Deep House Review : Lay-Far - The Green EP (forthcoming on Fifty Fathoms Deep)

I've recently been turned on to the sounds of new independent label Fifty Fathoms Deep, a project conceived by the revered Craig Smith (6th Borough Project) and upcoming DJ and producer Peter Oakden, who is already being hailed by the likes of Phil Asher as a "rising star".

Based in Edinburgh, the aim of the label is simple: to explore their musical tastes and release quality music from unknown and recognised artists alike. You'll likely be familiar with Craig's work already, with numerous releases on Freerange sister label Delusions of Grandeur, but most notably his output with Grahame Clark as The Revenge.

With both his production and label affiliations, Craig became a household name in 2008/9 with his famed disco re-edits helping give rise to the midtempo deep house style that continues to tear up dancefloors around the globe. For Peter, this tie-up with such a solid name is sure to cement his already glowing reputation following successful releases alongside legends such as Moodymanc, Zed Bias and Atjazz, amongst many others.

Launching on 22nd July, Fifty Fathoms Deep come at ya with The Green EP by Lay-Far, a throbbing, rolling house affair featuring all the sample-rich soulful grooves you've come to expect from the pair.

With a sound reminiscent of production-perfect US output, it's hard to 'Fathom' (oh dear) that this is music born in deepest Scotland. Regardless, be it at the bar in Glasgow, or the club in Ibiza, you're sure to be rocking your socks off to Fifty Fathom's output in the months to come.

Lay-Far's 'The Green EP' is out via Fifty Fathoms Deep on 22nd July and is available to pre-order on 12 via [Juno] | facebook.com/fiftyfathomsdeep

Zaki Ibrahim, Kid Fonique & DJ Whiskey - Be (Atjazz Record Company)

Atjazz has been on the dials of some of my favourite deep house tracks of the last decade. A true house veteran and head honcho of his own Atjazz Record Company, the label's latest release comes from Kid Fonique and rising star DJ Whiskey on 'Be', featuring the sublime song writing and vocal talents of Zaki Ibrahim.



The original is an afro-inspired deep house rhythm, with Zaki's love-sick spoken word and perfect vocal delivery drawing you into a ballad that's heavy on the heart and sure to be heavier on the dancefloor.

Then comes the turn of Mr Atjazz himself who steps up to the remix plate along with Julian Gomes to provide a stripped-back, somewhat deeper interpretation which epitomises the classic house sound that the label boss has become so famed for. A perfect accompaniment to any afternoon chilling on a sunny terrace.

London's Jonny Miller then delivers a bumpy, broken beat affair which retains the mood of the original but offers a more dancefloor-orientated workout. Huge minor key Rhodes progressions, soaring pads, synth stabs, pads and FX are the order of the day on this one. Almost reminiscent of the Naked Music content I've been banging on about recently.

The EP concludes with '2sides', a sample-laden percussive house joint, evoking the sound of a smokey jazz club. What makes this last track so special is the voice of legend Theo Parrish, who uses the track to wax lyrical on his DJ philosophy.

A super soulful, sophisticated package. Everything you'd expect from Atjazz.

'Be' is out via Atjazz Record Company in July (release date TBC) | atjazz.co.uk/label