The Golden Boy - Higher EP (HK Records)

More old skool, big room action on the first outing from Ministry's new 'HK' imprint, with the label looking to release underground, on trend house music. And with The Golden Boy's 'Higher EP' they do just that.

Taking us straight back to that dance sound of the 90s that seems to be ever-prevalent in 2013, the up-and-coming producer provides a slab of big room action with throbbing speed garage bass, massive piano hooks and stratospheric vocal builds.



2013 seems to be at the intersection of rave, bass and deep house culture, retro in its feel, clinically contemporary in its finish. This release epitomises the sound and with the likes of Disclosure pushing this it into mainstream consciousness, I'm sure this release will be remembered as a classic within this new and exciting genre.

Another summer anthem - expect to hear this EVERYWHERE in Ibiza this year.

The 'Higher EP' is out now via HK Records | Grab a copy at Beatport | ministryofsound.com

Steve Mill presents Anna Cavazos - Upside Down (Muak)

With strong echoes of that 90s club vibe, yet laced with classic deep house grooves, Steve Mill presents Anna Cavazos on 'Upside Down'.

Punchy drums, crisp hats and ravey filtered keys are perfectly fused with a speed garage-esque bounce and warm deep house harmonies; it almost plays like an Innervision reinterpretation of Todd Edwards' earlier work.

Within seconds of hitting play, this was already a favourite. With summer just around the corner in the UK, this would definitely be one of my picks for this coming Ibiza season. Just wishing I could be jamming on the terraces to hear it this year. Never mind ay, I can always pop down to Bondi on the 380 bus. Just hope the DJ's spinning this.

Anthem.

'Upside Down' is out via Muak exclusively through Traxsource in late-May. | traxsource.com

Rhode & Brown - Joyride EP (Toy Tonics)

Continuing on the house vibe, I've been sent some cracking tracks of late with one of the real standouts being  the 'Joyride EP' from Germany's Rhode & Brown.

The latest release on Toy Tonics (the sublabel of the legendary Gomma stable), the EP features 4 cuts of quality house, my personal fave being Kyodai's mix on 'Under Your Spell'. I wasn't surprised to find out that Kyodai, a name I keep hearing at the minute, is in fact the alter ego of Wagon Cookin', another long-time SLL favourite. Kyodai is currently releasing on Sweden's Local Talk, a label that can do no wrong right now.

The EP is brimming with classic minor-key chord progressions, old skool piano riffs, rolling basslines and crisp percussion. It's the attention to detail in the production that's the real sell here, with the tracks showcasing the 90s nu garage sound that is so in vogue. A wicked blend of the old and new, an EP with a fresh take on deep house.

Current support from all the big hitters including Kerri Chandler, Osunlade and Nick Holder.

The 'Joyride EP' is out on 6th May via Toy Tonics - grab it from Juno Download here. | toytonics.de