RUF DUG Vinyl & CDs

Review: Inspired by the late, great Andrew Weatherall - whom they represented for many years - the Spun Out DJ agency has decided to release a swathe of compilation style EPs showcasing the work of some of their artists. Fittingly, this first volume in the series begins with something Weatherall-related: a deliciously trippy and psychedelic remix of a track by the Ashpodells (AKA Lord Sabre himself and Timothy J Fairplay) from long-time DJ buddy Sean Johnston as Hardway Brothers. It's followed by another raw, razor-sharp chunk of chugging electronic wonkiness from Aukratic ('Sleepover'), a gorgeously colourful Italo-disco bubbler from Ruf Dug ('Manctalo Banger') and a low-slung, post-punk-inspired dancefloor workout from James Savage and Optimo's Johnnie Wilkes and Naum Gabo.

Review: 20/20 Vision and Crazy P continue their long and fruitful relationship with a fourth volume of carefully curated and super-fresh new cuts as part of this fine ongoing series. Scandi-disco don Ray Man opens up with typically lush cosmic melodies and loose-limed nu-disco beats with more than a hint of funk. Tigerbalm then heads into a tropical oasis with 'Cosmic Union' (feat Joy Tyson) which has Afro rhythms and steamy vocals bringing the heat. Ruf Dug shows his multi-genre chops again with 'Vape Quarter Rhythm' which is part proto-house cut and part dreamy Italo bliss out with rave whistles and hands-in-the-air chords. Ibiza's Tuccillo closes out with one of his signature Balearic gems in 'Siroco', which is as breezy and carefree as cocktails by the sea at sundown.

Review: Raf Dug has always been outspoken when it comes to the less favourable aspects of 'the scene' which if course means more eyes are on him when he steps out with new music. Fortunately he has more than enough skills to keep criticism at bay as this new one on the legendary International Feel shows. He kicks off with the epic electronics and dubby rhythms of 'Casita Mas Alta' which unfold over nine fine minutes. After that dancefloor workout comes the blissed out downtempo of 'Cala Vedella', steamy Balearic of 'Las Cicadas' and innocent new age melodic charms of 'Niu Blau.'

Review: Pinchy & friends welcomes Ruf Dug, the versatile producer from Manchester who has released on labels like Rhythm Section, Klasse Wrecks and his own Ruf Kutz. His first release on the label is a two-tracker that blends dub techno, Chicago acid and Balearic vibes. 'Thru The Night!' is a techno jam with a tropical vibe, featuring flutes with echo effects and a catchy vocal hook that sounds like an 8-bit video game. On the other side, 'I Love You' transforms a synth riff in a minor key into a sophisticated and sexy dancefloor anthem for the late hours.