Phantasy’s #PH100 retrospective continues with PH45RMX. Denham Audio, perhaps one of the most prolific British production crews emerging in some time, arrive on Phantasy with a breakbeat-heavy and lucid take on James Welsh’s ‘Cold Land’. Originally released under Welsh’s original alias of Kamera in 2015, ‘Cold Land’ remains one of the underrated gems in the label’s back catalogue. Initially emerging from a shed in rural Mallorca, it’s halcyon poly synths and skittish drums immediately recall the wide-eyed optimism of 90s IDM. Far from mere ‘braindance’, ‘Cold Land’s emotive quality affords it a unique timelessness. Fresh from releases on Lobster Theremin and E-Beamz, Denham Audio build on their recent reputation for both nuance and impact, comfortably interweaving the dreamy melody of Welsh’s with unapologetic breaks, taking the original’s futurist sonics into the parallel scene of UK hardcore and DnB. For those with a warehouse going spare, the alternate ‘Raw Mix’ hits even harder. TRACK LISTING: A1. Cold Land (Denham Audio Melodic Mix), A2. Cold Land (Denham Audio Raw Mix), B1. Cold Land More

Celestial electronics are always at the heart of James Welsh’s music, via a number releases for labels such as Erol Alkan’s Phantasy Sound, Wolf Music and Hypercolour. “Hammers” is Welsh’s second release for Futureboogie (following 2013’s “Craven” EP), and finds the UK based producer on particular fine form. With its airy pads and shrouded ambience, “Hammers” drives a 303 bass line right through its centre, perfectly balancing the tracks emotive and darker sides. Hodge (Livity Sound/Hemlock) comes on board with an industrial sized remix, carving out some heavyweight tribal drums and additional percussion and letting the acid do its tweakable thing. “Denergy” meanwhile channels some electro tinged bassline moves over super funky, tight drums, a flourishing acid line, and laced with the futurism and sound aesthetics that’s keeping James Welsh at the top of his game. More

Having recently been remixed by Radio Slave, Ozel AB and FC Kahuna on Phantasy, James Welsh returns to the label with ‘Zurich/A65’. Anoth-er expertly executed two-track primed for the club but infused with detail and sheer personality, it further cements his idiosyncratic and forward-thinking interpretation of techno, industrial and experimental electronic styles. Opening the EP, ‘Zurich’ takes an infectious, urgent bassline and gradu-ally expands into a weightless landscape. Slowly revealing it’s rhythmic intent, it seamlessly blends a distinct melancholy with intensity, which, like the best of Welsh’s work so far, is both wistful and physical. Appropriate to its namesake, ‘A65’ sets the scene by sampling the un-mistakable sound of speeding Yorkshire traffic, opening up a breathless musical autobahn, driven by luminescent synths that pulse with euphoria and energy. More

The EBM-indebted techno funk of James Welsh’s ‘Thread’ reemerges from the industrial fog, evolved into two outstanding remixes by a trio of established, emerging and somewhat unexpected artists. Ozel AB delivers his debut remix, reimagining Thread to encompass a widescreen vision of depth and drama. Unfolding slowly and ethereally, with military kicks holding down a seemingly weightless, extended breakdown, his taste in dreamlike rave euphoria contains the same magic touch as it has done on previous, acclaimed releases for Workshop and Lobster Theremin. On his ‘Garten’ remix, Radio Slave takes a percussive approach to the relatively raw electronics of the original track, adding a deceptively simple but immediately effective layer of drums to the production, before unleashing a more filtered and fucked-up interpretation of the riff to winning effect. More

Fresh off the underground success of ‘Standing/Slip’, a club-ready bullet that received support from DJs such as Leftfield, Scuba and Adam Beyer, James Welsh returns to Phantasy post haste, once again blending a slab of characteristic rave euphoria with a more downtempo trip on the flip.
The release opens on ‘Thread’, the unmistakeable sound of Welsh pushing his studio to its unworldly limits. Initially building the tension with competing, spectral components, an ominous intro paves the way for the sudden eruption of a stomping, hi-NRG electro bassline. Pathologically chaotic until it’s final moments, sudden breakdowns of white noise and ghostly commands lost deep in the mix anchor the listener in reality, enveloped in smoke and strobes, real or imagined. On the contrary, ‘North’ stretches a skeletal half-step beat to support a bracing vision of maximalist melancholy. A chilly analogue hymn, awash in choral reverb, heavenly organ sounds coalesce with cathartic distortion, creating a six-minute musical landscape that is at once pleasingly epic, yet tellingly intimate in its more subtle details. Physical and cerebral in equal measure, ‘Thread/North’ is a worthy contribution to Welsh’s increasingly powerful back catalogue. More

