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

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

Tone Depth - What You Do - ReadyMix

Tone Depth comes to the table with his strongest solo release to date on the up and coming, ReadyMix Records. Although the rhythm of “What To Do” is deep and dark, it melds perfectly with the sublime voice of Stephanie Vezina. The vocals are used sparingly, however, as Tone Depth aptly holds back from exploiting the standard progressive fodder that is too often heard nowadays. The Reprise Mix is the strongest side, as the juxtaposition of twisted stabs and female vox cuts work brilliantly to deliver one of those tracks that you just don’t want to end. Anyone who was impressed with the Sultan and Tone Depth release on Alola several months ago should rush out and find this one as fast as they can. Keep an eye out for this Canadian with serious skillz. - Brett Abramson

Luke Chable - Eat Static / After The Storm - Zero Tolerance

Hot damn! The Aussies are on a serious roll. At the head of the movement from down under is the Zero Tolerance label, which always comes with proper releases that range from dirty breaks to deep progressive. This 12” will assuredly be one of the biggest yet, as one of dance music’s fastest up and comers, Luke Chable, delivers incredible production and powerful moods to both sides. “After The Storm” is an amazing progressive breaks track that combines the beauty of old Northern Exposure soundscapes with modern day production quality. The track, featured on Phil K’s brilliant Balance 004 compilation, melds chunky, staggered beats with fluid flutes, synths, and chants. “Eat Static” on the flip takes things in an entirely new direction, picking up the energy and darkening the mood. Although the track is deep and minimal, it drives forward with strong tribal rhythms and eerie sweeps that come to a peak after an extended break. DJs that are searching for the future of progressive need look no further than this wicked release. - Brett Abramson

Schmuel & Choopie feat. Melanie - The Love - Yoshitoshi

After the tremendous success of their 84th release "Spanish Tale" (featured on Steve Lawler's "Lights Out" comp last year), Yoshitoshi saw it fit to release "The Love." On YR079, they've once again enlisted the production talents of Schmuel Flaisher. This time working the knobs with studio-mate Choopie (founder of Agnosia records), Schmuel shows the world that sultry, provocative, female vocal dance music can be made proper in this jaded day and age. Very Sandy B "You Make the World Go Round," but on a New Age, ethereal prog-house tip. - Dennis Sebayan

Chab - The Dub Sessions - Yoshitoshi

The Original Dub is a sinister click-tech progressive trancer with spacey organ riffs. Building keys add an edge of excitement, while wooden percussion clangs against metallic basslines to bombard the brain with spooky thoughts and queasy feelings.

The Cooler Dub, though not as deep, is an industrial tinged builder with subtle, growling basslines. Deep and throbbing, atonal basslines clash to add an edge. The cooler dub is in check--infinitely more housey, demanding and heady than the Original.

My favorite is the Electric dub. Yoshitoshi rocks the block with some chunky percussion. Very good use of dub sound clashes, ranging from rolling sub-bass to minimal yet effective ragga vocals. Unrelenting "reverse loop" sound fx ensure very dirty dance floor shenanigans. Midway through, the track progresses to a storming builder with haunting sound fx sweeps and an otherworldly build-up. Tops!

Smith and Selway step up to bat for the fourth mix, belting a bass-heavy pounder with percolating, heavy percussive loops, tribal congas, and technotic organ stabs. If you like it hard and tracky, this one's for you. - Dennis Sebayan

Stereomovers - Skydivers - Addictive

This new double pack from Addictive has something for any progressive lover. Representing Canada to the fullest are the Stereomovers and three remixes from MV, along with a smooth interpretation from the UK's Kingkade. Each cut has its own spin on the original mix, which is centered around a catchy male vocal. For those that aren't looking for the full-on vocal, MV has provided a choice breaky Dubapella that will serve as a wonderful intro track. While this EP may not suit those that are strictly looking for an underground sound, its catchiness and crowd appeal is undeniable. - Brett Abramson

Elek Drums - 2nd Experience - Garbage

As always, the Spanish based Garbage Records camp delivers on their latest release. While still fitting in their niche of pumping tribal house, “2nd Experience” has a bit more of a progressive edge than normal. A steady driving kick appears throughout, but in come nasty synth stabs and a subtle string line that takes the track to another level. If you are looking for a record that combines a dancefloor groove with a mental trip, be sure to pick this one up. - Brett Abramson

