Altered Moods Recordings

Review: D'Marc Cantu's 2017 LP The Lodge was a high point for the ever prolific US producer, not to mention a jewel in Altered Moods' many-pronged crown. Now the label are revisiting one of the album highlights, "S.E.G," giving the punchy Chicago house jam another pressing before handing the reins over to a strong cast of remixers. The one and only Larry Heard plunges "S.E.G" into gorgeous, mystical realms of deep house spirituality like only he can, while Altered Moods boss Malcom Moore injects a different kind of spaced out energy to the track. Then Chicago Skyway finishes the package off with a distinctive version that reaches for a light and airy headspace while keeping the drums punchy and effective.

Review: D'Marc Cantu is a don when it comes to warm, rich synth-laden house and techno, with a sprinkling of electro sprinkled over his approach for good measure. Now he comes to Altered Moods with an album that finds him in a particularly mellow mood, not least on sultry opener "Always On My Mind". There's space for experimentation, as the offbeat snare patter of "Blanket Statement" demonstrates, but by and large this is all about undulating house delights. "Mozaic" is a particular highlight with its captivating synth design and dreamy demeanour, while "SteamFunk" revels in skippy broken beats that flirt with twinkling leads and lashings of delayed bass. Plenty varied but consistent in tone, this is a damn fine album from a seasoned pro.

Review: Altered Moods strides into its 11th year of active service with a delectable platter of sumptuous house music presented by Jesus Gonsev. The Spanish producer has previously been spotted on deepArtSounds, Music With Content and his own Troubled Kids label. "Fuerza" is a billowing, dreamy trip loaded with heavy pads and submerged acid, leading into the gritty but soulful crunch of "Old Times." "Gargantua" is a loose-knit creation that celebrates skittering drums pinging around the anchor of the kick while wistful keys smooth the whole jam out. Life Energy taps into this feeling and runs with it on a remix of "Gargantua" that creates a more pumping backbone while amping up the romantic wooze of the melodic content too.

Review: After some downtime for the first half of the year, long running Californian label Altered Moods Recordings returns in triumphant fashion with one of those split 12" releases that sounds destined to stay in many a house DJs record box. Inspired by the Freerotation festival, label boss Malcolm Moore has called on artists who have either played or attended the cultish Welsh gathering for this Rotate Freely 12". Along with Moore, Natan H, Chicago Skyway and Mick Welch all contribute with the supple "Ungentle Into The Good Night" a particular highlight but all are worthy of gracing the soundsystem at Baskerville Hall.