Modeselektor - Turn Deaf - Bpitch Control

Modeselektor's "Turn Deaf" is by FAR the craziest and yet most musical release we've received yet on Berlin-based Bpitch Control. The obvious draw here is "Rave Anthem," a Tomas Andersson-sampling nuskool/tech/breaks/electro/glitch workout that sounds as frightening and amazing at 33 as it does at 45. The rest of this EP is a slow burn, with the sound of a rebooting Mac ushering in the insanity on "Turn Deaf!" that doesn't let up. Glitchify your Breakbeats here.
- Russ Marshalek

Kiki - So Easy To Forget Remixes - Bpitch Control

Following up "The End Of The World," the slammingly powerful Gothtro workout that announced Kiki's 2004 LP, "Run With Me," to the world at large is no small feat. However, with "So Easy To Forget," it's with the help of Areal Records' current hot thing, Ada, that another classic single is forged. Adding a computerized vocal that, in Ada's hands, adds a previously unheard emotive side, both for Kiki and for the now horrendously overused Mac-in-talk program. The flip side has a remix from Kiki himself, that lets the swirling synths overtake the track in an almost claustrophobic way. - Russ Marshalek

Hardsoul - Committed - Soulfuric Trax

In a just world, this track would be caned by the world's top jocks. However, in the real world, it's still a killer funky house scorcher. Dutch production duo Hardsoul drops another gem for Soulfuric following last year's release featuring Ron Carroll. "Committed" features melodic Rhodes keystrokes laced over a Latin piano loop and a thick bassline. The B-sides, the "Committed to tha 1" Dub deconstructs the Rhodes keys, adds vocals, and filters out the melodies. The Syke n' Sugarstarr Remix punches up the Latin feel of the original and adds some tribal percussion. Ultimately, though, the original mix is where it's at on this single. All in all, it's a solidly funky and quirky house track that's worth picking up. - Sterling McGarvey

Eric Ross - SmackGirl - SonIQuarium

Promising new producer Eric Ross drops a solid tech-house number on up-and-coming label, SonIQuarium. Instead of trying to do too much with the track, Ross instead aims to lock the listener into a dubby, tribal groove. Many subtle rhythmic sounds combine fluidly to provide a cohesive and dancefloor friendly work. A dirty, rolling bassline adds to the edgy, haunting sound of the track. Tight percussive elements are laid against an unmistakable vocal sample from PQM’s “You Are Sleeping.” This is a great one to use when layering sounds and building your set. Keep you ears peeled for several upcoming releases from this label and producer. - Brett Abramson

Pig & Dan - Freedom - Submission

Two of the hottest producers in dance music right now are Spain’s Pig & Dan, and the newest release on their own Submission label does not disappoint. In fact, it stands out as one of the best releases to date. “Freedom” and “Freedom Remix” compliment each other wonderfully by contrasting the smooth, housey groove of the original with the edgier, tech vibe of the remix. A vocal sample of “Freedom starts in your mind” repeats on both sides, challenging the listener to expand their musical horizons and travel with these brilliant producers on a hypnotic ride. On the “Freedom Remix” Pig & Dan push their sound to a new level by throwing away melodies and strings and instead laying down a wicked acid house number. Both sides of “Freedom” skillfully combine a mental edge with an undeniable dance floor sense that will both challenge clubgoers and have them asking for more. Keep an eye out for many more genre-bending releases from this duo on Submission Recordings and their new techier offshoot, Tecmission. Thankfully we will be hearing more and more from these boys in the future. - Brett Abramson

PC Synergy - Underground Vibe - S-Sens

Florida producers PC Synergy step way outside of their deep house roots with this new release on S-Sens Records. After becoming well known for their laid back grooves, PC Synergy buck the trend by unleashing a nasty, tech-house number. A combination of tough tribal beats and twisted stabs combine wonderfully to create a dirty dance floor destroyer. The vocoded sample of a man saying “music” repeats against a female moan to suck the listeners in and hypnotize them further and further. “Underground Vibe” is one that will work in any open-minded DJ’s sets. Could that be you? Keep an eye out for this promising label in the months to come. - Brett Abramson

Michael Burns - North EP - Little Mountain

Michael Burns aka Blue Haze provides one of his strongest releases to date with the North EP on Sander Kleinenberg’s label, Little Mountain Recordings. All four tracks fit very well together, all setting the tone of smooth grooves and lush melodies. Burns carefully walks the line between house and progressive, never falling too far into one genre. This blend will undoubtedly result in a wide spectrum of plays from DJs of varied sounds. The strongest cuts of the EP come with “Sunshine In My Shadows” and “Forwards,” both on Disc Two. Burns’ production technique is extremely sharp here, as pounding kicks and funky basslines combine with feelgood melodies. The timing could not be better for summer, as one can easily imagine hearing these tracks at an Ibiza beach party with the sun blazing down and the sangria flowing. Rack up another winner for Mr. Burns and the Little Mountain crew. - Brett Abramson

Nathan Fake - Watlington Street EP - Saw

If you've been hearing the name Nathan Fake a lot lately, there is a reason why: he is undeniably one of the freshest new producers around. After enormously successful releases on labels such as Border Community and Premier, Fake unleashes five new tracks for Saw Recordings called the Watlington Street EP. While each tracks stands strongly on its own, the highlight of the EP comes in the form of "Underberg," a unique blend of techno, progressive and tribal sounds. The combination a driving toughness and an intelligent, operatic score give this a truly unique feel. “Adamege” and “Bored of House” are also great dancefloor cuts that showcase Fake's incredible production talents. Not one to be labeled however, the last two tracks of the Wellington Street EP are comprised of drum and bass and ambient works. While they are not the greatest songs of these genres, one must give Nathan Fake credit for stepping outside of the sound for which he is quickly becoming known. Another solid release for Saw and Fake. - Brett Abramson

Subverter - Appertures - Reverberations

A mechanical drive in the beginning does a good job disguising what the future holds for this track.  "Appertures" quickly dismisses what was anticipated by unleashing a tough bassline and subtle, disco elements.  It teases you throughout with a funky groove, complete with a guitar riff indicative of the 70's/disco era, and then makes you wait till the very end before letting out the clutch.  "Appertures" is sure to make the chart of many seasoned house veterans. - Roberto Torreggiani

Mr. Free - A Personal Difference - Beatfreak

The heavy drums are enough to catch your attention, but couple this with the haunting echoes peppered throughout the track and you have the foundation for a dark, yet grooving, late-night, tribal number.  The breakdown in "A Personal Difference" is a bit random, however, with a sample of an air traffic controller relaying coordinates during a landing. My advice is to mix early to help you get to your final destination. - Roberto Torreggiani

Meat Katie - K-Hole - SAW

"K-Hole" doesn't waste any time making its presence known with it's rugged bass line and punching drums.  The Original and the Elite Force Remix provide us with small builds, disassociative sound bytes, and a constant, sustained energy.  The Meat Katie Original is much more powerful, and gives "K-Hole" the extra little bump that you don't find in the steadier Elite Force Remix. Either way, your audience won't remember what hit them. - Roberto Torreggiani

Markie Mark & DJ Garth - The Price - Grayhound

This tech-house cut with a punk-funk bass line and electro hi-hats sticks with you well after the track is over.  The dramatic tone sets the mood for the vocal mix as the lyrics attempt to shed some light on the constant struggles in the Middle East.  For those of you that watch CNN to get your news, the instrumental is where it is at!!! - Roberto Torreggiani