San Francisco’s Handmade Recordings presents “Fantasy,” the label’s eighth release and the second from Jaz + Mendoza, the collaborative project of DJs Billy Jaz and Eduardo Mendoza. After the well-received Handmade release “You’ll House Me” from Roman Stange and Craig Kuna, “Fantasy” continues the imprint’s quality run of dance floor-targeted singles breathing with the heart and influence of the US west coast. “Fantasy” is a kicky slice of no-nonsense deep house in a modern context, drawing on tradition but with a new, fresh twist. It rolls along on a tight, swung beat that is augmented by Jaz’s spoken vocal sample of the title. All this is underpinned by a smoothly galloping bass line that pushes the track forward without dominating the cut. Its funk and drive is filled out nicely by backwards synth-chord stabs and some chiming ‘scratch’ guitar from Geoff Svendsgaard. Jay Tripwire (Dutchie Music, Akbal Music) is on hand for a remix that strips everything down to the basics, making the tune perfect for dark, late night goings-on. The bass is reduced to a hefty pulse, and a heavy, dirty feel is created by the use of synthy swirls and a slicing hi-hat that cuts through the entire track. The kick is tough and thick and punctuates the hazy, ‘lost it’ vibe of the this version perfectly. “Fantasy” is no-frills house music for dance floors and dancers who know good tunes when they hear them. Check it and then wreck it!
Tensnake - “Jay can always do quality and he’s proved it again. Nice single.”
Mark Farina - “Nice.”
Alland Byallo - “Love that Tripwire remix.”
Murray Richardson - “I love both mixes of this. Jay’s is strong and the original is cool, too.”
Giom - “Jay’s mix is the one!”
Richie Hartness (untitledmusic) - “Swaggering funk fun sounds!”
Nick Holder - “Cool beats!”
Spettro - “Jay Tripwire remix FTW. Dark, groovy, great building track. Full support.”
Joey Silvero (Distant People) - “Funky business here … rolling track!”
Vincent Kwok - “Funky tracks!”
Will SumSuch (DeepWit / Etoka) - “Jay Tripwire mix for me … I’m loving the moody vibe.”
Stephan Hoellermann (Balance Alliance / GKF) - “Great release … really like both versions!”
Al Bradley (3am Recordings) - “Jay nails it perfectly with a superb, lush, rolling deep-tech vibe. Top class.”
DJ Nova (Rodon FM) - “Massive! This one needs a really strong sound system.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit Of House) - “Deep funky rhythms, perfect for late nights.”
Jon Pierce (Da Wiseguy, RTE Pulse) - “Deep, chuggy house … wikkid!”
Available now from Juno Download and Beatport.