CRATEBUG Vinyl & CDs

Review: Like his Windy City compatriots Mark Grusane and Rahan, Cratebug specialises in high-grade, razor-and-tape style re-edits subtly re-framed for 21st century dancefloors. The Chicagoan has released many fine collections of reworks over the last decade and this two-tracker is another high-grade treat. Up first is 'Fiyah', a heavyweight tease-and-release loop jam built around low-slung disco grooves, layered vocal samples and subtle effects trickery. While he appears not to have add any beats, its' Soundstream-esque construction makes it perfectly suited to house dancefloors. Over on the flip, he gives his take on one of the most beloved disco classics of all time: Diana Ross's incredible 'Love Hangover'. He extends the upbeat sections, paying more attention to hear vocalisations, the infectious instrumentation and killer groove.

Review: A limited edition, green vinyl edition follows in the Midas footsteps of Chicago DJ and producer Cratebug, whose recent Bandcamp movements have seen a fresh frothing-forth of free digital downloads. Two of said most recent USB-rhythm-stick fillers are heard selected for choice molten PVC compressing here. 'BOSTICH PT1' trails aureate rushes of voice and industrious percussion behind it, with both title and soundscape alluding to the stapler-heavy delights of micro-label mail order business operations. Meanwhile, 'Optimo', on the B, reissues an earlier edit by the Chicago fortunate of fellow techno titans Optimo's 'Liquid Liquid', empurpling the mix with crowded, busty percs and a manic hustler's rap on top.