Black Sjuan - The Underdog Railroad (Assylum Effort Records)

Black Sjuan is probably the most notorious ghost producer in Chicago. Whether or not dance floors realize it, they’ve already heard his sound. Black Sjuan’s Assylum Effort has evolved from a boutique production house to a full-on Chicago house label, pushing a classic sound while injecting it with something unique and new.

The Underdog Railroad is the new album from Black Sjuan, proclaiming his underground house music aesthetic over eight down n' dirty deep house cuts. Black Sjuan explains the album: "This is album represents a side of Chicago night life you never see in magazines and on Instagram. Gang parties, secret Jevohah's Witness raves, sex worker conferences, cartel crew rages, undercover cops, surgeon orgies, rooftop grows, drug fueled restaurant after-hours … I could tell you about it, but i wrote an album instead."

After the introductory track, the album jumps right into it with "Trying 2 Trip With Angels," a dark and dubby house music work-out with a grinding bass line and echoed string chops. "No Love In Bubble City" expands on this vibe with its crisp, swinging drum track and filtered melodic elements. "Heart Machine" raises the tempo and the dance floor insistence — staccato synth hits and the rapid bass groove play against each other in a rhythmic style. These are just the first few highlights — all the tracks on The Underdog Railroad are tailor-made for house heads looking to dig deeper.

Alvaro Hylander (DeepWit) – “Blunt Live is the one for me. Cool stuff.”
Tyler Stadius (Deepsite) – “Cool Raw Heavies.”
Blueshift (Nurvous Records) – “Nice grooves. I especially like Trying 2 Trip With Angels.”
Ken Liu (Headset Hi-Fi) – “Very nice. Feeling Heart Machine and Red Love the most.”
DJ P-REZ (Not So Fast Records) – “The entire album is amazing. Well done!”
Pat Lezizmo (Conva Records) – “Sizzling drums and grooves – real nice!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “The kind of stuff that gets played at all the best parties.”

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

Black Sjuan - How 2 Dance In The Dark (Assylum Effort Records)

Black Sjuan is probably the most notorious ghost producer in Chicago. Whether or not dance floors realize it, they’ve already heard his sound. Black Sjuan’s Assylum Effort has evolved from a boutique production house to a full-on Chicago house label, pushing a classic sound while injecting it with something unique and new.

Black Sjuan’s latest EP, How 2 Dance In The Dark, is meant as a musical diary of a DJ’s struggle to remain level during the ‘dance music depression’ of the pandemic. Says Black Sjuan, “Though I usually do a more jazzy and funky type sound, my contact with the outside world during the past year has been virtual. So I gave it tech-flavored sound.”

The EP opens with “4 the Free,” rousing the floor with a churning Chicago house rhythm along with pad stabs and percussive vocal drops. “Micro Dose” executes an old-school acid feel, perfectly suited for after-hours peak time in secret warehouse locations. Then “Keep It Movin’” is an ode to the Eric Kupper / Wayne Gardner style ethereal house tracks of the ‘90s. Rising arpeggiations and bright chords help spread dreamy good vibes through the speakers. The final track, “Space and Time,” is Black Sjuan’s ‘Metaphonic’ remix of an original by Nephertiti Amen. Lovely vocals and tribal four-on-the-floor deepness make this evocative track a cut above the rest.

Mr. V (Sole Channel Music) – “Interesting sounds I can dig.”
Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “Space and Time is dope!”
Lee Jones (Country Gents) – “4 The Free really rocks. Fab track!”
DJ P-REZ (Not So Fast Records) – “This is a solid release.”
Geoffrey C (Edgemix Productions) – “All of these tracks are insane!”
Andrew Emil (Glenview Records) – “Solid! Keep it Movin & Space and Time are the ones for me.”
Dj Deelay (Underground Sessions) – “This EP is ace! Full of unique vibes which alert the ears.”
Joey Silvero (Soul Elements Radio Show) – “Rolling, bouncing house vibes. I like this one.”
DJ Hal (EQ Magazine) – “Nice & moody late night grooves.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, Bandcamp, And Spotify.