The Clergy - The Oboe Song - FFRR

"The Clergy is a collaboration between Judge Jules & Paul "Yomanda" Masterson (a.k.a. Highgate). This track is for a BIG ROOM... Hard and Pumping! The title is indicative of what you will hear in the track. Included in this 12" is a Green Martians interpretation, and on the B-side a Beat Pushers remix. The Green Martian mix contains nice builds coupled with a trance melody delivered by an oboe. The only problem is that is gets to be quite redundant; in other words, the track is a bit long and you might want to mix out of it during the second break. I don't normally care for breakbeats, but the Beat Pushers do a great job with their mix. Buy it just because it is a little different. " - Roberto Torreggiani

SX-01 - Synthetic System - Low Technique

"Atlanta truly represents on this new release from up and coming label, Low Technique. Both the original and Darkdriver remix come from Atlanta natives, and demonstrate the fact that this city is fully ready to be a key player in the worldwide dance music" - Brett Abramson

Subtech - "Piano Heaven" / "Try Me" - Subtech

"From the beginning, you know "Piano Heaven" is not just another Subtech record, but a fresh sound from a great duo, Matt Jackson (of Circulation fame), and Matt Dunning. This track opens with a chord driven piano line, before settling into that unmistaka" - Wesley McGee

Seed - Blue Vibrations - Ritual Sounds

"Seed, aka DJ Brian of Moontribe, is no newcomer to the block. With his latest release on his own label, Ritual Sounds, Brian unleashes his signature west coast trance sound. A fast-paced kick and underlying tribal drums start the track off driving. A hypnotic, almost acidic line enters and builds, without being too squelchy. At the breakdown, a nice, echoing synth drops to draw you in further. What makes "Blue Vibrations" work is the fact that it has bundles of raw energy, while maintaining a deep, mental edge. No drum rolls or in-your-face vocals necessary here. Check out the dub for a slowed down, groovier take. " - Brett Abramson

Pete Moss featuring Terra Deva - After 2 - Definity

"This highly anticipated track from Philadelphia native, Pete Moss, delivers for the house and progressive fans alike, with slammin mixes from Satoshi Tomiie along with the original. Satoshi's mix has the same sound for which he has become famous, but this time there are far less bells and whistles. This stripped down sound allows the driving bassline not to clash with Terra Deva's wonderful vocal. Pete Moss comes through with an original mix that has a deep tech house feel, without falling into any clichés. What makes this track stand out the most though is the vocal from Terra Deva, who you may remember from such classics as Furry Phreak's "Soothe." It has the perfect balance of beauty and eeriness to provide the listener with a smooth melody that will certainly keep you singing its lines for days after you leave the club. " - Brett Abramson

Nuel Mora & Midi Mark - The DJ Took My Life - Alarma

"With the first release from Los Angeles based label, Alarma, a pumping west coast sound can be easily heard. The original mix is the strongest here, with a dark, throbbing bassline, upbeat kick, and tech-inspired sounds. Its trackiness is what is most appealing, by not trying to do too much, and let the DJ build the energy in the mix. While the production of the A-side is strong, the same cannot be said for the Hard Style and Chris "The Greek" Mixes on the flip. Antiquated synth sounds and cheesy builds turn these into cuts that you may want to pass over. But check out the original for a solid track from this upstart label. " - Brett Abramson

Northern Monkeys - The Skank - Avant Garde

"Although this track was released in December, I feel the need to review it because it has not been given due credit. "The Skank" is a progressive, tribal track that most people would play just because of the chunky kick-drum that provides a rib-shaking, 4/4 beat. But it goes way beyond that one element. The main ingredient of this track is its rumbling bass line that unleashes a groove that will wreck any floor. Let's not forget about the telltale melody that does an excellent job of letting you know that you are about to be rocked. "The Skank" is a sure crowd-pleaser. If this doesn't get you going, you probably belong in a casket." - Roberto Torreggiani