Since 2015, James Welsh’s contribution to Phantasy as Kamera has delivered a series of releases shrouded in mystery, injected with the personal energy of both a hardcore and club heritage. Two EPs, ‘Arc’ and ‘Ventoux’, set a distinct tone, with the latter complimented by head-turning remixes from artists such as George Fitzgerald, Throwing Snow, Truncate and Yaleesa Hall. Now, the key Phantasy artist emerges from the shadows under his own name, in order to continue his uncompromising musical journey.
Returning with a new, two-track EP, ‘Standing/Slip’ captures the finely tuned tension and euphoric release of Welsh’s sound in arguably its strongest form to date, showcasing not only the dancefloor mettle firmly established under his prior alias, but a new sense of wistfulness that coaxes his typically outstanding machine work into altogether more reflective territory. ‘Standing’ throws listeners headlong into Welsh’s formerly anonymous industrial complex, generating a churning, relentless rhythm offset with a dry female vocal that recalls the sardonic stance of vintage electroclash. Following this, ‘Slip’ is an initially unexpectedly spectral diversion, transmitting a curious synth line into space, and receiving a choral, sombre frequency in return. Without losing it’s emotive qualities, the track succumbs to a hailstorm of Welsh’s sharp, potent drums, before collapsing in understated catharsis. More

Shabby Doll may seem a little infatuated with Yorkshire house at the moment – but who's complaining? Next up is the 'Wanderlust EP' from Bradford born James Welsh. James has already performed remix duties for Shabby Doll, having whisked up Mella Dee's 'Things Don't Change' in 2013, but his appearance centre stage turns the attention onto his own propulsive house sound. The four-track release brings together three sparkling James Welsh productions, along with a malevolently powerful remix of the title track by Hypercolour's Ste Roberts. It's another sign - following releases on Hypercolour, Wolf Music, Losing Suki and Futureboogie - that James is a quality creator of deep, delicious house music. In fact, James has already hit some heady heights in his previous life as Ocelot. In that guise, he signed to Wall of Sound and played everywhere from the main stage at Creamfields to a rooftop gig in Miami, not to mention remixing the likes of Rob Zombie, Depeche Mode and... believe it... Britney Spears. But now he's cut loose and is heading where his heart takes him...

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Following on from Medlar's debut album 'Sleep', WOLF Music return with their 21st release. This time they welcome back James Welsh to the label with a full EP backed up by a remix by Dutch rising star, Frits Wentink. More

Little wolfy number yeah? Medlar stepped up before and he’s stepping up again! This time he’s brought a couple of friends along for the ride with the WOLF OG showcasing four solid Deep House cuts with some UK & US flavours. 15 years deep and they still can’t keep us down. More

Retromigration makes a welcome return to WOLF Music following up from Straight Foxin, his debut album on the label. For Cloudin he presents six deep cuts that once again showcase the German producer talents and abilities. Dusty samples sit alongside original compositions, hitting that musical sweet spot. Fans of Retromigration, this might be his best work to date! This one’s for the heads. More

Real House fans rejoice! The King of Swing, Frits Wentink is back on WOLF Music. Following on from last years ‘Remember That Feeling’ the prolific Frits steps up again with ‘Club Land Special’ for the second in the Frits x WOLF series. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, four special club ready cuts guaranteed to make you move. More

Justin Drake and Clive Henry, recognised as the legendary Peace Division, stood out as one of the UK's most successful tribal/tech house production duos from the late 90s to the mid-00s. Their contributions extended to renowned British labels such as NRK and Junior London, as well as releases with Hooj, Crosstown Rebels, and major label remixes.

Lesser-known but equally intriguing was their venture into a different musical realm under the alias Soul Purpose. Shifting towards a deeper shade of house, Soul Purpose featured tracks characterised by lush chords and rolling basslines, placing a strong emphasis on the soulful elements.

Originally released on Low Pressing Limited, an offshoot label of Clive Henry and Rocky (X-Press 2) iconic Low Pressing, the four Soul Purpose titles emerged between 1997 and 1998. Despite being somewhat under the radar, these tracks gained recognition among DJs in the know. Now, the Selected Works release, compiled from the original DAT tapes and fully remastered, reunites the entire Soul Purpose catalogue for the first time in 27 years since their initial release. More

The karaoke connoisseur, Luigi impersonator and all round good guy, Manuel Darquart has stepped up before and he’s stepping up again, this time with The Del Sol EP. Three down to business tracks with the perfect blend of Italo, Boogie and Deep House that will have you dreaming of a sunny coastline, Guayabera flapping in the breeze and an ice cold beer in your hand.

