Back in stock: Minimal/Tech House

Review: Aleqs Notal shares a machinic new EP of counfounding delights for the Industrial Light label, also run by the artist and based out of Paris. Named after the artist's debut release which shared equal sides with fellow producer Modern House Quintet, here Notal changes the game, occupying a full four sides of wax. The A-siders 'City Smile' and 'True I Am' bring atmospheres of motoric rigidity, functioning as premier schema for the human navigation of comparatively less human urban environments. 'Let Me In' and 'Confused Reaction' offer similar blueprints, though there's an ever so slightly upped acidity on the B2.

Review: The Spanish duo Veruh & Hummus Hernand deliver an electrifying four track packed with infectious grooves and dynamic textures. Side-1 kicks off with 'Luminus', a funky, techy roller driven by a crisp minimal grooveiaddictive, playful and effortlessly fun. Barac's remix takes it into deeper, atmospheric territory, refining the edges with a polished, spacey techno feel that adds a hypnotic touch. On Side-2, 'Fiutur' leans into an otherworldly, futuristic sound, blending techy elements with a sick, pulsating groove that keeps the energy high. Closing the release, 'Moscow' switches gears with an electro-funk influence, layering broken beats and punchy basslines for a raw, high-voltage finish. A forward-thinking release from an exciting duo, this EP bridges the gap between minimal, tech house and electro with undeniable style.

Review: LOCKLEAD's Kemickal Affairs EP delivers four tracks designed to ignite dancefloors with an electrifying blend of house vibes. Side-1 kicks off with 'Zero's Delight,' a spirited and slightly jackin' house anthem that sets a fun and sexy tone. Following up is 'State Of Peace,' delving into a more techy and minimal groove, perfect for those seeking a deeper, more introspective vibe. Flipping to Side-2, the title track 'Kemickal Affairs' takes the listener on a journey through a deeper groove, reminiscent of 90s era house sounds but infused with a contemporary energy. Closing out the EP is 'Morning Krew,' characterized by its pumping bassline and seamless fusion of house and tech elements. With its dynamic range and infectious rhythms, Kemickal Affairs is destined to work well on any club floor.

Review: D'Julz's Bass Culture has long since carved out a niche for low-end heavy, track-y house cuts. This new offering from Darren Roach continues in that vein but with a leaning towards tech house and minimal. First up is the excellent 'Drewski Balooski' which is marbled with laughter and slinky low ends that slowly lock you in.
Then comes 'Bass Ready' which is more atmospheric with sustained chords and percolating bass. Last but not least, 'Relentlessly Together' cuts loose on a more playful and expressive house sound that will get big reactions.

Review: Swayzak is a micro house, minimal and techno duo, aka James S Taylor and David Brown from the UK, whose name alone will get many older dancers hot under the collar. Their craft was second to none during their peak and here we get a reminder of that with a new outing on Rawax. 'Floyd' is a jazzy dancer with live claps, spinning hi-hats and louche grooves all topped with synthetic synths that never quit. 'Doobie' is a more deep sound with late-night headsy vibes. The drums are supple, the synths squeal and spoken word mutterings add a human touch. Two well-realised and effective cuts from Swayzak.