Kerri Chandler's 'Bar A Thym' is one of those tracks that seems to contain everything great house music aspires to beia groove so undeniable it feels perpetual, melodies that loop and evolve as though they've always existed. This reissue, spanning Chandler's original extended mix, Foremost Poets' vocal edit, and THEMBA's reimagined version, charts not only the track's history but its continuing relevance. The Foremost Poets edit imbues the already hypnotic motif with an enigmatic narrative, its vocal fragments both anchoring and reframing the mood. THEMBA's remix, on the other hand, nudges the groove toward Afro house, subtly opening up the track's spatial dynamics while preserving its magnetic pull. Chandler's work never feels datediit shifts and reshapes to meet each new moment, and 'Bar A Thym' remains as arresting today as it was when it first found its way onto the dancefloor.

Ryan Adams' cult classic album Blackhole is finally being released, much to the anticipation of his devoted fanbase. Initially demoed in 2006 and heavily bootlegged over the years, this long-awaited official release features raw and emotionally charged tracks, including 'Catherine', previously only performed live. The album's creation coincided with a tumultuous period in Adams' life, marked by struggles with addiction, making its release not just a musical event but also a reclamation of a pivotal moment in his career. Adams merged two versions of the albumione reflecting a chaotic vocal performance and another crafted in the midst of his struggles. The release promises to satisfy years of speculation while offering an authentic glimpse into Adams' artistic evolution. With its blend of previously unheard material and emotional depth, Blackhole stands as a testament to the beauty found within vulnerability and fans eagerly await its arrival.

The Robinson and Takahiro Fuchigami take a side each on this compelling exploration of house music infused with diverse jazz influences. This release effortlessly blends genres, creating a rich and textured soundscape that bridges lounge, disco and blues. Side-1 opens with 'Passion Is The Key', a track that leans into lounge jazz vibes, pairing smooth melodies with a laid-back house groove. Following this, 'A Satisfying Day' injects disco elements into the mix, creating an uplifting fusion of rhythm and melody. Side-2 deepens the jazz-house connection. 'Jazzing Bird' delivers an intricate, jazz-forward interpretation of house, balancing vibrant improvisation with danceable beats. 'How's That Sound?' captures the essence of a smoky jazz club, blending sultry brass lines with a steady house pulse. Closing the release, 'In Motion' incorporates bluesy undertones into a chilled-out vibe, offering a soulful, reflective end to the journey.

Operant since 2006 as wonder-purveyors of everything funk and soul come battle breaks, Wack Records share their latest 7", a smattering of hip-hop flips met by the heated hands of resident producers Smoove and Suckaside. This time brought to two Philly-to-NYC hip-hop originals first laid down by the top-reg duo The High & Mighty (Mr. Eon and DJ Mighty Mi), Smoove and Suckaside first let the crackles and licks hang loose for a debauched drama on the A, before a tighter groove opens up further on the B-side's 'B Boy Document 25'.

Chris Marigold and Leo Wyndham's Blu Mar Ten label - an offshoot of their music alias of the same name - shares the third addition to the Wardown albums series by the eponymous artist, real name Peter Rodgers (of Technimatic fame). Described from the outset as a musical diary of smeared memory, Rodgers' drum & bass-focused Wardown records are accounts of dislocation - emotional, familial, local - that document and textualise the disjunction between the artist's childhood in Luton and a musical career forged elsewhere. While the first record in was packed with personal nostalgia, Wardown III charts a continuing macroscopy in sound occurrent thereafter; this time around, Rodgers incorporates a cyborgish, anthropocenic monologue as the intro, and follows it with humanistic, synaptic drum & bass expansiveness in the form of 'Perfect Your Memories', 'As They Fall' and 'Deteriation'.

The first notes of Strength In Numbers pull you in with the immediacy of a tightly wound groove. 'Team Spirit' sets the stage with sharp percussion and a bassline that feels as if it's pushing against a restraint, only to give way to an effortless swing. 'Gear Up Rudi!' follows with a cool, almost cinematic feel, as Gibin's intricate rhythm patterns dance around the space between the beats. The pace slows slightly on 'Come Mornin' (featuring Sandra St. Victor),' where the warmth of her vocals transforms the track into a soulful, melodic anchor. Yet, it's on 'No Matter What' that the LP really finds its strideian undulating groove, building steadily before its final, emotive release. The album balances thoughtful restraint with moments of release and in that, Gibin creates something that moves through time without losing its pulse.

Ron Trent's 'Sensual' is a deep dive into evocative house music, filled with rich textures and a smooth, atmospheric vibe. The track epitomises Trent's mastery of blending soulful rhythms with hypnotic grooves. Its subtle layers and lush melodies create an immersive listening experience, balancing sensuality and funk with effortless grace. The track's warmth and smoothness allows you to drift into a state of relaxed euphoria. Trent's impeccable production shines through, creating an ambient yet driving energy that perfectly captures the essence of modern house music.

Darwin Chamber and DJ Spun unite for a bold four-tracker here that draws on all their decades of experience to push the boundaries of trance and techno. This self-titled release is nostalgic without sacrificing innovation and opens with 'Find The Missing Letter,' a dub-tinged techno builder with hypnotic synths. 'Digits' follows with relentless beats and dark, robotic energy. The sultry 'Do It All Night' anchors the EP with a seductive groove, while 'Ants' closes with mid-tempo warmth and acidic undertones. Combining Darwin Chamber's engineering expertise and DJ Spun's club culture mastery, this one is perfectly pitched for dancefloor mayhem.