Back catalogue: Minimal/Tech House

Review: Henri Bergmann and Wennink's Guardian Angel marks an impressive debut on Crosstown Rebels, delivering a track that expertly fuses melody with depth. Bergmann's knack for sculpting rich, atmospheric landscapes is matched by Wennink's haunting vocals, creating a piece that feels both expansive and intimate. It's the kind of collaboration that hints at a shared vision without ever losing individual identity. The original track opens with textured percussion, slowly unfurling into an emotive soundscape as Wennink's vocals hover above like an ethereal guide. There's a melancholic undertone, but it's balanced by an uplifting drive, showcasing their ability to blend light and dark seamlessly. The remixes take Guardian Angel into uncharted territories. Stimming strips things back, opting for a more minimalist approach that sharpens the focus on rhythmic intensity, while his subtle use of effects amplifies the track's ethereal quality. It's a remix that feels lean but still full of intent. Hardt Antoine, on the other hand, plunges deeper into the shadows, pushing the bassline forward and letting synths stretch into eerie, sci-fi realms. His reworking is darker, stranger, and ultimately a satisfying close to the EP. With this release, Bergmann and Wennink add another strong entry to the Crosstown Rebels roster, proving that their partnership is one to keep watching.

Review: Having set out his stall via an EP for Crosstown Rebels' Rebellion sub-label, Puerto Rican producer Cali Lanauze graduates to Damian Lazarus's main imprint. His love of South American and Caribbean percussion sounds comes to the fore on opener (and title track) 'Borderline', where Cari Golden's atmospheric lead vocals rise above a booming bassline, raw analogue electronics and punchy house beats. Lanauze once again doffs a cap to Latin rhythms and drum sounds on the deeper, creepier and even weightier 'Temple of My Confessions', before adding sinewy strings, deep space chords and trippy spoken word snippets to a sub-heavy tech-house groove on the gargantuan 'Talk To My People'.

Review: Damian Lazarus and JOJO ABOT's work here is a powerful collaboration that pushes the boundaries of what we expect from the Crosstown Rebels label. On the surface, it's a pulsating dancefloor track, but there's so much more lurking beneath the surface. Built on a foundation of driving rhythms and intricate textures, the track weaves JOJO ABOT's bewitching vocals with hypnotic grooves and subtle amapiano influences, creating something that's both immersive and unpredictable. The Major League Djz remix elevates the energy, turning up the intensity with a deep, groovy progression that feels like it could keep the party going for hours. Meanwhile, Raxon's rework introduces a darker, more atmospheric edge with his signature off-kilter bassline and sharp, rolling percussioniadding depth while still maintaining the track's core essence. Warrior Dance shows Lazarus' unerring ear for talent and his ability to curate soundscapes that speak to both the mind and the feet.

Review: Eight further sonic spirits are conjured on the seventh edition in Damian Lazarus' annual compilation series. Emphasising deep house and techno grooves with a hypnotic flavour, the procurement here is exemplarily brooding; Dino Lenny's 'I Have Sampled Father' marks a sure turn away from the openers' cleaner-cut mesmerisms with a smoky, funk-inflected haze, bringing rhythm guitar and paternal murmurations to a surreal montage. The monologuing mood continues on the equal highlight that is Upercent's 'Where Are You', whilst Enamour's 'Jackpot' rounds out the show with the record's only brightly-lit minimal triller. The record is marked by sensuous, distant, familiar voices throughout.

Review: Meera's Stikk on Crosstown Rebels delivers a dynamic journey through minimal and tech house, blending energetic rhythms with moody atmospheres. Side-1 starts with the title track 'Stikk,' a techno builder that grabs attention right away with its powerful drive. The piano elements elevate the track, adding a dramatic flair that sets it apart. The Tripolism remix follows, offering a more techy and uptempo take. It feels like a dub version, retaining key elements of the original while infusing Tripolism's unique style, making it a versatile addition to any set. On Side-2, 'Sykkelkurv' shifts the mood to a deeper, dubby techno vibe. The melodic chords and eerie, soundtrack-like ambiance create an otherworldly experience. Dennis Cruz's remix takes this track even further, adding a sci-fi edge that intensifies the futuristic feel. Stikk is a well-rounded EP that showcases Meera's ability to craft engaging, multifaceted tracks that come complete with a strong remix for extra depth.

Review: Harry Romero returns to Crosstown Rebels as he links with vocalist Shyam P for 'Mind Games'. With a catalogue as rich as any and continuing at the top of his game two decades after his emergence within New York's fabled nightlife scene, Romero continues to serve up his own take of Latin-inspired and percussive-driven house music via a long list of the industry's leading imprints. Crafting a slick and heady groove before launching into a hypnotic haze accenting by a bubbling bassline, 'Mind Games' is an infectious and vibrant house cut as Shyam P's alluring vocals take hold amongst emotive builds and breaks. 'Mira', after, is a classic Romero offering as the focus shifts to crisp organic percussion arrangements, carnival-esque whistles and hooky Latin vocals for a bustling terrace number, before 'Analog Bugz' takes cues from its title as crisp drum shots and sharp stabs unite to create a no-nonsense builder made for the main room.

Review: Damian Lazarus's Crosstown Rebels continues to serve up top tech tools for jobbing DJs with a new one from Ben Sterling. It's very nearly the label's 300th release and one that does damage from the off: 'Don't Truss' (feat Caitlyn Scarlett) may or may not be referring to one of the shortest-ever prime ministerial chapters in this country's rich history, but what it does do is lock you into the steamy and sweaty drum funk and melt your heart with its superbly angelic vocal. On the flip is 'Bring Me To The Surface' which is a more wonky workout with whirring machines, beeps and squeaks over a punchy tech beat.

Review: Jaden Thompson broke through at a mad young age and has backed up his early potential ever since, not least as a resident at fabric in London. Here the still-young tastemaker lands on Crosstown Rebels with a summer anthem in the form of 'Downtown' with its emotive, pitched-up male vocals and slapping tech house grooves. The HoneyLuv remix is a more cut-up and wonky workout with bulky drums and bass, and last of all is a Ghoulish Remix which makes the cut more freaky, edgy and late-night, most probably for some after-party madness.