimed squarely at the last night once again from Napoli's DJ Dep on "Hot Vibe", while Glasgow's finest Illyus & Barrientos give us the hands in the air anthem "Galvanized" complete with diva vocals, cowbells and euphoric house organs galore.
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CIRCUS 071
30 Jan 17
Minimal/Tech House
30 Jan 17
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Juno Recommends Minimal Tech
Review: Carlisle's Ki Creighton is back on Liverpool institution Circus with The Journey EP, having previously appeared on Under No Illusion, Elrow and New Violence. This is peak time tech house for party animals on offer here, so be prepared. The funky and stomping opener "Acid Rain" gets off to a good start, while "The Journey" lives up to its title on this adrenalised progressive house odyssey with rich melodies and a humming sub bass. Finally "Jam Hot" is tough and rolling energy that will appeal to fans of Gruuv, Saved or Material Series.
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CIRCUS 068
10 Oct 16
Minimal/Tech House
10 Oct 16
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Liverpool's Kydus returns on local institution Circus for the Boomtang EP. The title track features a bit of help from mate Moji and is super slinky tech house that rolls deep; just the way we like it! Fellow Liverpudlian David Glass is up next delivering a killer remix that puts more grunt in the bass and more boom in the kick, which you could imagine absolutely firing up a stadium or festival crowd at peak time; just ferocious! Finally "My People" is a dubby power-house jam with epic piano stabs, nice swing and sampled diva vocals all working to perfection.
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CIRCUS 066
05 Sep 16
Minimal/Tech House
05 Sep 16
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Liverpool institution Circus just recently served up another volume of Moments series which resulted in some killer tracks by resident David Glass among others. Now they look to the motherland entirely on the fourth volume of their Selector series, featuring some totally killer tech house selections. Resident Yousef gives us "Strange Girl"; this is tough and rolling funk energy that's got just the right of bounce and sleaze to work heaving crowds at his residency this Summer. Leeds legend Darius Syrossian appears too with the rough and grinding trance arpeggio of "My Favourite Riot". Finally Hot Creations mainstay Richy Ahmed appears also, with probably the most restrained track on offer with "Layer Cake"; a funky and jacking electro-house groove that's just wicked!
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CIRCUS 062
30 May 16
Minimal/Tech House
30 May 16
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Hot Since 82
Review: Krankbrother: Brothers, DJ's, promoters and if that wasn't enough: promoters and producers out of London. Just modern day supermen really.. and all in a day's work for this mighty duo. This time appearing on Yousef's esteemed Circus Recordings out of Liverpool, "Circular Thing" is a rolling and booming tech house cut that has the right amount of suspense and perfect to lead into the peak time shift with its early Detroit techno style melody. It also gets a bunch of seriously kick -ass remixes, such as by Knee Deep In Sound main man Hot Since '82, whose explosive peak time slammer of a makeover would make even Carlo Lio stand up and notice. German hero Kiki also serves up a version which is more restrained, darker and deeper with its humming sub bassline and overall druggy aesthetic. Dresden duo Raumakustik throw in a rendition which is more percussive and funky, not bad either!
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CIRCUS 060
25 Apr 16
Minimal/Tech House
25 Apr 16
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Few modern house producers have as much experience or kudos as Quell. The German artist as released on esteemed labels like Ibadan, 4 Lux and 20/20 Vision and now brings his musical vision to Yousef's imprint. The title track is reminiscent of 90s deep house, with dense filters and a bubbling, dubby groove underpinning a vocal sample that repeats the refrain 'take forever'. On "Susanne", he ventures into tougher, rougher territory, with a tough rhythm and close-to-abrasive percussion underpinning a vocal sample. Finally, there's "Siamese"; like "Susanne", it focuses on a stripped back approach, with insistent stabs replacing the vocal samples.
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CIRCUS 061
21 Mar 16
Minimal/Tech House
21 Mar 16
Minimal/Tech House
David Glass feat Moji
Review: Liverpool's David Glass finds a fitting home on local imprint Circus, in-house label of the infamous superclub run by resident Yousef. "Gimme Love" is rolling, funky tech house with enough adrenaline and sleaze to burn up dance-floors on The White Isle and London alike this Spring. Moji's vocals by the way are hot! Middlesborough based up and comer Lee Walker steps up to deliver a pretty super progressive house remix. Great Stuff's Mihalis Safras likewise delivers a killer remix, just his version is definitely made for peak time dancefloors at Space and Ushuaia particularly in mind. Finally Italian Pirupa's remix saves the best for last on this tough techno monster no doubt honed by his releases on the likes of Drumcode or Kling Klong.
