New releases this week: Funky/Club House

Review: Rush Hour has been one of Europe's independent musical powerhouses for decades now. Now only does it have Amsterdam's best record shop, but it throws the best parties and puts put the fresh new records from several different genres. next to that of course they also know how to dig deep and unearth vital reissues, which is what they do here with a triple headed Japanese house affair. Katsuya Sano keeps it OG Chicago with his 'I Need Luv', then Junichi Soma offers the analogue depths of 'Ubnormal Life' and Shuji Wada shuts down with more brilliantly atmospheric sounds on 'Endless Load.'

Review: Dave Lee's Z Records looks back to go forward as it offers up a spiffing new 12" of contemporary reworks of 4 classics cuts of various vintages from the ZR back cat. Kicking things off in fantastic fashion is a slap bass and wah clav powered take on Raven Maize's 'Forever Together', originally released in1989, this was the first house cut to feature the now iconic keys riff. Dave's Heavenly Star mix of 'One Kiss' (first out in 1991) is pure hip-swinging soulful disco. Joey Montenegro (who could that be?) offers two classic cuts on the flip side. 'Make A Move On Me' (Original Disco mix) sees the crossover hit from 2005 get a Chic like makeover with its zippy leads and timeless diva vocals. Whilst the special 25th Anniversary Mix of 1998's 'Can't Get High Without U' closes things off with some peak time, tension filled, disco house action!

Review: For their 15th outing, cultured Spanish label MATE welcomes Shaka for three blissed-out deep house delights. You are soon sunk into a warming world of groove with opener 'Sacred Nightfall' (feat Eve - Maix mix) which layers up dreamy pads and angelic, effortless vocal sounds over dusty drums. 'Magic Plan' is no less sumptuous with its neat and noodling piano chords over slightly more upright drums all making for a nice jazzy vibe. 'Shift In Structure' closes out with an even more jazzy feel thanks to the live-sounding drums and charming Rhodes which all whip you into a spin.