- When it comes to chunky house music, few labels do it better than Howl. Raw and rolling, the outlet's bass-heavy sound makes for effective party music, providing DJs with no-nonsense tracks suitable for all hours. Founders Giovanni Verrina and Germano Ventura collect tunes from Bassa Clan, Dana Ruh and Mr. Tophat & Art Alfie for Howl's eighth release, a four-track compilation that should appeal to house DJs who put rhythm first.
How much you value melody might determine which track you like best. All four focus on shuffling drums and fat basslines—it's what happens on top that differs. Dana Ruh's "Howl008.3" feels like the EP's most considered tune, thanks to deep house-style chords that give it a subtle melodic flavour. Bassa Clan and Mr. Tophat & Art Alfie use vocals, albeit sparingly, to spice up their contributions. They're dreamy and buried deep in the mix on Bassa Clan's "Howl008.2," and robotic on Mr. Tophat & Art Alfie "Howl008.4," a disco-flavoured stomper built around a deep, live-sounding bassline that might be too obvious for some DJs. Verrina and Ventura supply Otta's boomiest tune with "Howl008.1," which is little more than a massive kick drum and heavy bass stabs. It rounds off another solid entry to Howl's reliable catalogue.
TracklistA1 Howl Ensemble - Howl008.1
A2 Bassa Clan - Howl008.2
B1 Dana Ruh - Howl008.3
B2 Mr. Tophat & Art Alfie - Howl008.4