Tags: French House

Review: Nu Groove is one of those labels that everyone who knows recognises as having played a key part in the early house movement. Based out of the New York scene on the East Coast it had a distinctive 90s deep house sound which DJ Steaw now taps into but with his own twist. His grooves are jacked up and analogue, densely packed but high on warmth and soul. 'Take It There' is a prickly opener and 'Seascape' then brings some acid. 'Close To U' has a more low-slung groove that is peppered with raw claps and last of all, 'Exotica' brings some cosmic synth work to crisp, funked-up and electro-tinged rhythms.

Review: Two house music institutions come together here as DJ Steaw lands on the Kaoz Theory label run by Kerri Chandler. He brings his usual stylish sounds to four cuts that cover all forms of house. First up it's a deep US garage vibe with jazzy chord work on 'Get Back To The Fonk' then 'Don't Stop' brings more punch low ends but no lack of emotion. 'In My Body's House' throws it back to the 90s with its muted sax stabs and organ basslines complete with wailing diva vocals and the blame and future facing cosmic house of 'Grey Matter' closes out a nicely varied EP.

Review: Phonogramme brings back a pivotal moment in its history with a fresh repress of DJ Steaw's 'Holding On'. Originally released in 2012, the track marked both the label's debut and DJ Steaw's emergence as a serious producer. Fast forward to today, and the record has been revived with an added twist: a remix by none other than Ron Trent. Trent's take manages to build on the original's deep house foundations, injecting it with his signature Chicago warmth and effortless groove. Alongside this standout remix, Steaw contributes two more tracks that capture his enduring talent for crafting timeless house music. It's a testament to both DJ Steaw's vision and Phonogramme's place within the scene that 'Holding On' remains as compelling today as it did when it first dropped. With this repress, it's clear that the label hasn't just resurfaced a forgotten gem, but revived a record that continues to resonate with a new generation of house heads. The energy of Steaw's production, combined with Trent's refined touch, ensures this isn't just a piece of nostalgia - it's a release that stands firmly in the present while nodding to the past. A reminder that real house music never goes out of style.

Review: To celebrate Rutilance Recordings' 30th release, DJ Steaw returns after a three-year hiatus, presenting four tracks that capture his trademark French house grooves. True to form, the release features a standout collaboration with Mona Lee, delivering a soulful texture, and a remix of 'Feed Your Spirit' from long-time collaborator Gunnter, adding a deeper edge. Each cut reflects DJ Steaw's dedication to dancefloor energy, blending classic French house sensibilities with a fresh intensity that aligns perfectly with Rutilance's enduring style. This milestone release underscores the label's continued evolution and commitment to quality house music.

Review: The latest addition to House Puff records, Dutch DJ Aron Volta teams up with Frenchman DJ Steaw for the first in a series of exciting house EPs. Steaws' soul-inspired, bass-rich productions are the perfect counterbalance to the rolling groove on Volta's side 1, with 'Room 101' having a disco feel, whilst 'Lyre' borrows from trance sensibilities in its melodies. Side 2 sees the bass turned up a notch in piano house cut 'Inner Beauty', borrowing from classic New York 80s House, and a more melodic, rhythmic 'Cosmic Dream' is a throwback fantasy for house oldheads. Split Ep1 is a sign of even more to come hopefully, and this small sample will definitely excite you.

Review: The 'House Puff Split' EP series continues with The Checkup and DJ Merci, two key figures with distinctive sounds. This time out they offer a sound infused with the essence of '90s house, but also their signature soulful edge and skilful use of MPCs and drum machines. A standout is the collaboration with talented singer Mona Lee, whose smooth, powerful vocals blend perfectly with the vibrant drums and synths to make for an enchanting atmosphere that rally draws you in deep. The ever-on-point DJ Steaw adds two dynamic tracks that merge deep and acid house influences and make for two equally explosive weapons.

Review: The latest drop on House Puff finds label boss DJ Steaw teaming up with another kindred spirit for the second in a series of split EPs. Parisian deep house don Steaw has a well-established sound dealing in the kind of headsy, 90s-inspired gear which will never tire, and he's true to that vibe with the bumping garage mood of 'Jazzy Thang' and the smouldering throw down of his 'Brooklyn By Night' mix of 'Le Petit Monsieur'. The A side however is given over to Simon Shaw, who offers up a slick, techy strain of grooves ranging from the chunky warm-up fare of 'Pipes' to the crisp, shuffled daydreamer 'For The Love' - one which slots in perfectly with Paris' undying love affair with minimal tech house.