- Release Sustain connects original US deep house with its European adherents. On its new compilation, the London label collects tracks from two Midwestern heavy-hitters: the Chicago dream house legend Vincent Floyd and the Atlanta-via-Detroit veteran Reggie Dokes. They supply one track each for the B-side, while the A-side stays European with tunes from Simoncino, a student of the Midwestern sound, and the Ukrainian producer Vakula. The EP finds a great balance between these artists. If you were listening blind, it would be hard to say who made each track.
Vakula reins things in on his stripped-down banger "809." Its title likely refers to the Roland machines he used. Percussion is the track's focus, as rough hats dip and dive like a menacing Relief Records bonus beat. Simoncino sounds like Larry Heard forced to sample from a CD of comedy sound effects—a screaming man and an elephant both feature in his smooth-as-silk Juno jam. Reggie Dokes' moody and jacking "She A Freak" is a close cousin, while Vincent Floyd's blissful, piano-heavy "Euphoric Recall" lives up to its title. It folds stately strings, an affable bassline, flute and a clavinet-style synth into a joyful melody.
TracklistA1 Vakula - 809
A2 Simoncino - Laura B (Transimeno Dream Mix)
B1 Vincent Floyd - Euphoric Recall
B2 Reggie Dokes - She A Freak