A week in House (19/04)

I am sat on a sun lounger looking out onto a lagoon North of the beautiful Maldivian island of Kuramathi. I am not meant to be here, but the scene and this weeks picks are enough to make being stranded on a small island a little more bearable.
This weeks picks got me very excited. First up is an epic offering on Stricly from two of houses main contenders: Dirty South and Bob Sinclar. Their new release, ‘The Russian March’ takes the essence of both artists sounds: Sinclar’s jungle-esque rhythms and Dirty South’s synth-driven melodic bliss, presenting us with a unique and rich offering that probably shouldn’t work in theory, but is sure to be a pleaser in clubs across the globe (thank god the internet can hack volcanos!). find the Original Mix Here and keep your eyes and ears peeled for the remixes, cause I could see some of the Size Records crowd getting involved with this Gem. Epic Hum line!
Next up is John Dahlback: Bingo on Defected. Dahlback’s talent as a producer is undeniable and this new offering is certainly a dynamic tune, with a glorious electro house front that goes in all the right directions of a club classic. Where it not for the tedious vocal-line I would probably sing this song’s praises, but regrettably this is an element that retracts from the tune’s appeal for this house music lover. Maybe future remixes will make amends of this, cause it is certainly not a dud track from the man.
Finally, I am pleased to announce the latest offering from Sandy Riviera: Cosmo Bar (Sandy Riviera’s Cosmo Bar Album Mix on Blackwiz. This track has a great progressive vibe to it and Sandy is definitely back at his best. The Bar album mix is tight and hopefully sets the standard for more Riviera magic this year.
Those are my fresh picks of the latest releases, though on the horizon we have Kim Fai's 'P.S' and 'Kato' on Size Records hitting the digital world on May 5th. The tracks are sounding real fresh and are definitely a tribute to Angello’s ever-growing army at Size Records. You can here this on the Size records Facebook group if the wait is just too much.

Now to what is going on down South. My friends at Ministry have some epic nights on the horizon, kicking off this Saturday with Defected’s always-legendary visit to Ministry of Sound. Our boy Sandy Riviera will be celebrating his new release, as well as Riva Starr blessing the dance floor with highlights from his latest Miami 2010 mix. Quentin Harris and The Jinx are also in attendance to make this unforgettable night of house music.

Pinch, punch, first of the month see’s the boys at Toolroom Records bless The Box, with the man with red face; Mark Knight headlining, as well as sets from Chris Lake and Tocadisco. Knight is always an act not worth missing, so don’t be one of the unlucky few that doesn’t witness the best of Toolroom’s arsenal!
May 21st see’s a special line up bless the box, with dance god Pete Tong hosting the likes of Afrojack and Funkagenda, two of house music’s hottest DJ’s doing the rounds. 103 also plays host to Houses of House, strutting the NYC sound that is always a pleasure to hear on these shores. This is a night not to be missed.

Finally, Ministry have one last treat in store for May. Soul Heaven hits the floors on the 29th with no other than the funky likings of Louie Vega and Joey Negro, as the take you back to house in its purest form. This will be special, so wherever you are in the country, you will want to get yourself down to see both these house legends under the same roof.

Our friends in Cardiff have a real treat headed their way on the 30th April in the form of our Southern-Fried friend Claude VonStroke. This minimal master is bringing a night of subtle house beauty to Cardiff’s Club Ifor Bach for one night only with support from fresh local blood Paul Loraine and Robert Cashin. Those of you in Bristol or the surrounding areas don’t want to miss this stunning night of minimal house and techno.

So wherever you are, whether your stranded or safely at home, enjoy music, spread the love and remember: You heard it here at The House That Dan Built.