Twenty years. Not many independent labels make it this far. Still fewer make it this far after a dalliance with a major label, as Strictly Rhythm did for a short time. In house music it’s unknown. The first wave of house labels back in the 80s burned brightly but briefly and each successive wave featured its own equally temporal stars, all of them long gone or else grinding on as catalogue only zombie imprints.
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Pins and Digits is Julian Dyne’s long awaited debut album. For those that haven’t heard of Julian before he has worked along side such acts as Verse Two, Nathan Haines, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ladi6 and Theo Parrish. Julian has also collaborated and co-produced with some legendary performers like the Mizell brothers.
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One of house music’s true originals, singer Gerideau returns to launch the new American Axiom Vault label with a blistering rework of the “How Much I Feel” anthem, originally performed by 80’s disco group, Ambrosia. The classic vocal style Original mix bubbler from DJ Manny D is boosted with Greg Stainer House mixes alongside the progressive jams of Lady D. Just starting to escape on promo, “How Much I Feel” is made for those emotional clubbing moments and an essential new addition to your festive selection.

"Butterflies" is the stunning result of a collaboration between the celebrated talent of Rachel Claudio and ferocious newcomer to the House scene - Guadaloupian producer Babas D. With Rachel on keys and Babas on bass, this deep tribal piece of earthy goodness is sure to reach the very heart of dance floors with it's unapologetic raw sound, infectious African-inspired grooves and most of all, it's unequivocal sincerity.

'Deep Thoughts' is the track that got my attention from the first listen drawing me in with it's rhythmic drum pattern and chanting vocals. It then takes you deeper with a subtle piano line that creates the soulful essence of this track while the driving groove is maintained well throughout the track with a solid beat keeping it peak choice for the dance floor while delivering a very nice slice of soul. Top release!

Seamless Black makes a big entrance for 2010 with the latest production from International Dj & Producer Anton Neumark AKA Amuse Boosh. With over 20 worldwide releases on acclaimed labels such as Ministry Of Sound, Kinky Vinyl, Whoop, Seamless Recordings and Bug Eyed Records (Canada) he has been taken his deep progressive house sound all over Europe, touring Russia with one of Londons most infamous clubs “The Gallery”. His tracks have received heavy support from other international Djs such as Sasha, Carl Cox, John Aquaviva, Tom Neville, King Roc, Barry Gilbey, Rui Da Silva, D.Ramirez, Eddie Amador. His new release on Seamless Black is entitled “Stream”. It’s a deep track with a progressive twist to it, which is combined with an amazing vocal hauting vocal which comes with club and radio edits.

First up are new comers and good friends of the label Guy X who delivers a classic boot with solid drums and grooved out hip hop samples that certainly shakes up any dance floor! Next is Rafael Accorsi who drops a deep but funky house piece that really gets the EP moving nicely. Jay Travis turns in a superb remix of Simple with his own take on this with a phat ass bass line lush keys peppered by powerfull grooved out synth licks and cut up vocals another must for all house heads with good taste! while last up is the sound diggers who toss in a jacking track with dreamy keys and jacked out sliced vocals this is a perfect way to round off the EP!

Jeff Haze has been on a bit of a role of late and here he shows no slipping in his quality of output. This release has 3 original tracks from Jeff that bump the underground house sound just right. Tom Special Interest throws in that quality Nottingham sound in a form of a remix of Seduction Guru. But for me my choice on this ep is 'The Process', check it out...

Fresh for 2010 and to get you into the swing of things for the coming year, Country Gents drop a new label called 'Deep Cartel Recordings' this is a great start for the label and featuring Crazy P remixes. Released in two parts.

Thought you were safe from floating Colombian flutes and mysterious Afro-Latin vocals? Think again; ‘La Mezcla’ just won’t let go and is back for another bite with three new mixes. Charles Webster’s delightful dub follows his excellent mix on the previous release while the tougher, looped-up strokes of Ant Brooks’ mix provides the edgier sounds not elsewhere. And the star piece is a surprise appearance by German phenomenon and celebrity by way of his own film, Paul Kalkbrenner, who steps up with a powerful, haunting groove that’s still instantly recognisable but full of personality.

Italian up and coming producers, Fabio Tosti & Francesco Tarantini AKA TnT Inc are really starting to have an impact on the global dance music scene. With a recent release on Miguel Mig's Salted label Fabio Tosti now makes his debut appearance on DJ Spen's Code Red Recordings. 'Floating Points' is a track deeply rooted in the true spirit of house - stabbing piano, dope beats and an energy that will move any dance floor make this new offering from Code Red one not to be missed. DJ Spen's production team, The MuthaFunkaz keep their remix true to the original but inject that unique Baltimore flavour that we all love so much.

Stereo label don Chus returns to Defected once again alongside new production partner and friend Rob Mirage to deliver their TwentyTen EP ready for the New Year. 'Back 2 NY'(Original Stereo Mix); a beat frenzied power play that typically follows Chus'renowned tribal badness is coupled with 'Still Beatin'(Original Mix) doing the business with percussive precision. Another release that cements Chus and the Stereo family in the house legend fraternity.