Col Lawton - Hold Me Tight (Pelvic Movements)

Deep house imprint Pelvic Movements reveals its second release, coming from the beat-cabinet of celbrated UK producer and DJ Col Lawton. A product of the vibrant music scene of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Col is the co-founder of Deep Fix Recordings and a prolific producer, dropping tunes for the likes of Salted Music and Atjazz Record Company. On this rollicking new single, Col implores the listener to "Hold Me Tight," a title that could also refer to the tight production and grooves found within. An irresistable house rhythm pattern lays the foundation for sharp chord stabs, a bouncing bass line, and catchy melodic phrases alongside ambient flourishes. A light-hearted vocal hook enters the fray, bringing extra life to an already lively track.

Remixes bring "Hold Me Tight" into new realms of dance floor intoxication, with the first from house music legend Demarkus Lewis. Demarkus draws upon classic garage and subtle two-step influences for a euphoric version that shakes, rattles, and rolls while accentuating the vocal hook. Next up, Wattie Green (Coyote Cuts) delivers a chugging, decidedly deep mix with sub-bass hits, funk synth riffs, and loads of atmospheric grit. The single closes out with the return of Col Lawton and his own afro-house flavored Downtempo Groove Mix of "Hold Me Tight." It's dreamy and expressive, perfect for cooling down at the nearest beach party.

Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “Lovin’ the OG and the Wattie Green Remix.”
PillowTalk (PillowTalk Music) – “Great overall release, hard to pick a favorite mix, but Wattie Green Remix is very impressive. Full support!”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “It’s that kind of ‘liquid’ House I like to play.”
Yogi Haughton (DJ Magazine) – “It’s that Deez Long Squeeze mix for me.”
DJ Lolly (Freek FM) – “Awesome Demarkus Lewis remix.”
Ket Shah (Mucho Soul) – “Original is cool, and the extra mixes, they make this a great package.”

Available Now From: Traxsource, Beatport, Apple Music, And Spotify.

1981us - Lore (Harmonious Discord Recordings)

In 2022, Harmonious Discord is on a journey of depth — taking the label's listeners through un-charted sonic territories and creeping into unexplored chasms of the dance floor and beyond. A highly representative example of this journey is this fantastic album from 1981us. Lore is a culmination of beauty collected across found sounds, detailed sound design, and synthesis.

With a tapestry of ambient music, future garage nods, and outer space breaks, 1981us breaks through the confines of traditional house music formulas to produce an album that holds up to congruence and depth. Masterfully melodic selections like "Induction," "Rituals," and "Fracture" weave cinematic construction with masterful garage beats. Experiments in ambient texture like "Meditations," "Covet," and "Disarm" showcase the artist's creative calculation while selections like "Portal" and "Simulacra" pay homage to early rave breaks production. "The In-between" offers a mid-album reprise focusing on new wave and industrial shades and the album’s bonus track. "Part III (Night Park Remix)," packs the dance floor punch with a moody four-on-the-floor selection. Lore evokes many feelings and memories, a comprehensive capture of a dynamic and evolving creative ecosystem.

Nick Warren (The Soundgarden) – “Exceptional album. Very good indeed.”
Anthony Pappa (Bedrock) – “Really cool tracks. Great release.”
Projekt Gestalten (VRAAA Records) – “Beautiful atmospheric album. Full support.”
DJ Firefly (WCRT 88.3 FM) – “So mesmerizing. Love it!”
Dr. Best (Radio Z, Nuernberg) – “Wow, what a fantastic release. 10/10.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Portal is undoubtedly the most immediate, yet the more atmospheric tracks hold up to some very deep listening – lovely!”

Available Now From: Beatport, Bandcamp, Apple Music, And Spotify.

Joe Silva - The Final EP (Purespace Recordings)

Canadian producer Joe Silva is no stranger to electronic music’s discerning ears, releasing through his Purespace imprint since 1995 and contributing to the likes of Viva, Nordic Trax, and Tango. Silva specializes in an organic approach to synthetic sounds resulting in music that’s consistently warm, forward-looking, and groovy. His latest release on Purespace Recordings, The Final EP, is no exception. The EP’s three outstanding tracks stylistically differ, showcasing Silva’s production range, but all highlight his knack for deep textures and nuanced melody.

The EP opens with the dreamy “Shine,” a laid-back gem that features gorgeous vocals by Paula Calado. The sound is sleek and expressive with shimmering pads and sparse but bright rhythms transmitting a neon-hued late night feel. “The Final” introduces a slinky, downtempo 4-on-the-floor beat accompanying a gentle synth melody and layers of atmosphere. The moving chord changes and whispered voices create a vibe not unlike a slow-motion “Sueño Latino.” Then Silva returns to the uptempo realm with “To A Place,” a 2-step garage-inspired cut with soulful vocals from Mariana Cañadas. The sound is crisp and vibrant as the cut twists and turns in increasingly captivating directions. A strong choice for dance floor discovery.

Artwork by Chris Mulligan Design.