Rounding off the package is Oakland CA native, Space Ghost who stamps his distinct style on the EP with a beautiful slice of Dream House.

A welcome return to the label as WOLF hit their 71st release and enter fifteen years in the game. More

Few things hit the spot better than a Frits Wentink release on WOLF Music. Like a crisp pint of vitamin G on a summer’s day, Frits pulls the perfect pour for the 70th release on the label. Three trademark wonky, left of centre cuts, designed to intrigue, yet destined to make you dance.

It’s fair to say that there aren’t many producers who can claim to have as distinctive a style as Frits. A captivating wobbliness brews with a deft swing and tangible bounce in the Wentink barrels, instantly distinguishable from the very first sip.

‘Remember that Feeling’, the first in a fresh run of Frits x WOLF EPs, has got all those flavours and more in the mix. ‘Royale’ takes the full A side, a Fritsy bumper if we ever saw one. Skippy, seductive garage house with a psychedelic tinge. On the B, ‘Intentions’ showcases that MPC crunched sample wizardry, as smokey jazz keys swirl around RnB vocal snippets.

Closing out proceedings ‘Move Steady’ is a hit of off-kilter, late night basement business, rolling low-end, UK funky flavoured percussion and all. More

The mysterious Henk Donkers conjures up the 69th release on WOLF Music. No-one knows where the promo came from, a Dropbox link landing in the WOLF HQ inbox labelled, ‘With love, Henk Donkers x’.

Crack the vault to find some slick, sultry, steamed up window biz from this mystery entity, ranging from a soulful 2-step burner featuring Ell Murphy (we’re still trying to track Ell down to shed some much-needed light on this conundrum), to an acid-tinged melon twister on the A side.

On the B, Henk teases further with that red-light basement feeling, blending breakbeats with heartstring hitting sweetness, before closing it out with a spoken word, psychedelic trip.

Henk Donkers is no fool, Henk Donkers is no amateur. Who is Henk Donkers? Are you Henk Donkers? Contact us immediately - [email protected] More

Emotive sweetness from the one they call Gratts, coming correct via those ever-reliable purveyors of all things house, WOLF Music. Two dream-state gems from the Belgian-born, Australia-based DJ and producer, complete with a signature, deep and delectable remix from one of Dublin’s finest exports Glenn Davis.

On the A, ‘Pretty Lights’ is a bittersweet saunter beachside, sun setting in the distance, bass striding beside as keys dance across the horizon. A melancholic narrative over a blissful groove, Brandon Markell Holmes’ heavenly vocals add an undeniable elegance to proceedings, combined with Leïto’s deft touch on the keys. Subtle house music with soul from a producer that’s been toiling away for nearly 25 years.

Flip it to find ‘Polaroids’, a late-night trip across the underground with Tee Amara leading the way. Her sublime vocals are laid over a bumping, piano-laden beat, bit-crushed synths and all. A track that keeps that distinct soulful thread, yet laces it with a club-ready dose of the good stuff.

Glenn Davis then rounds off the package laying down a remix of ‘Polaroids’ that hits in all the right spots. A deeper journey, that sees Davis reworking the drums, dousing it in ethereal pads and dreamy synthwork, elevating Amara’s vocals to stratospheric heights. One for the dancers and romancers. More

Dam-based don Retromigration steps into the big leagues letting loose his debut album on WOLF Music. An LP that has long been in the works and for good reason too. Fourteen expertly executed tracks that range from hazy beats and jazz-tinged broken rhythms to club-ready groovers, deep excursions, soulful footwork and even some jungle energy. A flavour for every occasion and damn it tastes good.

With an envious run of releases on the likes of Handy, Healthy Scratch, wewillalwaysbealovesong and WOLF in a relatively short space – Retormigration is hot property and it’s clear to see why. A distinctive style and energy permeate his tracks with a breadth of influences on offer, from hip hop, to jazz, soul to funk. You just know a long player from this player is going to cover all bases.

His debut LP, Straight Foxin’, is a carefully curated and crafted journey showcasing the creative explosions firing off in Retromigration’s brain. Joining the dots between genres, taking elements from here, ideas from there – twisting and turning yet never out of place. Take the opening three tracks, all tied together by a deep fondness for jazz but served up in different styles, ‘Kunta’ with that hazy beatsy blend, ‘Formant’ leaning into the realms of broken beat and DnB and ‘Be Someone’ cruising with the off-kilter house.

