by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Under One Roof marks the kick off to a new series of releases dedicated to new artists from Poker Flat. Label head Steve Bug took part as a coach in the Mixmasters Retreat on Ibiza last year, alongside producers Huxley and Denney and singer-songwriter Jade PraiZe.

The retreat harvested a great crop of tracks, most of which were signed up for the Under One Roof initiative, bolstered by a remix each from the coaches themselves.

The first instalment is a bundle of the first five EPs.

What’s the music like?

There is some strong house music here, confidently delivered – and of consistently high quality.  Jade PraiZe’s smoky vocal on Thorsten Hammer’s World On Shoulders provides the ideal start, while the rolling beats of Maxima’s Get Into It – bolstered in remix form by Denney – are quick to impress.

T. Nguyen’s Prophetic Love has strong hints of Kerri Chandler – in a good way – while Al Leahy’s Shadow Rush proves the pick of the punch, a superb bassy number that delivers a wonderful, full-bodied bass line.

The remixes are an ideal complement to the main course, putting the seal on a desirable package – especially Steve Bug’s upbeat take on Prophetic Love.

Does it all work?

Pretty much! One or two tracks on the list feel a little bit formulaic – and while she generally delivers excellent vocals, PraiZe’s slot on Fast To Slow might be too nasal for some – but that’s splitting hairs in a fine collection, up to Poker Flat’s typically high standards.

Is it recommended?

It is. A collection of house music on the deeper side that connoisseurs of the genre will warm to straight away.

For fans of… Kerri Chandler, Miguel Migs, Andy Caldwell, Larry Heard

Listen & Buy

Published post no.2,245 – Saturday 20 July 2024