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CIRCUS 059
22 Feb 16
Minimal/Tech House
22 Feb 16
Minimal/Tech House
Review: The unstoppable machine from Greece is back with more surefire peak time tech house following up great releases on Great Suff and Saved in recent times. "Mapa" has all the trademarks of Safras' sound: rolling basslines, funky percussion and trippy synth work. "Hybrid" gets a bit deeper with its sexy come hither vocal samples giving way to a fierce, swing fuelled drum groove. "Santuro" gets back to the main room on this roller of a groove that you could imagine Paco Osuna smashing out on Ibiza. Finally "Krisna" saves the bets for last on this hysterical peak time monster that is sure to destroy dance floors this Spring.
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CIRCUS 058
25 Jan 16
Minimal/Tech House
25 Jan 16
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Liverpool institution and Circus resident Yousef is back with "Are You Ready", a peak time tech house thriller with enough funk and high tech finesse to heat up dancefloors this winter. Things get even more intense and darker on the banging "Touch Me" complete with diva vocals, a rhythm that shuffles like a steam train and all round sinister atmosphere. Finally "Wannabee" focus on the funky, intricate rhythm and rolling bass on this tripped out and adrenalised cut. Sure-fire artillery for serious DJs only.
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CIRCUS 056
16 Nov 15
Minimal/Tech House
16 Nov 15
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Why wait to till the weekend when you can have Acid on a Monday? It's certainly true upon hearing these two bangers. First up "Blazelnuts" features a pounding kick drum and tripped-out warped vocals, but it's the more sensual grind of deep, hypnotic grinder "Interstellar Cake" that really has us ascending to planet boogie.
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CIRCUS 055
12 Oct 15
Minimal/Tech House
12 Oct 15
Minimal/Tech House
Yousef / Various
Review: Liverpool legend and Circus resident Yousef returns with a full length in the form of "In The Process Of Eight" which demonstrates just how capable this legend is in the studio, even getting compiled and mixed by the one and only Carl Cox too! It's swirling, uplifting and progressive business as you'd expect with captivating female vocals on tracks such as "Float Away". "Believe" and "Let Go" get funkier with some early evening tech house vibes on a darker tip with some great vocals. He also collaborates, surprisingly, with Frankfurt hero Reboot on "Renaissance" getting an infectious tribal groove happening and with Uner on "I Need You" which takes things on a more straight up, dark and chugging tech house trip. Some diverse sounds on offer here from a master DJ of two decades experience.
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CIRCUS 047MIX
07 Sep 15
Minimal/Tech House
07 Sep 15
Minimal/Tech House
Review: As the boss of the long-standing Circus Records empire, Yousef has little left to prove in the field of tech house, but that doesn't diminish the impact of his third artist album In The Process Of Eight. Across twelve tracks he demonstrates the keen instinct for peak-time grooves that has propelled his career to a globe-dominating status from his humble Liverpudlian roots more than ten years ago. There are plenty of vocal turns from the likes of Kieran Fowkes, Erica Thompson and Jordan Leser, while noted producers such as Uner and Reboot lend their skills to choice tracks on the production side of proceedings. On the strength of this collection Yousef will be in fine form for decades to come.
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CIRCUS 047
04 May 15
Minimal/Tech House
04 May 15
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Up and coming tech house mover Louis Proud has already forged links with many key labels on the global circuit, but this release for Yousef's Circus imprint may well be his biggest splash to date. "So Many Promises" in its original form is a crafty cut that matches sleek and snappy rhythms with a fulsome bassline and a healthy dose of soul thanks to the vocal licks. On remix duties, Nathan Barato delivers a tougher tool splashed with a touch of dub, while Maher Daniel heads into minimal territory with his "Out Of The Box Remix". Bontan however delivers the biggest crowd pleaser with the snappy garage bump and gnarly synth action of his version, rounding out a highly playable release.
