New Jersey house don Kerri Chandler is rightfully lauded as a hero of the scene. He continues to pour his heart and soul into every record and imbue his music with real-world emotions that elevate his tunes. He is of course a master of a deep but driving sound that borrows from soul, funk and jazz in ignitible ways. The third volume of his Lost & Found EP series on his own label Kaoz Theory is packed with more gold, from the slinky depths of 'Let It (Give Me Back My Love)' to the soul staring vocal work of 'Another Dawn' via more paired back sounds on 'The Bassline' (Kerri Dark mix) and the percussive energy of 'The Breeze.' Yet another essential Kerri 12" for your collection.

Swiss producer and DJ Lea Lisa gathers together some of her favorite tracks to play out with in a double pack compilation for Favorite Recordings. As you might be able to tell from some of the artists and tracks on here, Lea likes her house music deep, tracky, sometimes soulful and verging on proper techno. Featured here are key tracks like 'Ekeyz' from Pure Science, the club mix of 'Be There' by Kerri Chandler and 'Blax Thanxs' by Abacus. One very desirable addition is the early 90s gem 'Emotional' by Think. This very strong gathering of deep house tracks may be one of the best this year. Act quick and grab a copy.

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Though soliciting some confusion as to whether it was written in 1977 or 2023, Pleasants' latest sonic gut-jab Rocanrol In Mono is a raw and toothy nostalgic throwback. Recorded in its entirety by frontman Al Uminium on four-track cassette, this whirlwind of an album revels in the unserious and fleeting, squashing every blues lick, top-reg solo and/or drum line under flattening walls of compression that nonetheless allow for much hilarity and dynamism and finding joy in the little things in life ('Loose Change', 'Interwebs', Rubix Cube').

Brainstory's sophomore album, Sounds Good, marks a significant evolution for the LA-based trio. From signing with Big Crown Records to navigating the challenges of COVID, they've honed their craft and tightened their sound. Produced by Leon Michels, the album showcases Brainstory's expanded brotherhood and their ability to blend genres seamlessly. Tracks like 'Nobody But You' and 'Peach Optimo' reveal new facets of their musical range, while 'Gift Of Life' delves into existential themes with haunting beauty. With contributions from Claire Cottrill on 'Hanging On,' and introspective tracks like 'Too Yung,' Brainstory delivers a deeply personal and musically rich experience. Sounds Good is not just an album title, but a testament to Brainstory's growth and the genuine bonds that fuel their artistry.

Reboot has been committed to the art of minimal tech house for a long time now, and his sound evolves with the same measured elegance as his DJ sets. There's space for balmy deep house chords and disco loops in the stew now, but crisp functionality and tracky immersion remains the order of the day as 'Make You Move' locks into to its seductive arrangement. 'Alternate' toys with swirling, dubby synth work around the steadfast beat, while 'Unstop' piles on a little more hand-drum action for a dense, engrossing rhythm workout - whichever mood you're after and however long you want to ride them, these tracks won't let you down in the mix.

Old Clarty pants Spooks switches up his brand for a new heavy hitting series of club jams. Kicking off with 001, there's a very distinctive bite to this ghost's bark as he goes in on the heavier tear-out vibes with 'Shark Attack'. Deeper into his ocean we plunge as 'Quiet Storm' sucks us down into the sand and 'Sitting Bull' flips for an upbeat early 2000s breakbeat garage type of mission. 'Gas Mark' brings this bloodclart bake-off to a tasty but very messy finish. Sheesh what a set. Spooky never misses but this is some serious Bizzle even for him. Essential.

'Unfurling' their 15th album - a stonking discographic achievement - My Dying Bride's A Mortal Binding is brought to our attention. The Yorkshire-based quintet deliver this incendiary sonic meditation on loss, distress, and abyssal horror with glee, eliding gothic and apocalyptic themes while playing on bleak aspects of the band members' personal lives, sublimated through wicked doom metal. 'Thornwyck Hymn', 'Her Dominion' and 'The Apocalyptist' betray a belief that one can master the end of times - whatever form they may take - and use them to one's own advantage: such is the implied message.