Chris Todd (Crazy P) – “Shine is a lovely warm hug.”
Shantisan (Salted Soul) – “The Final will definitely be my soundtrack for spring and summer.”
Aja Allsop (Ketch A Vibe Radio Show) – “This is a beats inspired beauty from the very talented Mr. Silva.”
Jay Zimmermann (Block FM) – “Joe Silva doing what he does best. Lush, moody, sonically precise deep grooves for those sun drenched and chilled out moments.”
Luis Cardona (Balanced Records) – “A lush and uplifting EP. Cinematic, emotional, re playable, and beautifully mixed and mastered.”
DJ Firefly (WRCT 88.3) – “Fantastic production. Love the details in these.”
misterG (Green Arrow Radio Show) – “Traveling into the future, these are the sounds that can guide.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Absolutely beautiful music.”
Lotek (The Shake) – “Solid release. ‘Shine’ is gorgeous, and an accomplishment in production. Amazing.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, Apple Music, And Spotify.

W Jeremy - Clear To Me EP (Get Up Recordings)

Get Up Recordings co-owner W. Jeremy rounds out the label’s 2015 original releases with the Clear To Me EP. The package includes three original tracks – “Clear To Me (It’s Ovah) feat. Devon Dunaway", “Devil's Backbone” and “Spring (Alternate Mix)” – and a remix of “Clear To Me (It’s Ovah) feat. Devon Dunaway” coming from Chicago’s own house music maestro Doc Link.

“Clear To Me” is W. Jeremy’s first full vocal production and it’s a sweet throwback to NJ piano vocal house. The collaboration between Jeremy and vocalist Devon Dunaway started when he sent the track to Dunaway asking if he could find someone to remix the then instrumental track. Dunaway’s response was that he had lyrics that would fit the music perfectly, and the song was born. Dunaway’s singing is reminiscent of vocal house legends Colonel Abrams, Robert Owens, and Aaron-Carl, and takes inspiration from gospel, jazz, '70s soul, R&B, post-punk, and art-rock. Perhaps best known for his searing collaborations with tripped-out techno-house guru Floppy Sounds on “City For Sale” and “Those Voices” – both issued on Wave Music – Dunaway has also worked with acclaimed Danish downtempo artist Ganga, Finnish tech-house masters Roberto Rodriguez and Mr. A, “hard-dark-and-tribal soul” heavyweight Tedd Patterson, and Mercury Prize-nominated electronic alt-pop group, Bat For Lashes. The music is clearly rooted in early '90s NJ piano house, almost an “ode to” the records that were out at the time on Strictly Rhythm, Easy Street, and Movin’ Records.

Hailing from Chicago and inspired by the legendary club sets of Farley “Jackmaster” Funk and Ron Hardy, Doc Link inevitably launched his own DJ career in 1987, his first professional DJ gig happening in 1989 and then finally making music in 1994. Doc launched Liberate Recordings with sometimes production partner Eman in 2007. Liberate boasts 107 releases with artists such as Roy Davis, Jr., Stephanie Cooke, Hanna Hais, Angel-A, Rainy Payne, Rescue Poetix, Diana Waite, Veronique, Malik Alston, Randy Muller, Sheree Hicks, MJ White, Marissa Guzman, and Eman. Doc has had his own releases on Defected, Hi-Rise, King Street, Transport, Distant Music, Nite Grooves, Tony Records, and Farris Wheel. Doc Link’s Eyes Wide Open Mix is a beautiful, bumping, stripped-down version of the original lush track. He incorporates his own trumpet hook to compliment the synth hits, which coincides with the rhythm of the beat.

The second and third tracks, “Devil’s Backbone” and “Spring (Alternate Mix)”, are intended for sheer listening pleasure. Both tracks delve deep into the electronic disco soundscape. Classic drums and '80s synths drive “Devil’s Backbone”, giving it a darker feel. At the other end of the spectrum is “Spring (Alternate Mix)”, which is a take on W. Jeremy’s “Spring” track released earlier this year. With its bright keys and acid elements, it is a playful and light-hearted track.

Graeme Park - "This is absolutely superb … massive!"
Charles Feelgood - "This boy is nasty!"
Abicah Soul - "Niceness!"
Master Kev - "Alright, W. Jeremy … this is hot!"
DJ Heather - "I'm digging it!"
Gene Farris - "Good job here."
Hard Ton (Gigolo / Permanent Vacation) - "Nice retro mood … I love it."
Diz (Iz & Diz / Vizual) - "Goodness!"
Curtiss Logan (Jersey Soul / Aqua Sol) - "Great package from W. Jeremy and Devon. Full support on Doc Link's remix."
Craig Whitfield (The HHA / Restless Soul) - "Very classy vocal … I love this."
Distant People (Foliage / Seamless) - "This has a good balance of a modern house track with elements of the classic sound."
Nigel One (Intimate Venues) - "The original mix is some proper NJ garage. I dig it and will be spinning it. I'm gonna grab the Doc Link mix as well for deeper situations."
Deli G (The Touch / Future Sound Of House) - "I'm loving all the cuts on this EP."
Jeannie Hopper (Liquid Sound Lounge) - "Gorgeous … may be another Robert Owens in the making with that voice."
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House) - "The blazing hot rework by Doc Link is sure to set the floor on fire."

Available now from Beatport, Traxsource, and iTunes.