Review: While dancefloors have largely stood still throughout 2020, it hasn't made much of a dent in Knee Deep In Sound's musical output this year. Label head Hot Since 82 - better known as Daley Padley - takes care of their latest sonic dispatch on his sophomore long player. While last year's '8-Track' was dedicated to the passing of a close friend, the recording of 'Recovery' was a similarly cathartic process, with Padley describing the process as a therapeutic experience that enabled a more positive headspace. From the deep and slinky mood music of "Eye Of The Storm" featuring the sensual vocals of Liz Cass, to some surprisingly wonderful collaborations: "Body Control" features fellow UK tech house royalty Jamie Jones and the legendary Boy George on the mic reminiscing on the scene's good ol' days, while acclaimed outfit Rudimental support Padley on the aci-washed deepness of "Be Strong".
Review: UK tech house hero Hot Since 82 returns on his always reliable Knee Deep In Sound powerhouse: with yet more tough rolling grooves that are aimed squarely at the main room- at peak time of course! He recruits the amazing Jem Cooke here, who provided some terrific singing on fellow UK star Ki Creighton's "Love Is Here" last month. On "Buggin'", Cooke's vocal duties are complemented by an evocative yet adrenalised progressive house groove - which is perfect for late night elevation. For those of you not so keen on the vocals, the dub version up next acts as more of a handy instrumental.
Review: After starting his career like a whirling dervish, Hot Since 82 man Daley Padley has slowed down considerably in recent times. In fact, this expansive, eight-track collection of cuts is his most significant release for over two years. Padley hits the ground running with deep and picturesque tech-house shuffler "Vapours", before reaching for the wonky synth bass, Balearic house pianos and ricocheting percussion hits on "Tilted". A trio of typically tidy vocal cuts (including Jem Cooke-voiced former singles "Buggin" and "You Are The Light) follows before Padley unleashes the celebratory, sample-heavy peak-time madness of "Bloodlines". Cooke returns to speak seductively over some late night grooves on "Street Lights", while closing cut "Remains of the Day" is a near symphonic deep house rush.
Review: Toolroom Live 01 is a behemoth. At 61 tracks large, inclusive of three continues DJ mixes, this new concept by Toolroom, as they say, is to highlight key artists, present new tracks, and give their fans a taste of the live experience. On here there's music from Harvey Mckay, Gary Beck and Maison Sky, to Bat For Lashes, Hot Since 82 and label owner Mark Knight, and if you're looking to grasp the Toolroom Live concept (and other oddities you might not expect), while getting some bang from your buck, this release is a well informed start.
Review: Listening to Miami 2014 it sounds like this year's WMC will be dominated by interpretations of classic US house. Prok & Fitch's "South Keys (original club mix)" is a storming tribal affair, while the key changes and heavy low end on My Digital Enemy's "Change" is reminiscent of New Jersey garage. Garage of a UK variety is audible on the rolling snares and rubbery bassline of Hot Since 82 's "Hot's Groove", but in the main, this compilation is US-dominated. Piemont's "Microsleep (original mix)" recalls the darkest excesses of Armand Van Helden house, replete with scary sirens, while the Kevin Knapp take on Richy Ahmed's "The Drums" is a clap-heavy Chicago jam.
Review: Judging by Toolroom's latest mammoth collection, the sound of the White Island in 2014 will be uplifting house music. Granted, there are some diversions on this compilation thanks to Eric Sneo's rattling minimalism and Doorly's jacking "Thunder Clap", but these are few and far between. Even Kelis gets in on the vocal house sound, with Breach chopping up the singer's vocals on his tracky version of "Rumble". Breach faces stiff competition from his peers though, with Tensnake turning London Grammar's "Hey Now" into an epic vocal anthem. However, the stand out contribution comes from a real veteran and MK's piano-led take on Lancelot's "Givin' It Up (feat Antony & Cleopatra)" recalling classic KMS.
Review: One of the best things about the 70s & 80s was the bizarre disco-not-disco records that often quite mainstream acts would make for a laugh. Sting's 1978 collaboration with Eberhard Schoener being a prime example. Here St Albans' finest have delivered a faithful electro-disco version for their Late Night Tales comp. On remix duties, Jay Shepherd delivers a cheery house version but it's Hot Since 82's sultry dub version is the real gem here.