Elsewhere there’s prime examples of Retromigration’s signature sample-laden house with deeper cuts like ‘Mada’ and ‘Bouncer’, sitting side by side with more soulful explorations such as ‘New Cribs’ and ‘ITWT’.

Not one to be pigeonholed, another course of Retromigration’s expansive taste gets served up with four high energy hits. The bouncing footwork flavours of ‘Kush Love’ ft. Passion Deez and ethereal excursion ‘What If’ lead into a captivating nod to the heydays of jungle and DnB on ‘Mild Fever’ and ‘Bad Knees’ respectively.

Straight Foxin’, mad flexin’ – Retromigration has laid down the law with this LP, a debut album done right. More

Fresh off the back of his highly acclaimed debut album on Astral Black, Footshooter returns to the WOLF Music pack following his ethereal remix of Velour last year, with an exquisite six track journey through his signature sound.

An amalgamation of genres, ideas and vibes blend seamlessly together throughout the record, showing a wealth of knowledge, alongside a production prowess to match. From the cinematic opener 'Welcome In' to the soulful, synth-laden broken beat of ‘Turning’ and 'Archetype 7' on the A side. Samples dance next to magical playing and programming, with hats tipped to legends of yester year whilst keeping things completely fresh at the same time.

Flip it for the B, where UK Funky feels mix with bumping house for the fresh to death, dress to impress 'Dojo'. Footshooter then dips the lights down low and and slows the tempo with the beatsy, piano shimmering brilliance of 'Angel(s)' and the eyes closed, soul healing sounds of 'Hold On'.

Six shots, no misses, Footshooter gets deep into the heart of what’s bubbling in London town right now. More

Steppin up, steppin in. Tom Esselle, one half of the minds behind the South London label and former Peckham record store, Yam Records, joins the WOLF Music fam for his first full length EP. And you best believe it doesn’t disappoint.

Following VA appearances on Rhythm Section and his own imprint, he goes all out for this first solo EP outing. Shuffling bumpers, SE LDN jazz-flecked deepness, tough drum workouts and broken beat heaters, all mixed down by Chaos In The CBD main man Beans, this really does have a cut for every occasion and shows an accomplished head rests on Esselle’s shoulders. Someone who’s been part of the scene for years, slingin records and throwing parties, he knows what makes people tick and even better what makes people move.

This is premium grade dancefloor business, tinged by a whole host of different influences and genres, strung together with that distinctive South London feel. More

A family affair since the early days, WOLF Music have been shining a light on the scenes and sounds the duo are ingrained in. Staying true to form and rolling deep for WOLFEP065, the spotlight turns to a selection of familiar faces and new recruits for a four track VA EP that’s strictly for the groovers.

WOLF OG, man like Medlar kicks it off in signature style with 'Bandit', a heads-down, techno-tinged trip. Machine music with the soul of south London. Next, professor of the dark arts, Manuel Darquart, conjures up the aptly named 'Euphoria' a deep, ‘90s leaning house excursion, synth wizardry and all, that works just as well as a sunset cruiser, as it does an end of the night closer.

On the flip, two long time listeners, first time callers, with a double dose of debuts on the label. Jon Sable takes the B1 with 'Infinite Care', offering up that trademark strong and Sable, In Dust We Trust flavour. Deep, emotive, intricate house with a nod to the worlds of Bruk and Chicago house melded together with that NZ feel.

Closing it out, debut number two comes in the form of rising star moon who lays down a beatsy, broken earworm ‘Handmade’ featuring some dreamy bars from Tamu.

Full crew, through and through – this one hits different! More

King Theo has landed! You can bet 12 years ago when WOLF Music started the label, they never thought they’d be welcoming certified royalty Theo Parrish to lay down a remix on a release. And what better track for Theo to work his magic on, than the deep depths of Tone Control’s 2008 classic – ‘Illusion’.

Buttery, soulful deepness, ‘Illusion’ has it all, hitting you right in that soft spot - pure eyes closed business. Late night, early morning, peak time, take your pick. It was an instant classic when it was released, with Theo regularly drawing for it at his legendary Plastic People residency.

Now sit the man Theo down in the studio with the stems for a track he clearly loves and what do you get? A slice of Theo genius no doubt. His ‘SS Translation’ clocks in at nearly 10 minutes, building, twisting and turning in a way only Theo knows how. Restructuring and relayering the elements to squeeze every last drop of emotion out of Tone Control’s track, Theo’s delectable bass synth playing, at times haunting keys and fresh drum programming give a rawness and punch to the cut that channel that inner Theo spirit in style.

