Heist Recordings Netherlands Vinyl & CDs

Review: Heist Recordings' tenth anniversary celebrations are drawing to a close, but the Dutch label is not done with showcasing the dancefloor gold nestled in its bulging back catalogue. Here they offer up a second 'Heist Classics' EP featuring five more tried-and-tested treats originally released at different points over the last decade. On side A, Crackazat's rolling, summery and ultra-positive 'Alfa' is followed by the jazzy, musically detailed, disco-flecked and sun-splashed 'Espilon Girls' by Andy Hart and the re-born disco-funk shuffle of Makez's 'Different Planets'. Over on side B, Kassian's deep, gorgeous and lusciously loose-limbed '8th Movement' comes accompanied by Nachtbraker's highlife-sampling 'Hamdi', a blast of pure dancefloor joy.

Review: Fouk, the Dutch production duo based in Zeeland, Netherlands, presents their latest EP, 'Mirage,' on Heist Recordings. This EP is an excellent blend of deep house and disco elements, showcasing Fouk's signature sound. The title track, 'Mirage,' is a driving main floor masterpiece, featuring sweeping disco strings and a hypnotic groove. 'Coffee' exudes positive house vibes, while 'Tapioca' brings in Balearic influences and a beachy atmosphere. The Elisa Bee remix of 'Mirage' adds an upbeat twist, and 'Abalone' serves as a smooth and elegant outro. Throughout the EP, Foux demonstrates their versatility and expertise in crafting deep house tracks with a distinct disco flair.

Review: A relative newcomer to the scene, MAKEZ is fast spreading its wings. This duo finds itself back on the soulful house label Heist Recordings out of the Netherlands. "Closer" (feat AVA LAVA) gives us memories of classic Naked Music back in the last 90s. An ideal balance between jazzy house and deep house. "Running From The Noise" (feat Life On Planets) isn't far behind. Another upbeat gem where the vocal suits the deepness perfectly. 'The Answer' on the flip side amps things up with a more 90s techno approach that MAKEZ has the touch to still work in a great vocal on. Things get a bit deeper and darker with the more serious 'Gratitude' that completes the EP. Overall, 'The Midnight EP' has a terrific combination of soulful, uplifting and serious house music that never forgets the fun aspect. You would be glad to be a part of this party!

Review: Prolific and long-serving Dutchman Orlando Voorn made his belated Heist Recordings debut last year with a collection made up of previously unheard old and new cuts. For this sequel, he's decided to present entirely fresh material, all of which was recorded last year. He begins with the colourful, deep and dreamy dancefloor wooziness of 'Soundsystem', where his eyes-closed, subtly soulful vocals catch the ear, before getting a bit cheeky on the piano-sporting, disco-tinged house stomp of 'High' (a tribute to the joys of jazz cigarette smoking, fact fans). Over on side B, 'Day By Day' is a warming, loose-limbed chunk of classic-sounding, U.S style deep house, while '909 (feat Emil and Boo Williams - OV Remix)' is a sweat-soaked, energy-packed jack-track.