New releases last eight weeks: Deep House

Review: DJ and producer Gratts returns to his own imprint with the third instalment of the "Balearic but bumpin'" trilogy. Here, the Belgian puts forward a captivating piece of organic, Body & Soul NY inspired deep house, assisted by Cata Mansikka-aho on vocals. As always, an instrumental is provided for maximum nightclub daydreaming. On the flipside, British duo Faze Action up the energy levels with an equally musical disco version that hits in all the right spots. Artwork once again by Mads Cooke.

Review: This new one from El Triangulo Records is the debut single from North Satellite's 2023 album, Past Life Half-Lived. It features several different and equally good versions including the original LP vision by the legendary Metro Area man Darshan Jesrani and alternate versions by Eugene Tambourine and Conrad McDonnell of Idjut Boys fame. The 12" is limited to 300 copies and for our money features some of the best cosmic disco and analogue drum grooves we've heard in a while. Of all the highlights, the opening Cosmic Freestyle is the one we love most.

Review: One of Italy's premier deep house labels, MoBlack is back with their ninth volume of their gold series. This edition features four different producers that each take their turn pushing boundaries within the sound of their culture. Rancido & AfroTura & Bun Xapa's 'Kibe' has a driving beat to it with a strong vocal performance by Aziz. This track sets the tone for the album. Frankie Lluc's 'Burlan' is deep and tribal, riding an organic free flowing tech house to great success. For the second side, Klement Bonelli presents 'Pesna', a unique euro house sound rooted in early Italian disco. We can't help but think it reminds us of 'Rhythm is Dancer' by Snap. Fahlberg's 'The Light' ends things on an uplifting note with a dreamy piano builder that delivers. We think this is a great example of different regional producers making house music.

Review: Gomma played a vital role in the popularisation of the indie-dance explosion that happened some 20 years ago now. Best known for being spearheaded by US indie outfit LDC Sound system, it combined dance, disco, wave, post-punk and more into a party-ready sound that found favour with both ravers and guitar heads. This second collection from the German label highlights the best of music they put out back then with names like In Flagranti, label co-founder Munk, Nancy Whang & Bonar Bradberry and many more all present and correct.