Ransel - Taiga (Beatservice Records)

Ransel makes a stunning return to Beatservice Records, evoking exotic atmospherics via the heads-down rhythms of "Taiga." It's the latest sonic treat under the relatively fresh Ransel moniker by venerated artist Øivind A Sjøvoll. Perhaps best known for his work recorded under the Kohib alter-ego, Sjøvoll has made a habit of surprising with his impossible-to-predict musical output, expertly drifting through stylistic barriers with each carefully constructed release. True to form and in keeping with the Ransel catalog to date, "Taiga" is immaculately produced and primed to enliven esoteric floors.

"Tiaga" utilizes a deceptively slow tempo, throbbing rhythms, an undulating synth bass drive, and exotic melodies across a stripped panorama, with Eastern motifs bursting into focus as harmonic guitar rhythms meander in the distance. Nocturnally charged and brimming with mystery, the magnetic groove captivates throughout as the arrangement bubbles and builds.

This compelling Ransel release is another powerfully evocative work from Sjøvoll, an intriguing addition to the evolving Beatservice roster.

Bill Shephard (Push Music) – “Balearic bombshell.”
Steve ‘Griffo’ Griffiths (The Flow Mechanik) – “Sublime! Chilled to the gills.”
Black Mighty Wax (Irma Records) – “intriguing mood here.”
Spaceotter (Camp Conception) – “Great sneaky groover. Hits just in the right way.”
Brad Eller (Glass Slipper) – “Nice and cinematic.”
Jon Fugler (XLNT radio show) – “Sublime … right up my street and lovely for those more discerning terraces as summer approaches.”

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

Jon Lee - Walk On By (Pelvic Movements)

The launch of Pelvic Movements, a brand new house music imprint from veteran DJ and producer Scottie Soul, is heralded in a grand and funky fashion. The new label enlists Jon Lee (Titled Records) to lend his keen dancefloor sensibility with his top-notch track titled "Walk On By." The cut is propelled by a club-primed rhythm track and an infectious female vocal hook. Layers of tech-house-inspired synth work giveaway to a dramatic acid-tinged breakdown. Deep Fix Recordings' Col Lawton delivers the first of three remixes, adding a tight deep house flavor with subtle tribal percussion suitable for late-night deployment. Denver's Dan Laino provides a chunky rework, drawing lovingly upon the melodic Chicago deep house sounds of the '90s. The single closes with a mix by Scottie Soul under his Z-Sharp Minor moniker, collaborating with Simy Garay. This one lowers the pulse of the main track for a killer downtempo version complete with tough beats, scratch fills, and tripped-out effects galore. The downtempo B-side is a planned staple of the Pelvic Movements, something to look forward to in the label's future releases.

Tony H (Late Night Munchies) – “That Dan Laino remix is a vibe.”
Richie Hartness (UM) – “The man does it again!”
Lee Jones (Buslife) – “This is an exceptional project. I love all the mixes and will play them as soon as I can.”
Tokita (Kolour Recordings) – “Killer vibes on the original mix. Nice one!”
DJ Firefly (Couch Dancing) – “Nice variety here. And a great start to the new label.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z, Nuremberg) – “The remixes by Dan Laino and Col Lawton are for me.”

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

Various Artists - Vol. 16 (R Side Recordings)

R Side Records bursts out of the US Pacific Northwest with a new four-song release highlighting both the familiar and the fresh. Specializing in deep house with a jackin' flavor, the label goes from strength to strength with its series of showcase EPs. The latest, R Side's Volume 16, is no exception.

Manchester's Deep Trouble (Baldeelox, BlackSoul Music) joins forces with Kamal Imani and Michael Gill to launch the EP with the impeccably groovy "Dream Girl." A crisp rhythm track, throbbing bass line, and an old-school style spoken word vocal blend this builder from speakers to the latest of late-night dancefloors. Next, Los Angeles DJ/producer Kewk and R Side maestro DJ Samuel Lawrence come together for "Giving In." This one tests the bass bins with a pounding tech-house-meets-acid feel mixed with another fiery spoken word performance. Flip the digital wax for two cuts from DJ Samuel Lawrence, leading with the punchy tribal-inflected "Katherind." Rousing percussion and vibrating sub-bass pilot the first half of the track before an infectious horn line takes a flight of its own. Then the second from DJ Samuel Lawrence is "Games and Shit," and deep and intimate after-hours cut full of processed vocal cuts, effected chord hits, and a soulful midsection, all playing out over a driving four-on-the-floor beat. Grab some!

DJ P-REZ – (Not So Fast Records) – “This is an absolutely phenomenal EP. Every track is dope.”
Eric Davenport (Mind Loop Music) – “I dig the laid back groove on Dream Girl.”
Wilbour Craddock (Groovewest) – “The beat drives you and then the sax stabs come in and you are hooked. Katherind is a jam!”
Gihon Monks - “Nice, chunky, deep jacking grooves.”
Culliere (Jack Junkies) – “Great work!”
Simon Kirk (Stag Beetle Radio Show) – “Katherind is a little gem. Great drums. Infectious stuff.”

Available Now From: Beatport, Traxsource, Apple Music, And Juno Download.

Sen-Sei & HUGEhands - Wait For You (Viva Recordings)

After the top ten Traxsource triumph of "You Got Something," the veteran house music duo of Sen-Sei (Delve Deeper, Nervous) and HUGEhands (AKA James Druett — i Records, Sound Vessel) return for another stellar slab of deep and funky dancefloor vibes for Viva Recordings. "Wait For You" showcases the pair's musical prowess, with all music composed and played for the single, including some lovely interplay between saxophone and electric piano. The cut is smooth but driving, a tight four-on-the-floor beat guiding the melodic adventure. Cool processed vocals and layers of sublime flourishes add to the track's sensual late-night air. Legendary producer Demarkus Lewis is enlisted on the remix and fully delivers with Deez Flipper Mix. Demarkus takes full advantage of all the instrumentation options as he cuts, loops, stabs, and generally funks-up the source material. A skippy house beat rides under a generous helping of Demarkus's magic, giving the remix a delirious NY-meets-UK feel. DJs and aficionados look no further — this pack's got what it takes. Don't wait!

Wilbour Craddock (Groovewest) – “The perfect jam for a cocktail, some sun and friends. This is summer house redefined.”
Sean Smith (Smooth Agent Records) – “Feeling the original mix. Will try this out.”
Andrew Macari (Greenhouse) – “Solid deep vibes.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House Web Zine) – “A very cool rework by Demarkus Lewis.”
Mark Mac (Ibiza Live FM 107.3) – “Two stunning tunes an excellent Original with a smooth classy rework. Top package.”
Jon Manley (hOUSEwORX) – “What another epic release this is from the guys, love it, full marks from me.”

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