12"

Since the release of his first album in 2013, Lucas Arruda has quickly established himself as one of the most talented young artist and composer from Brazil. His music is filled with fusion style, mixing influences and elements from his Latin musical background, with his genuine admiration for Jazz, Soul and Funk music.In spring 2015, it was also not surprising to find Lucas Arruda back with a new LP called SOLAR, receiving great supports and feedbacks from international medias and tastemakers. One of the highlight of SOLAR was the track “Melt the Night”, on which Lucas asked legendary producer Leon Ware for his help, reminding his collaborations in the 80s with Marcos Valle, when they perfectly merged together the sophisticated Boogie and AOR touch from California, with the blazing sense of rhythm from Brazil.Willing to enlighten even more this timeless song, which could easily be produced in the early-mid 80s, Favorite Recordings decided to give it a brand new suit and found the perfect tailor with Nu-Funk raising producer, XL Middleton. Part of the modern-funk movement and based in Pasadena, XL has released volumes of work, the sound of which embodies the party feel, bringing music back to where it was before it found its way into upscale clubs, while at the same time mixing it with a futuristic brand of funk inspired by legends such as George Clinton, Roger Troutman, or Morris Day.The result is a stunning remix, bringing “Melt the Night” into a futuristic Boogie-Funk world with massive basslines and heavy beats!! This great vinyl 12inch comes with Original and Instrumental Versions on the B-Side, to finalize a perfect package for DJs and diggers.

The revered Halal Prepared series on boe extends to its fourth volume with four new acts fresh to the label. Hotly tipped duo, Invisible Menders, made up of outstanding DJ Jane Fitz and thus far underrated producer Dom Ahtuam contribute a stunning Balearic bass-heavy house cut "Fifth Time Lucky". Fresh from his solo EP, John Shima slots in a deep techno workout "Thought Wave". Toby Tobias of Rekids fame pumps out some raw basement lofi vibes with his jacker "Sword Art Arcade" and rounding off the EP on a delicate note is Tim Smith's soft and melodic 707 jam "Graphene".

BACK IN STOCK !!!!Mile High Records presents a new EP from the Rawthenticity label boss : Fulbert !Mastered by Matt Colton, this release clearly demonstrates a new direction in his productions, from twisted analog experiments to raw and dusty grooves.6000 Miles Away is a slice of life from this confirmed producer who spends his time between Europe and Asia, merging different influences to bring this specific sound, which he holds the secret to.

As Benedikt Rugar's superbly illustrated cover art for the recent CockTail D'Amore compilation Nothing Matters When We're Dancing proved, the Berlin collective proudly celebrate their status as a forum for Berlin's gay community to fully express themselves. With no releases on the label since that compilation arrived in January, Discodromo and DJ Boris have now unveiled a sister operation with a focus on edits under the wonderful name CockRing D'Amore. The debut release features contributions from label regular Massimiliano Pagliara, the unheralded Trent and founders Discodromo.

When it comes to producing deep, sophisticated, musically rich deep house, few are quite as capable as Kai Alce. Even so, there's still something extra-special about "Take A Chance", a thoroughly deep, soulful and lilting excursion full of rolling, African-influenced percussion, eyes-closed trumpet solos and warm, evocative vocals. Alce's hero Larry Heard provides the remixes, firstly under his given name (a typically deep, soulful and dreamy interpretation) and secondly as Mr Fingers. It's these "Ambient Acid" versions - built around restless, lopped electronics and the original's sublime trumpet - that really stand out. Brilliant from start to finish.

Considered French label D3 Elements continues is carefully curated run with a new EP from Berlin based Italians, Hinode. Featuring four cuts of tough deep house, this sixth EP is another high grade affair that follows on from great efforts by Strong Souls and Brian Harden.Hinode are Matteo Chisari & Mario Resta, a pair of accomplished DJs and producers that release on and run their own Science Fiction Recordings as well as 0Helena0. They have been active since 2013 and their robust sound has found favour with real heads and underground DJs alike.Opener 'State to State' is a raw, punchy house track with jazzy chords injecting some real soul into the physical beats. Rasping synths and rainy melodies have a hint of the old school about them and ensure that dance floors will be in raptures. 'Endless World' is more spacious, with a drunken acid sounding bassline roaming beneath a nicely mechanical groove. It's one to make you stomp, and so is b-side opener 'Shades of Grey' with its bombastic, kicking drums, twinkling melodies and lazy chords. Despite being a sweat inducing house banger, plenty of warmth and musicality remains. Lastly, 'Memory Alpha' hurries along with muddled voices, icy hi hats and a flurry of rubbery kicks and squelchy acid stabs. It's beautifully authentic house music that takes subtle cues from the best of Chicago and Detroit and puts a unique Hinode spin on things.

Brian Harden is back on D3 Elements with a new three track EP that once again explores richly musical deep house with a difference. Harden is a criminally overlooked Chicago producer who had big success in the 90s thanks to releases on Moods & Grooves, Nite Life Collective and Undaground Therapy Muzik. He then took a break away from music, but the D3 label boss coaxed him out of retirement in 2014 with a top debut EP for the label. Since then he has also released on Sistrum and Soul Print, and is now properly back in business. First cut 'Paradox' is a mid tempo house roller with scale-riding chords and emotive, late night tinkles on the keys that really speak to your soul. Golden pads stream in the background and it's a hugely classy affair all round. 'Nostalgic Pieces' is then a deeper cut with a warped baseline and starry night sky melodies up top. Again, lush, musical chords shimmer and simmer deep in the track, lending it a real sense of artistry and separating Harden from the legions of modern deep house imposters. Finally, 'Chicago Homage' is an elastic, spacious cut with rubbery kicks, soft hi hats and a tumbling bas riff that once again come coated in gorgeous pads. This is music that makes you feel good as you dance your every day woes away.