Back in stock: Deep House

Review: After spending the majority of his 20-plus-year career flitting between the Kompakt and Coneme labels, Matias Aguayo makes a rare outing on another label - a delayed debut for Matt 'Radio Slave' Edwards' REKIDS imprint. In its' original form (side A), 'El Internet' is a typically off-kilter affair in which his own poetic, spoken word vocals (in Chilean, of course) and fuzzy, elongated synth sounds ride a beefy but wonky bassline and the long-serving producer's usual South American-tinged, hand percussion-enhanced hybrid house/techno grooves. It comes accompanied by a vocal-free instrumental mix, where the full breadth and depth of Aguayo's production can be heard, and a useful acapella DJ tool.

Review: Third time around for mysterious rework crew Florence's third hush-hush 12", a popular two-tracker that first landed in stores back in 2015. On A-side cut 'Nicholas', the unknown editors get to work on a typically deep, slipped and jazz-flecked blend of tech-house, deep house and jazz from Nicholas Jaar - then something of a scene star with a reputation for delivering detailed, atmospheric and club-ready productions. This particular track features a (likely sampled) female vocal, as well as smoky sax, low-slung bass and effects-laden tech-house beats. Over on the reverse is 'Johnny', a deep, jangling, tactile and woozy revision of what sounds like a cover version of a Johnny Cash classic.

Review: Sometimes it's wise not to over-attach oneself to a set of four walls and a roof and call it "home". Joeski and Troy Dillard prove to know it as much on 'Music Is My Home', a brilliantly soulful Afro-house roller of tearjerking proportions, and which comes backed by an wildout dub mix on the B. We'd not be surprised if this one did well in the charts; Dillard's vocals unfold over and above Joeski's static shuffles like elysian sobs, singing of safe places to go and defiant personalities to adopt, in stark contrast to what or who anyone else thinks Dillard should be. Brooklyn-Queens emigre Joeski says of the song, "This is a continuation of my collaboration with Troy Dillard from over 20 years ago when we worked on 'Hold on to Your Love', which went on to become my biggest record. Reuniting with Troy and working on this project has been special" - we don't doubt it - could it become his second biggest, even?

Review: Long time deep house don Jovonn is back with more of his sophisticated sounds, this time on the Body N Deep label in the Netherlands. 'Hightower' opens proceedings with some old school drum swing and vamping chord stabs. Add in some raw claps and you have a timeless jam. 'Seductive Dance' is just that - another irresistible house sound with steamy vocals and a 90s baseline to get you moving and grooving. 'Sunburst' shuts down with rolling percussion and smart FX under an atmospheric vocal. Faultless as ever.

Review: Selected Pieces from Berg Audio is a fantastic EP that features four standout tracks, each offering a distinct flavor of deep house, perfect for the dancefloor. On Side-1, Kolter kicks things off with 'What A Day,' a track that embodies deep house with its soulful build, warm atmosphere, and uplifting vibes. The clever use of a vocal sample adds an extra layer of emotion, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Traumer follows with 'Don't Stahp,' a classy, more techy cut that still maintains deep house roots. The dubby chords inject extra depth, turning it into a smooth, dancefloor groover. Side-2 opens with Mihai Popoviciu's 'Waitin,' which features rich, soulful chords that envelop the listener, creating a laid-back yet engaging vibe. Moor closes the EP with 'Kashif,' an uptempo track that stands out with its energetic keys and undeniable party feel. Selected Pieces is a versatile EP that offers something for every deep house enthusiast.

Review: Moxy Muzik's 'Moxy Editions' series of multi-artist EPs has long been a reliable source of quality underground house music, with the six previous instalments - all released between 2021 and 2023 - being packed to the rafters with high-grade material. There's plenty to set the pulse racing on volume seven too, starting with the driving, druggy and mind-altering peak-time excellence of Stacy Pullen's 'Nasty', a slamming concoction that makes great use of vocal samples lifted from a Prince-produced Vanity 6 classic. Label chief Darius Syrossian then delivers his interpretation of Audiojack's 'Get Down', reframing the track as a soul-fired slab of NYC tribal house of the sort that was once the preserve of Danny Tenaglia. Over on the reverse, Vincent Caira offers up the swinging deep house chunkiness of 'Position' and Buckley delivers the all-action, break-sporting rave hedonism of 'In 5D'.