MV - From the Underground - Addictive

"Martin Villeneuve, aka MV and Envy, is on a roll as of late, to say the least. With highly impressive releases on Saw, Yoshitoshi, and Addictive, MV is here to stay. "From the Underground" is easily one of his best works to date, and one of the best Addictive releases yet. Its bassline has an unavoidably funky groove, while maintaining a deep, dark edge. When so many other releases nowadays seem to imitate the same old dated sounds, "From the Underground" pushes new ground by combining elements of progressive, tribal, and tech house in one wonderfully produced package. Do not sleep on this one! " - Brett Abramson

MV - Hollow - Saw

"Oh my God! Just when you though that Saw couldn't get any hotter, they deliver this instant underground classic. "Hollow" sets the standard for where the progressive sound is heading. The bassline of this cut will destroy any dancefloor. I guarantee it! Its got a groove that you can't help but dance to, no matter how tired you may be. A haunting synth slowly enters to combine perfectly with the rolling, bouncy bassline. The amazing aspect of this track is the fact that it remains deep and powerful, while destroying the dancefloor " - Brett Abramson

Mooncat Feat. Mary Aware - Strong - Low Pressings

"Mooncat is Newcastle based Anton Fielding and Chris Scott, the guys responsible for last years singles "Deja Vu" and "Exploration" on Plastica. "Strong" is already set to be one of this year's most memorable tracks; it features Mary Aware, who has recently supplied vocals for Project 4 on Naked Music and Little Green Men on Forensic Records. She delivers a wonderful performance alongside a track full of swirling pads, saucy synth stabs, and crunching beats. "Strong" has a late-night feel to it. It is dark, yet housey. This track will be huge as long as it is gets dropped to the right crowd at the right time. "Strong" is for the hardcore lovers of the sound; the mainstream crowd wouldn't know what do with it...truly underground. For a bonus, check out the storming mixes courtesy of Superchumbo, delivering his trademark twist on an already superb song. " - Roberto Torreggiani

Moogroove - Deuce - Saw

"Another smokin release from Saw. This one's all about the Mara Mix, which stands out for its bouncy, techy edge. If you liked Mara's remix of "I Feel Stereo," then this one's surely for you as well. The eerie sweeps and stabs will undoubtedly work a crowd into frenzy, without resorting to cliched builds or extended breakdowns. The original is much more on the standard progressive tribal tip, which will fit into many crates right now as well. " - Brett Abramson

Miro - By Your Side #1 - Lost Language

"It's been a while since we've heard from Miro. Nonetheless, their return is well worth the wait. Ian Wilkie's mix dishes a break beat that is unlike typical, darker, nu-skool tracks. He delivers the uplifting characteristics of a progressive track, but stays pleasantly light by not overdoing it. Miro's Rolled Mix takes on an even more chilled out sound. Almost entirely beatless, the track's vocal (Julie Harrington) floats effortlessly. All in all, Miro offers a nice laidback record for late night." - Tom Gaultney

Medway/Sean Cusick - The Fiscal EP - SAW

"With this release, Hector Romero and Satoshi Tomiie, the brains behind SAW Recordings, continue to drive the mind and the feet. "The Fiscal EP" is not a record for the conventionally thinking person. Who would know what to expect from a technical genius" - Damon Fonooni

Interflow - Storyreel - Baroque

"This new release from the on-again, off-again UK label, Baroque, falls into the off-again category. If you are looking for the progressive sound of the moment, you'll probably want to check out the Satoshi Tomiie Remix. It pretty much sounds like every " - Brett Abramson

Hook vs. Philter - The Feeling - Oven Ready Records

"This new progressive house track is being released on Oven Ready Productions, their first release after a 5 year hiatus. "The Feeling" comes to Lunar no doubt through a Patrick Scott connection, who has a remix on Oven Ready's upcoming third release, "Space Cake," which is also a Philter production.

The A-side Philter mix begins with a wicked piano-based stab that you won't be able to disassociate with Dre's "California Love" and Moby's "Honey" once it reminds you of the funk that made them both famous. For the first 64 there's no kick, but most of the breaky, chunky, dirty rhythm is intact. An old-school rumbling low-frequency "synth bass" kicks in several measures later on the other side of a tension building mini-breakdown. Add a pad, some handclaps and a chirp or two and you're deep inside "The Feeling's" big breakdown. The mood continues about as long as you'd like it to, but before the full track returns, the rhythm drops out and builds up with the accompaniment of a familiar "Allright-ite-ite-ite-ite-ite" sample that you'll know you've heard before, but not be entirely sure where. (I found it in the 12" mix of Ace of Base's "Beautiful Life," but don't hold that against me!) After the "Alright's" begin to repeat so quickly they start stepping on each other, the track returns in full force with the retention of some chirps and synth stabs it picked up during the breakdown. From here, it steadily glides out until the instruments begin to wither out. The song ends with the breaky melody and stabs with which it began.

