Funky House Recommendations Best Of 2013

Review: You might have heard about this LP..... After a pre-release campaign that took on Hollywood-esque proportions, French pair Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter return as Daft Punk with their fourth studio album Random Access Memories sporting a A-list cast of guests and contributors. Given the input of disco icons Giorgio Moroder and Nile Rogers it's entirely understandable that the overbearing sound on Random Access Memories is one of classic disco with lead single "Get Lucky" a good indicator for what to expect. There's also a smattering of yacht rock within the thirteen track set, whilst the ubiquitous Panda Bear turns up on the midnight stutter funk album highlight "Doin' It Right". Those expecting a return to Daft Punk's Homework heyday will be disappointed but Bangalter and de Homem-Christo are touching forty so the polished, expertly constructed disco direction makes perfect sense.

Review: ** FIT REPRESS ** Naturally for a producer who prefers to remain anonymous and call themselves A Drummer From Detroit and name their debut EP Drums, both tracks here veer into dextrously percussive house territory. Amidst the dizzying, jazz influenced rattle of Shake Shakir style rhythms that characterise the A Side workout our erstwhile protagonist weaves in desperate vocal strains and overtly dramatic piano and horn stabs which only serve to increase the panic inducing pace. The flipside treatment is slightly slower in its execution, yet increases the jazz funk melodic elements which make it the less a hectic and more involving production.

Review: Following their very respectful cover of Marvin Gaye, Swiss disco lotharios Estephe and Vulzor serve up another hot and steamy cover version and one very tasteful edit. "Set It Out" pays homage to Midway's 1984 classic with firing boogie licks and P-funk bass marathons. "Mercy", meanwhile, sees them returning to Gaye for inspiration. Less of a cover, more of a groove, it's a sampling masterclass.

Review: Wow... MK and David Morales on a remix tip? Every inch of this release is steeped in house heritage. MK adds a dreamy air via subtle pads and synth work while the drive is maintained by a bold steel drum percussion dynamic. Morales, meanwhile, takes us down an almost progressive path with a penetrative bass arrangement and full attention on the distrait vocal. With both cuts shining a different light on the original's soulful strengths, you'll be hard pushed deciding which one to play first.