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CIRCUS 043
02 Feb 15
Minimal/Tech House
02 Feb 15
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Demian Muller teams up with his fellow Chilean producer Andre Butano for this heads-down dance floor release on Yousef's label. The title track sets the tone, with steely, metallic rhythms creating a tracky sound, supported by buzzing bass tones. "Esvivir" is similarly inclined and sees the duo conjure up a dense, rolling groove that slips into dreamy break downs. While David Glass' take on "Nitid Night" is led by heavy drums and tough kicks, there is also a lighter side to this release; in its original form, "Night" is a dubbed out groove full of billowing chords and trance-inspired melodies.
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CIRCUS 041
08 Dec 14
Minimal/Tech House
08 Dec 14
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Yousef's Circus Recordings welcomes the pulsing majesty of "Time For House Music", the Carl Cox masterpiece du jour. Pumping out bass and continuing the hedonistic Ibiza vibes late into the night, there's no doubt that right now, there's not a hotter tune to be closing your Balearic beach party down to. With a minimal remix from Davide Squallace that takes it down to another level of squalid glamour and debauchery and a hard-edged re-suturing from David Glass, there's more than enough here to recreate the perfect night.
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CIRCUS 040
22 Sep 14
Minimal/Tech House
22 Sep 14
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Circus's finest lion tamer Yousef steps up with a brand new original production and some repurposed cuts from his evergreen 2012 album Product Of Your Environment. "By The Way You Dance" is an ode to hypnosis; dynamically arranged with wondrous washes and subtle peaks and troughs, it has potential to lose the sharpest of dancefloor minds. Further on we hit jacking house gold as Patrick Topping adds some heavyweight welly to "For The Terraces" and Yousef himself flips the hands-in-the-air switch on his club-ready take on the album opener "An Old Friend". Stunning.
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CIRCUS 037
04 Aug 14
Minimal/Tech House
04 Aug 14
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Max Demand
Review: Second time around for Green Velvet's typically strutting "Bigger Than Prince", which first dropped last year on Yousef's Circus Recordings imprint. Here it gets a new lease of life thanks to a quartet of previously unheard remixes. Jay Lumen provides a dark, throbbing, swinging rework that should find favour with the after-party crew, while Leeds native Darius Syrossian flits between glacial synth motifs, twirling acid and bassline-driven bump on his notable rework. There's a typically bumpin', drum-heavy onslaught from Coyu, while label boss Yousef drops an undulating tech-house remix that's arguably the EP's strongest moment.
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CIRCUS 036
23 Jun 14
Minimal/Tech House
23 Jun 14
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Sven Vath
Review: Since dropping his Shunyata album back in 2010, this talented German has concentrated on hammering out essential house tool after house tool on myriad labels. He's never just satisfied with one-dimensional productions though, and the mighty "Samson" is no different: full, rolling drums accelerate under a hypnotic vocal loop and cleverly layered percussion creating a sense of barely contained delirium. Elsewhere we also get a little locomotive techy disco in the form of "Jada Jada", before Harry Romero steps in to add some tribal-swing spice to the title track's original ingredients.
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CIRCUS 033
07 Apr 14
Minimal/Tech House
07 Apr 14
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Miguel Lobo
Review: It sounds like Yousef's label has a summer hit on its hands. In its original format, "Be High" sees lush disco strings unfold over robust tribal beats and an insistent groove. It's straightforward, but seductive and highly catchy. "Cool People" is based on a similar backing track, but the duo replace musical elements with a ponderous vocal and a rumbling bass, while a similar aesthetic applies on the tribal house and buzzing licks of "Dodasch". Finally, the balance shifts back towards the musical on "In Your Face". While less catchy than the title track, its dreamy techno chords provide a melodic backdrop for the tough tribal beats.
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CIRCUS 032
10 Mar 14
Minimal/Tech House
10 Mar 14
Minimal/Tech House
Review: The title of Yousef's latest single refers to the late '70s/early '80s sound of Rimini, but the reality is that it's more like New York disco, filtered through the lenses of Prins Thomas and Lindstrom. The title track revolves around dubbed out drums and a low-slung groove, with Yousef splicing a trippy vocal into the arrangement for maximum effect. He has recruited Salah & Hoolz to rework "Italo Sleeze", and they do a fine job; the bass is more menacing and the rhythm tougher, with the duo pushing Yousef's arrangement farther and farther from the discos of Rimini and back towards the basement sweatboxes it was patently designed for.