Nick Hook's mix starts out with a solid kick, some tribal drums and on the whole is much smoother than the A side. Some early hi-hats make you think you're getting into a prime-timer, and for a while, you are. A Shimmon/Burns-ish bass melody kicks in under some chaotic sequenced and energy building stabs. But while this frenzy brings you into the breakdown, calming pads, a breathy whisper and a synthed piano house riff soon take over. The beat rolls back into place without any fanfare, but by now the mood has changed from aggressive to melancholy with the late-night longing of the piano riff and distressed stabs looming overhead. Not to worry, it doesn't take long before the track slims back down into a kick, a whisper and some sound effects on its way back into the box.

The two sides do not have anything in common except for the overall mood. The Philter mix would work nicely into the endgame of a prog-filled Saturday night set, having a sound that is both unique yet reminiscent of a time when it was more prevalent. Enjoy." - Lucas Taratus

Hellpass - Housework EP - Hellpass

"Hellpass returns with another quality release. This three track EP contains varied house sounds, the strongest of which is a B-side cut entitled "Ripper." This one proves that you should never skip over the inside cuts too fast! A nasty, funky bassline drops quickly and doesn't let go. Sirens and twisted synths enter and build to add in intensity. If properly placed, this one will be a floor destroyer for sure. For those looking for a bit more of a standard progressive house sound, "Shaker," the A-side, will be right up your alley. While not as groundbreaking as "Ripper," its bouncey riff and Jack's House sample prove catchy. " - Brett Abramson

Fred Numf vs. Etienne Overdijk - Love is the Drug - Tune Inn

"Atlanta natives, Red Shift, deliver their best work to date, with a wonderfully haunting remix of "Love is the Drug." Apparently, Danny Tenaglia dropped this track to a packed house at this year's Winter Music Conference and the place went mental. One can" - Brett Abramson

Evolution feat Jayn Hanna - Walking on Fire - Nettwerk US

"Quite possibly one of the catchiest vocal tracks of the summer, "Walking on Fire" raises the bar for deep, moody, progressive club music. Taken off of Evolution's upcoming debut full length, Unnatural Selection, this primo cut features the glorious vocal talents of Jayn Hanna and was released stateside on Nettwerk. The Beloved Vocal Mix takes the cup here, with a thumping bassline, old skool sounds and a cresciendo that is pure bliss to ride. The Bedrock Vocal Mix takes the trademark "Heaven Scent" synthlines and lends them to this track, while deep bass accents the raw enormousness of it all. " - Dennis Sebayan

Earth Dueley - Kontraband - Hellpass

"On the flip, "Kontraband" heads for a more tribal territory, with a hypnotic drum line and more deep basslines. Just when you think that's all, the kicks get heavier and the track starts a solid build. With a synth tucked perfectly in the background you realize just how well the sounds are placed in the mix. As the drums pick up, "Kontraband" carries a little more energy than "Faceless" for the bigger sets. Together these two illustrate the power of music that isn't so interested in where it is going, so much as how it gets there. " - Wes McGee

Earth Dueley - Faceless - Hellpass

"Following on the success of "Yoruba" and "Dark Corner" on Low Pressings, Earth Dueley steps up with another solid release on Hellpass Recordings. "Faceless" starts out with a solid, kick-driven intro with just enough to get things moving. As the momentum starts to build, stabs and swirls hypnotize, but not for long. Out of nowhere comes the tightest bassline around. With loads of sub-frequencies and a bit of an electro feel, (I can say by having heard it first hand at the club) this track will rock any dancefloor. Long smooth grooves here, perfect for those who like DJ friendly records. The bassline alone makes this a track that everyone should give a listen. " - Wes McGee

