Circular Motion US Vinyl & CDs

Review: A predictably strong start to 2025 from long-serving US deep house producer Anthony Nicholson, who serves up two scintillating and subtly soulful 'Sound Theories' for us to enjoy. He begins with the stretched-out beacon of positivity that is 'Moondancing (The Rejoice)', where jazzy Clavinet licks, spacey chords, colourful synth solos and sun-bright piano motifs dance atop a pleasingly loose-limbed deep house groove. Flip-side 'Echoes of Music & You' is even deeper and squelchier, albeit with the same dizzyingly high level of intricate musicality and undeniably dancefloor friendly construction. In other words, it's another excellent two-tracker from the former Ron Trent collaborator.

Review: Since parting company with collaborator and mentor Ron Trent in the mid 2000s, Anthony Nicholson has built up a vast catalogue of evocatoive, emotion-rich and spiritually enhancing deep house EPs - mostly on his own long-serving Circular Motion label. Following the delivery of his first 12-inch for the imprint in three years, 'Sound Theories', last month, Nicholson returns with two more typically atmospheric treats. He begins with 'With You I Am Born Again (Space N Tone Rework)', a typically gorgeous and tactile vocal number in which layered deep space synths and jazz-funk electronics rise above Ron Trent-esque beats and a squelchy synth bassline. Over on the flip, he provides a fine 'InstruDub' of the same track, cannily showcasing the beats, bass, chords, acid-flecked electronics and all-round stargazing positivity.