Fresh, new music klaxon.
This month's new release is published against a very different context than usual, but otherwise the format is unchanged. These are all still tracks we love, from producers we admire and, more than ever, we can't wait to hear them played out on the dance floor.
New clubbing moments are off for the foreseeable, but when the chance next arises, oh boy, it will be something magical.
It also excites us to think of all this extra time producers are currently spending in their home studios. The wave of new music to come is going to be colossal, though maybe that is one for May's edition. Stay tuned.
Matthias Meyer | Strangely Enough (Original Mix) | Strangely Enough | 9 March
Watergate affiliate Matthias Meyer is stepping out on his own, with the launch of his brand new project Strangely Enough.
The lead track for the debut EP borrows the same name as the label and gives listeners an idea of what to expect in the future. Strangely Enough and B-side Fantazy are an extension of Meyer's ghostly and emotion-laden DJ style. A firm favourite of ours, we enthused about his set at Black Coffee last summer.
Meanwhile, Watergate - where we had the privilege of partying this winter - has appealed for help from the dance music community during the current crisis. You can donate here.
Aniche | Third Eye | Reptilian Dysfunction | 13 March
Sadly Miami Music Week didn't happen this year. The silver lining was that labels had already compiled V/As packed with new music from their talented rosters. This includes Doorly's Reptilian Dysfunction. Third Eye from Aniche is our pick of the bunch.
Aniche was a resident at Ibiza Rocks Bar in 2018, where you could have caught him spinning his blend of funky, rhythmical and off-kilter selections. We've got a feeling that bigger things are on the horizon for the scene's Mr Positivity. Who's ready for some self-styles Asiatic Dance Music?
His solo Prologue EP is now out.
Seb Zito | Flow | Hot Creations | 13 March
Seb Zito is known for his raw, club-ready sound. For over a decade he has supplied house and techno cuts to London clubbers via the FUSE collective. Now joining the ranks of Hot Creations, he delivers three party-starting bangers.
Flow, in particular, is a tune you can properly sink you raving feet into. Combining acidic elements and a frenzied flow, this bass riddled number has an infectious groove sure to make you cut some shapes on the dance floor.
Namito & Naghib | Sharab | Do Not Sit On The Furniture Recordings | 27 March
Deliverers of introspective deepness, Do Not Sit On The Furniture offer up their nineteenth release. This multi-mix project is the product of Iranian producer Namito and enigmatic artist Naghib, who together give birth to the track, Sharab, an emotive downbeat mover.
Sharab has a moody atmosphere with overlapping middle eastern vocals and intense drums, working together in mesmerising harmony. The listening experience is one you where you can let your mind get carried away by the sombre notes.
Bobby & Steve feat Barbara Tucker | Lovers Escapade | Groove Odyssey | 20 March
Ministry of Sound residents, Bobby & Steve are twin brother who have been providing London with soulful house jams for over 35 years. The Groove Odyssey heads added to their long list of achievements in March, by releasing their debut album Let's Stand Together.
The 14-track project features names like Byron Stingily, Stephanie Cooke, Leroy Burgess and disco goddess Barbara Tucker. Upon the album's release, it went straight to number one spot on the Traxsource chart, receiving praise from fans old and new.
Fur Coat | Adagia | Oddity Records | 13 March
2020 marks ten years of Venezuelan duo Israel and Sergio, better known as Fur Coat. Their latest EP also happens to be the tenth release on their Oddity Records imprint. Long term followers will know exactly what to expect, with Fur Coat excelling across four melodic tracks.
Creepy club track Adagia is our favourite cut of a superb release. Essential listening for fans who appreciate their techno dark but with plenty of melody.
Joy Orbison | GR Etiquette ('09 mix) | Independent | 20 MarchBandcamp waived its revenue share for 24 hours last Friday in an effort to help struggling artists affected economically by Covid-19. Over the course of the day, $4.3 million was generated through music and merchandise sales, with many producers donating their proceeds to charity.
Respected tastemaker Joy Orbison was one of the artists who dropped sought after tunes last week. GR Etiquette is a seminal track of late 00s UK club music, constantly ID'd and never officially released... until now.
Fans of the golden post-dubstep era will rejoice en mass, as this innovative track finally sees the light of day.
GW Harrison | Hear My Soul | Toolroom Records | 20 March
GW Harrison will be familiar to many as one of ABODE's original and current residents. His first outing on Toolroom is one of personal significance to the producer. The DJ was born and raised in Kent, not far from where Toolroom is based. Therefore, this release feels a little prophetised.
George has clearly risen to the occasion. Better known for producing tech-house bangers, here he turns his hand to classic house. Featuring a showstopping diva vocal, it's soaked in feelgood, summery vibes. Love this? Mark Knight's new summer jam If It's Love is out now too.
Bicep | Atlas | Ninja Tune | 24 March
"Unreleased Bicep" is usually the response when trying to ID a euphoric must-have from one of the duo's shows. After 2017's self-titled album, Atlas is the pair's first material in two years and is a quintessential Bicep track - ethereal vocals and uplifting synths included.
This surprise release was crafted through experimentation in their live shows, which the Belfast act has become famous for. Notably, this improvisational style shows in Atlas, where broken percussion leads the listener on an immersive journey.
What's this? "It's released Bicep!"
Carl Cox | PURE (El Rancho Mix) | 23rd Century | 23 March
We end on a beast of a track, as one of Ibiza's biggest ambassadors returns with new music.
During the interim, Carl Cox had a handful of collaborations, whilst developing live artists on his new label. This is his first solo production in over two years, as 23rd Century records relaunches in the grandest way imaginable.
Who caught his isolation live stream from his Melbourne ranch last week? Spinning funk, soul and rare groove, the education took us back to those birthday afternoons at Sands from back in the day. Coxy promises more broadcasts coming soon. Thank you, Carl.
We'll be back next month with our top releases from the next four weeks. Until then, enjoy this fine selection.
You can also find a full archive of playlists on our Spotify channel.