Bill Hamel - Phazon Phrequency - F111

"Bill Hamel scores one big for American progressive producers with his new release on F111. "Pazon Phrequency" is a hypnotic track that sucks you in with its breaky kick, tribal drums and techy synths. This one will sound great at the club and will get the peeps moving, without resorting to any cheese or overdone progressive sounds. Distancing himself from the myriad of dark, tribal sleepers presently being released, Hamel focuses more on the groove for this one. The flip has a BLIM remix that maintains the vibe of the original, while dropping a full on breakbeat and a grittier edge in classic BLIM style. " - Brett Abramson

Bernard Leon Howard III feat 80 - Marscarter - Shinichi

"Featured on Satoshi Tomiie's Nubreed mix and John Creamer & Stephane K's Bedrock 4 mix out this fall, "Marscarter" is one of the most outstanding and unforgettable tracks of the year. There are three mixes besides the original-'Joshua's Dub 1', 'Debo & Porter's Deported Vocal' and 'Morel's Pink Noise' mix-the latter of which takes the cake. On Morel's Mix, smooth as silk beats encompass the irresistible female vocal talents of the elusive '80'. An epic sounding, squelching acid line percolates in and out of the mix, while a high-pitched submarine-like radar bleeps in the background. This record just screams triumph! " - Dennis Sebayan

Bassetti - Hour Glass - Chug

"Next up on the solid Chug label, Florida native Bassetti gives us "Hour Glass". Following his two great releases on Grounded and Progress Inn, "Hour Glass" is a tech-driven ride full of stabs and effects, with a hypnotizing bassline. A wonderfully "grey" " - Wes McGee

Amoeba Assassin - Pusher - BPM

"Last we heard from Amoeba Assassin was back in 1998 with the progressive smash "Rollercoaster." With their latest track, AA moves on with the times and away from their former progressive sound. "Pusher" opens with a strong dance vibe set off by some spacey samples. The track promptly unleashes a vocal that nicely compliments the flow. As the song advances, it becomes apparent that there will be very little down time, which is just fine by me. Don't like the vocal? Check out the flip side for a dub mix. Overall, "Pusher" is a solid track." - Tom Gaultney

Alison Marks - Come To Be - Duty Free Recordings

"Get ready! "Come To Be" is going to be on a lot of compilations, especially the Laundry remix. This track is straight up tribal, progressive house and makes no apologies for it. Where to start on this track? How about the build that you get as soon as you set the needle down? By the time the bass line has hit, you should have already hit the floor. In "Come To Be," there are so many other pieces of ear candy, the bass line is no longer the main focus. An intelligent use of effects really takes you on a trip, much like the trance of old. The effects are most noticeable during the break down when the "3-D effect" takes place. A good friend of mine said it best, "I'm not going to try to explain it; you just have to experience it." After you are taken on the ride that is the "3-D effect," "Come To Be" slips into a slow, smooth break beat for a few phrases. Breaks, when used sparingly, can really add to a track just as it does here. Then, keeping with its progressive nature, "Come To Be" lets it all hang out. It pulls no punches when it comes out of the break, sending a wave of energy through you like a well-produced progressive track should. If you want the crowd to remember your set, make sure to throw this in your box. People will be talking about it for weeks to come." - Roberto Torreggiani

Afro Deep - Style Dish - Spacecraft

"This French label is one to look out for, consistently releasing cutting edge house music as of late. Tonio Bertola and DJ Converse, otherwise known as Afro Deep, are at the forefront of this genre-bending sound. Combining elements of tribal, progressive and tech house, Afro Deep tracks are bound to be in the crates of many DJs that are pushing things forward and not just playing the same old tracks. "Style Dish (Guitare Remix Version)" is exactly what the doctor ordered for your nagging clubber's boredom, melding a nasty bassline, wicked tribal beats, and eerie vocal samples into a tight package. Be careful, as this may be one of those that you pass over at the record store and then ask, "What the hell is this?" when it's played on a proper sound system. " - Brett Abramson

21st Century Fux - "Night" / "Thinking of You" - Saw Recordings

"Martin Acorsi, Luke Chable, and Austin Leeds makes up the threesome that is 21st Century Fux. This track made its debut at the 2002 Winter Music Conference as an unsigned demo. Needless to say, it made a big enough of a splash on the beaches of Miami to" - Roberto Torreggiani