Flip it to find Tone Control’s mix of ‘Illusion’, Simon Finnegan and Marcus Harris’ biggest hit that’s still played today by the likes of Kyle Hall, Jay Daniel and Kerri Chandler. In fact, who better to talk this track up than Kerri himself, with a quote from back in the day:

“…It is one of my favorite songs. Even the way the song is put together is honestly what house is all about for me. It's got every element I love in one song, dope bass line, a different deep vocal, the sounds are hot (drums, even the way he made them swing, that Rhodes) all of it… Everyone I play it for they freak out about it.”

All in all, this 12 is a must-have for those that like to get down! More

Retromigration returns to WOLF Music for his 2nd solo outing on the label with a trademark, warm, jazz-flecked house journey.

Hot property by anyone’s standards, the Amsterdam-based producer stretches his legs across six MPC chopped and screwed heaters, from the punchy, deep deliciousness of ‘Hafenluft’ and sun-soaked vibrations of ‘Mad Fox’, to the bouncing bubbler ‘Tinger’ that features Nephews.

On the flip, the Dam-Funk channeling, keytar cruise ‘Be Alright’ sits side by side with ‘Disk Yard’ and ‘Nur Wir’, two twilight cuts that showcase Retromigration's love of the beats and hip hop scenes whilst putting his own unique spin on them. Another sure-fire example of why you’re seeing Retromigration’s name popping up all over the place right now – pure class from start to finish. More

A1 - Make This Right
B1 - Make This Right (Dub)
B2 - Make This Right (Beatapella)

Manny veteran and people’s champion, Ruf Dug, joins forces with fellow Mancunian, fresh faced talent, Lovescene for a Detroit influenced, house workout on WOLF Music.

Motor City Manchester madness, ‘Make This Right’ is a sublime deep house journey that makes nods to all the right places, from the streets of Stretford to the downtown of The D. Sweeping pads, a rousing bassline and expert drum programming from Ruffy lay the foundations for the neo-soul stylings of Lovescene to hit you exactly where you want it to, through a brilliant vocal performance. Think late night, smoked out basements with chest rumbling stacks in every corner.

On the B side, Ruffy offers up a dub for the dancers, 808 cowbells fizzing through the sweat dripping surrounds before closing it out with a ‘Beatapella’ in classic OG style. More

The new school meets the old school. Riding those crystal-clear waves off the back of their standout EP for WOLF Music, New Zealand duo Manuel Darquart double down with this 10-inch remix package containing a classic reworking from the master of dream house, Don Carlos and a sleazed up street soul workout from themselves.

No introduction is needed when you see Don Carlos’ name in the mix. A legend of the Italian dream house movement that has influenced so much of what we’ve heard since, not least the productions of the Manuel Darquart guys. A dream (house) matchup some might say.

Step one, Carlos sprinkles his magic on ‘Keep It DXy’ switching up the drum programming and adding those Balearic flurries that add a considered dose of dreaminess to whatever he touches, think summery sweeping strings and echoing synth stabs.

On the flip the Manuel D guys go full sleaze, weak at the knees for their ‘Sleazy Sunday Mix’. Imagine a street soul, Balearic lovechild and you’re on the right track. Start suppin’ a margarita and you’re getting closer. Sun-lounger on the sand, Adriatic in front of you, last night’s euphoria still a buzz in the brain and you’ve hit the spot. More

WOLF Music welcomes Amsterdam’s Retromigration to the family with a five-track summertime sizzler, ready-made for hazy parkside sunsets and beach jaunts alike.

Hotly tipped and rarely skipped, Retromigration has been lighting up the scene with a string of killer releases over the past 18 months on labels like Healthy Scratch, Ltd, W/Lbl, GLBDOM and Ravanelli Disco Club.

Flexin’ that signature chopped and looped style across the EP, the A side is a double dose of house joints via ‘Bloom Street’ and ‘Brining It’, the former a bumpin’ New York nodding cut, the latter an synth heavy roller.

Flip it to find a more jazz-tinged affair but with its feet still firmly in the house domain. ‘Free Spirit’ channels a groove that could last forever, with a bass and keys combo that riffs away any creeping anxieties, before Arthur Dudley joins for ‘One Night With Colin’ a late night, smoked out, jazz joint trip.

‘Slick Walkin’' closes out the EP – a lesson in how to make samples dance any which way you want them to, as piano melodies flicker over a double nice bassline and tasty synth touches. More