Juno Recommends Funky House July 2021

Review: Mark Knight's huge Toolroom label and UK duo Leftwing & Kody make an early dash to claim the title of summer 2021's biggest house anthem. With the new series of Love Island just around the corner, this is exactly the sort of emotive, poolside piano house tune you would expect to hear each and every show. It's got the nagging little vocal, the nimble and melodic bassline and the fat drums that roll at the perfect tempo to get those fists pumping. It's obvious, yes, but that's not to say it isn't also hugely effective. Will it stick? With club openings just around the corner, it won't be long until we find out.

Review: Soul 2 Soul's ''Back To Life' is just one of those classic British dance singles. It was big when it came out, and it gets reactions that are just as big to this day. It has aged as well as music can and for that reason will always be ripe for remixing. Here it is Zepherin Saint's Thunder dub that kicks off with lush synth lines reaching for the stars as the chunky, tumbling grooves roll deep. There is an old school soulful house vibe to the excellent rework from Booker T Kings Of Soul. It's clipped and dry and cool as you like. DJ Fen then rounds out the flip side with a pair of interpretations. The Strippers remix is late night and broken beat, the garage dub does what it says on the tin.

Review: There is nothing fancy about the title of this compilation, Electronic Music Anthology, but that directness also carries over into the music. Now on a fifth volume after four well received earlier instalments, it once again serves a wealth of club ready tracks for DJs who like high impact sounds from some of the biggest names in the game. There is electric tech from Laurent Garnier, bumping house from the one and only Kerri Chandler and a stone cold classic from Mr Oizo alongside lefty of main room melodic tech from the likes of Fedde Le Grand & Deniz Koyu.

Review: Electronic Music Anthology is a simple but effective series that pulls together some part ready jams from a wide range of artists. There never seems to be much of a theme to the series given the broad range of styles each one incorporates but that doesn't stop them being hugely popular. This second volume gets a reissue which will please fans of the more funky, playful side of house. Legends like Mr Scruff sit next to new school stars like Claptone, with pop hits from Disclosure rubbing up next to more underground sounds from Swayzak. There is plenty to enjoy here.