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CIRCUS 027
04 Nov 13
Minimal/Tech House
04 Nov 13
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: DJ VIVONA, Piemont, Maurice Aymard, Juno Recommends Minimal Tech, TOM GLIDE, Mike Absolom, Rony Breaker, Corduroy Mavericks, Resident Advisor, Zombie Nation, Alinka, Alinka
Review: It's been some time since Curtis Jones slipped into his Green Velvet nom de plume, but as Prince demonstrates, this comeback has been worth the wait. In its original format, its drums are rickety and sparse, but the bass grinds seductively and the vocal, claiming that an unidentified person is 'bigger than Prince', makes the track sound even more bugged out. Hot Since 82 add some beefed up, rolling drums and pitch the vocals way down, while the Martinez Brothers version is rooted in steely drums, shaking percussion and coated in a layer of grimy acid. Irrespective of whether it will be bigger than Prince, it certainly makes for a compelling comeback.
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CIRCUS 028
02 Sep 13
Minimal/Tech House
02 Sep 13
Minimal/Tech House
Review: White Drum is proof that some producers are still capable of squeezing new shapes and sounds from minimal house. The title track is based on rolling drums and a shuffling rhythm, while Tom Flynn's trancey hooks set it apart from the slew of hiccupping grooves. "You & Me" is darker and more tripped out, with a surging bassline providing the basis for a repetitive vocal sample that veers its way in and out of the arrangement. "Stunning" has a more slinky, stripped back groove, but that doesn't deter Flynn from deploying discordant riffs, eerie synths and an acidic bass, while "Warm Keys" sees him evoke the spirit of mid-90s deep house as evocative chords build in the backrgound and a soulful vocal sample soars its way through the arrangement.
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CIRCUS 019
07 Aug 12
Minimal/Tech House
07 Aug 12
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Yousef's Circus Recordings isn't perhaps best known for releasing luscious vocal fare, but that's exactly what Yost Koen and vocalist Leroy deliver here. "In A Bad Way" is delightfully soulful, but in that understated way that marks out the best vocal deep house. The grooves are contemporary and fluid, perfectly complimenting Leroy's vocal. Remix-wise, label boss Yousef leads the way with a slightly darker, more heavily percussive version, whilst M-In and Chriss Vogt go for a groovier, bigger feel via the addition of some tasty reverb and hooky pianos. Sweaty bonus cut "Mathematical" is excellent, too, all loose beats, wonky builds and tribal ethos.
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CIRCUS 018
03 Jul 12
Deep House
03 Jul 12
Deep House
Review: It's not so much a case of Acid Mondays but happy, Summery Mondays on the original version of Svenkins. Over a drummy, rolling backing, deep chords and shimmering keys make for an effortlessly upbeat deep house affair, with not a hint of menace audible. Chicago's DJ Sneak maintains a similar mood on his "BBQ Beats" version. The longer evenings and warmer temperatures ensure that this disco-infused, deep chord groover is the perfect accompaniment to al fresco dining and dancing. Finally, the dub version is tailor made for DJs, with its tribal beats, rolling rhythm and strategically placed 'ah hey' vocal samples.
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CIRCUS 017
12 Jun 12
Minimal/Tech House
12 Jun 12
Minimal/Tech House
Played by: Kaiserdisco
Review: Maher and Casa provide something different from run of the mill minimal house. "Malgra" starts off with dreamy chords and rasping off-beats before building into a pulsing groove. Emerson Todd's take is a pleasant deep house affair, but on this occasion the best remixes focus on a peak-time approach. Kaiserdisco's version is a big room minimal-style affair, but amid the walls of white noise and dense sheets of percussion there lurks a droning bass that packs more menace than a kennel full of starved Rottweilers. Acid Mondays also deliver a fine jacking interpretation, its rolling drums supporting jarring riffs and firing percussion.
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CIRCUS 014
12 Mar 12
Minimal/Tech House
12 Mar 12
Minimal/Tech House
Review: Flynn delivers two different but equally compelling interpretations of the tribal house sound on Argentina. The title track adopts the more conventional approach; it is powered by a surging bassline and features an insistent disco filter yet other elements, like the sample of a cheering crowd, mark it out as different to the glut of rolling club tracks. Flynn gets more inventive on "Tiger Square". Loose drums dominate the arrangement, while stuttering vocal samples, jazzy stabs and claps that ignore rigid quantization make it sound compelling. On the evidence of this release, Flynn is pushing an established sound into new directions.
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CIRCUS 012
06 Sep 11
Minimal/Tech House
06 Sep 11
Minimal/Tech House
