- I don't usually listen to records funded by multinational alcohol companies, but Honey Dijon's new one is too fun to ignore. Packing four cuts of impossibly cheery house, Stars is funky, bold and loud, perhaps inspired by the Chicago clubs Dijon snuck into as a teenager during the late '80s. The EP is coproduced by Luke Solomon, a veteran artist who knows a thing or two about slamming house bombs. Inspired by the '70s Sylvester track of the same name, Dijon and Solomon lay down three shades of house bangers, peaking with the "Disco Version," where a 303 wriggles between stomping percussion, spin-backs and soaring vocals from the Australian singer Sam Sparro.
Where the "Disco Version" is about hands-in-the-air euphoria, the "Cratebug Nova Remix" is a headtrip. Recalling the cosmic disco of acts like Lindstrøm and Prins Thomas with its arpeggio and slow build, this version is subtler than its more energetic counterpart but no less effective. Sparro's vocals take a backseat to another thumping beat, which makes it a more versatile option. Only the "Cosmic Energy" misses the mark, mostly thanks to a zapping bassline that lands at the derivative end of modern UK house. Even so, it's a small misstep on an otherwise joyful EP.
Tracklist01. Stars feat. Sam Sparro
02. Stars feat. Sam Sparro (Disco Version)
03. Stars feat. Sam Sparro (Cratebug Nova ReMix)
04. Stars feat. Sam Sparro (Cosmic Energy Dub)