Animal Friend - Stokin (Green Gorilla Lounge)

Animal Friend's "Stokin" takes on new dimensions in the hands of San Francisco production duo Sleight of Hands, who transform the original's indie-disco framework into something altogether more expansive. This remix package, released via Green Gorilla Lounge, showcases the source material's strength and the remixers' deft touch at reconstruction.

The Sleight of Hands remix maintains Kazuko Anne Kimura's haunting vocals while building new sound architectures beneath. The duo's production style shines through in the careful layering of breaks and house rhythms, creating dance floor momentum without sacrificing the original's psychedelic undertones.

What's particularly striking is how the remix honors Animal Friend's evolution from an 80s-inspired rock outfit to electronic innovators. The original mix, included in the package, provides context for this transformation and highlights how Kimura and Jasper Speicher have developed their distinctive voices in San Francisco's electronic music landscape.

Jon Wesley (Insomniac) – “I love the Slight of Hands remix. It reminds me of Plastic Dreams a bit. Love the vocal too. Great San Francisco-style house.”
Juan Moreno (Neo Ouija) – “Nice. Perfect track for the night.”
Luis Machuca (Friskybeat Records) – “New funky wave vibes.”
Ket Shah (Mucho Soul) – “The Original Mix is a Strong Dancefloor tool.”
DJ Morpheus (Lysergic Factory Radio Show) – “Excellent track and remix by Sleight of Hands! I dig it very much.”
Simon Kirk (Proton Radio) – “This is pure class. Stokin original mix is my fav, the punk influenced vocal against that backdrop of bass, keys and swirling pads! 10/10.”

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

DJ Samuel Lawrence - Can't Go Back (R Side Recordings)

DJ Samuel Lawrence returns with a double-sided single that proves his mastery of late-night dance floor dynamics. Released on his R-Side Recordings, "Can't Go Back" and "Downside" showcase the veteran producer's knack for crafting purposeful club weapons that speak to classic sensibilities.

The lead cut, "Can't Go Back," builds around a hefty kick drum foundation, layering filtered female vocals over a muscular bass pattern. Lawrence demonstrates finesse in the breakdown section, where swirling percussion elements create tension before the track's thunderous return. On the flip, "Downside" ventures into moodier territory. The track's tribal rhythmic core pulses beneath cinematic string arrangements, while a processed vocal hook adds an air of mystery. The production nods to warehouse-era aesthetics while maintaining a modern punch, particularly in its gritty low-frequency elements.

Drawing from his two decades behind the decks at events like Love Parade and Burning Man, Lawrence has distilled his understanding of the dancefloor into these two complementary cuts. The release reinforces his reputation for delivering reliable DJ ammunition that sacrifices neither creativity nor impact.

Jon Fugler (Fluke) – “Something very satisfying about both of these tracks.”
Jason Merle (4E&A Records) – “Serious underground bizness right there.”
Jim Stiff (Woodwork Recordings) – “Downside is my favorite. I love when the sustained pads come in and give it a light feel before the vox come in and make it extra heavy.”
Michael Stukes (Mystic Vybes Radio Show) – “Full support for this one. 5/5.”
Juan Moreno (Traum Schallplaten) – “Nice track, perfect for the nighttime.”
Anthonne Shepherd (BoogieKnights) – “I'm really digging the vocal in Can't Go Back. Downside is wicked too and the punters will instantly be singing along.”

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

DJ Daniel D - Moving (DWorx Music)

From the bustling streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, to the heart of the global house music scene, DJ Daniel D has been spinning tracks that resonate with the soul of dance floors around the world. Daniel's music invites us on a sonic journey that bridges the gap between the nostalgic echoes of the '70s funk and disco and the pulsating rhythms of modern house, tech, acid and beyond.

His latest release on his DWorx label, "Moving", is a straight ahead house groover complete with classic samples, strings, piano and a meandering synth line that will keep heads nodding and dancefloors moving.

Benja & Berna (DJ Benjamin Ferreira and DJ Bernardo Pinheiro) step in for one of the remixes, taking the tempo and the mood up a notch with a slightly more modern take, adding acid lines and drum rolls, morphing all the original sounds into a peak hour house jam. Last up on remix duties is Nytron, a prolific artist and hot item on the Beatport charts. Nytron’s take on the track infuses some 80’s sensibilities into the track while giving it a slight disco vibes. Bouncy basslines and airy synth stabs round this one out finish off a single that is sure to please many a dancefloor. Get down!

Anthonne Shepherd (BoogieKnights) – “Such an iconic vocal. Nice mixes. All of these will get a spin at respective gig.”
DJ Harri (Sub Club) – “Lovely stuff. Will play and support.”
Wilbour Craddock (Groovewest) – “This is a fun get your smile on house remix, love the use of the filtered vocal loop.”
Michael Fossati (Spirit of House Web Zine) – “Downright intriguing.”
DJ Osric (Black and Blue Show) – “Brilliant. This is a class track with excellent remixes.”
Dr. Best (Radio Z – Germany) – “Three nice versions on this release. The original mix and the rework by Benja & Berna are my favorites.”

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

Rose Rose - Affection (Neville Street Music)

French electronic duo Rose Rose returns with "Affection," a pristine single that proves dance music can be both sophisticated and primal. The track's architecture rests on a foundation of handclaps and an inspiring kick drum, while echoed cowbells and squelchy synth pads create an atmospheric playground above. At its core, a funked-out disco bassline drives the journey forward, offering just enough groove to keep bodies moving without overwhelming the delicate sound design.

"Affection" masterfully balances club-ready energy with home-listening appeal, crafting a sonic space where strobe lights meet introspection. The duo's signature blend of house and French touch aesthetics shines through in the production details, with each element precisely placed to maximize emotional resonance and dancefloor impact. Sublime.

Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings) – “Fab track. Look forward to spinning it out.”
Juan Moreno (Traum Schallplaten) – “I love this track!”
Sneak-E Pete (Blunted Funk) – “Niiiiice, dig the slow burn up! Lush big sounds. Will def play this one out in Honolulu for New Years.”
DJ Morpheus (Radio Campus) – “Enchanting track. It’s a superb one!”
Jon Wesley (Music Goes On Radio Show) – “Love it. Great groove and works well with any style.”
Hober Mallow (Mighty Reel) – “Super slick tune, thank you! Will support on my show.”

Available Now From: Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer.