Let’s Gruv – Jon Gravy

I learnt something new today. Turns out there is a “thriving electronic underground scene” in Vienna. Who knew? Jon Gravy (real name Felix B. Nowak) is a product of that very scene, and we are lucky to have him.

Let’s Gruv was released back in 2020. The stand out track from the release is Golden Hour. A nice deep, pulsating groove picks you up, but what really makes it pop is a complete killer of a piano hook. This is all supplemented by drifting, swirling disco vocals that give the track colour and depth, without ever feeling too busy. It’s a beauty.

I was just going to post about Golden Hour, but then Maintain came on and I was digging that as well. He’s good this fella. Enjoy.

Jai Paul

Something a bit different today: a video feature on the re-emergence of Jai Paul on the excellent Resident Advisor youtube. They put it out in the run-up to his first ever live show, at Coachella. Apparently his performance didn’t quite live up to the hype, but you best believe he has more to offer the world.

More Jai? You can find his remix of Jungle Drum here and Do You Love Her Now / He here.

A Little Bit Further – Tourist

I can’t help but visualise the sun setting over the ocean when I listen to Tourist. It always feels like Summer, with the temperature just a tad over 25. A Little Bit Further is another one of those to add to the collection.

I also feel like the track leaves a little bit left on the table for a second drop. I have a sneaking suspicion someone is going to remix the shit out of it and I’ll be here for it when it they do.

Be With U – Fort Romeau

Fort Romeau has been releasing original, powerful house tracks for a while now. His new release Be With U is a lush, deep kind of track that can cope with a lot of listens. It will get less attention than his other work since it is more reflective than it is danceable, but I think it is a real gem.

The track itself has three phases. The synth pads and piano kick in around half-way, and then three quarters through you enter a beautiful brass section to see out the track as the drums fade out. The sparseness of it all and the lengthy, spacious builds make the pay-offs extra sweet.

Bonus tracks: here is my post on my all-time favourite Fort Romeau track, Secrets & Lies (featuring a sample from Dirty Dancing no less!)

And finally, here is another cracker, Dweller on the Threshold. Enjoy.

Nothing Left to Lose – Everything But The Girl

Well if you were wondering what an Everything But The Girl track from the 21st century sounds like then here is your answer. Nothing Left to Lose is Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt’s first new recording as Everything But The Girl since 2000, and the first release from their upcoming album Fuse. It is an intentionally modern sounding, punchy dance track. The final refrain – “Kiss me while the world decays. Kiss me while the music plays” – is more than enough to give you goosebumps.

The video is well worth a watch as well. Amazing choreography, incredible dance performances, and nifty camerawork – executed in a single take. Top marks.

Bonus track: yeah, obviously.