Heist Recordings Netherlands Vinyl & CDs

Review: Heist Recordings' tenth anniversary celebrations are drawing to a close, but the Dutch label is not done with showcasing the dancefloor gold nestled in its bulging back catalogue. Here they offer up a second 'Heist Classics' EP featuring five more tried-and-tested treats originally released at different points over the last decade. On side A, Crackazat's rolling, summery and ultra-positive 'Alfa' is followed by the jazzy, musically detailed, disco-flecked and sun-splashed 'Espilon Girls' by Andy Hart and the re-born disco-funk shuffle of Makez's 'Different Planets'. Over on side B, Kassian's deep, gorgeous and lusciously loose-limbed '8th Movement' comes accompanied by Nachtbraker's highlife-sampling 'Hamdi', a blast of pure dancefloor joy.

Review: A relative newcomer to the scene, MAKEZ is fast spreading its wings. This duo finds itself back on the soulful house label Heist Recordings out of the Netherlands. "Closer" (feat AVA LAVA) gives us memories of classic Naked Music back in the last 90s. An ideal balance between jazzy house and deep house. "Running From The Noise" (feat Life On Planets) isn't far behind. Another upbeat gem where the vocal suits the deepness perfectly. 'The Answer' on the flip side amps things up with a more 90s techno approach that MAKEZ has the touch to still work in a great vocal on. Things get a bit deeper and darker with the more serious 'Gratitude' that completes the EP. Overall, 'The Midnight EP' has a terrific combination of soulful, uplifting and serious house music that never forgets the fun aspect. You would be glad to be a part of this party!