Joule imprint makes a stunning return with an exquisite EP by Sota. The EP comprises three deep house tracks that are highly effective on the dancefloor, alongside a final track that falls into the liquid dnb genre. More

An artist at the heart of Berlin’s rich scene, DJ and producer Sota looks set to continue his sharp upwards trajectory as a name to know. Welcoming four intelligent, expansive cuts combining slinking low-end grooves, sci-fi electronics, and sweeping interludes, the Dutchman’s ‘Pelican Club’ EP showcases his take on house music for the early morning hours as he touches down on Up The Stuss for the label’s sixth release. More

It's still hard to keep up with all of Burnski's many different labels, but we're not complaining. This one, Constant Black, mixes up things with a tech and minimal twist and next to do so is Daniel Akbar. 'What' soon wins you over with its kinetic and infectious drum programming and smart samples - a phased vocal and a twisted synth lead. 'Retreat' gets more physical - the drums bang with an old-school flavour and hint of tribalism. 'Listen' is a big fat tech roller with low slung bass and 'This One' rounds out with some brilliant drum, hits and brain-frying bass sounds. Pow pow, what a record. More

Ever-prolific Swedish minimal producer Per Hammar returns to Burnski's Constant stable with a surefooted EP showing off some of his freshest dancefloor approaches. 'Wrapper' keeps the groove dense and simmering, peppered with bleeps and dubby impulses, while 'Collapse' takes a more floaty direction with playful melodic flourishes darting around the pervading deepness of the rhythm section. 'TV 1000' locks into the tightest of funks, firing off a wandering bassline to get bodies wriggling with delight. More

Constant Black is one of the many labels run by the prolific Brit Burnksi aka Instinct aka Constant Sound. Here he signs up Niko Maxen for four deeper house cuts that are designed for small and intimate spaces. There is a trippy sense of melody to 'Denali' that soon has you enchanted as the rubbery drums bounce below. 'Logan' is built on another bulbous fusion of rubbery kicks and gooey bass that is stripped back but characterful. Things head into rather spooky worlds on 'Jaya' with its mysterious leads and swirling pads, then 'Elbrus' rounds out on a slick minimal house vibe that is perfect for the wonky after hours. More

These three offerings from Michael James might fit into the minimal/tech bracket comfortably but there's a free flowing, shuffling sense of funkiness that undeniably runs through them all that defies all the usual 'shoulder twitch' stereotypes about the genre. 'Signal Issues' employs a panther-like bass hovering under the radar, with the briefest of breakbeat snippets adding the growing syncopation. 'Still Waiting' continues the technofunk mission, a sea of underplayed bleepery augmenting the groove, while 'Rush Hour' has a breezier and more open vibe and perhaps a more classic techno feel, proper graceful like. More