Soiree Records International is headed up by Derrick Thompson, aka Drivetrain, a Motor City artist and house and techno veteran who has been shaping the underground since the 1990s. He curated the first all-Detroit EP on this label last time out and kicks off this one with another classy tune. ‘Rachel’ is a deep and heavy opener with an eerie synth alarm looping to anxiety-inducing effect. The glitchy percussion and chattering claps raise the tension levels further as this strobe-lit weapon casts its inescapable spell. Fellow Detroit local Blaktony is an enigmatic figure who first appeared as a member of the house group Sight Beyond Sight on labels like Avoidant, Soul City, and 430 West Records. He is a DEMF veteran and a sometime member of groups like Aux 88 and Scan7, who remains a vital force. His superb ‘Alternative Homework’ taps into deep and woozy, late-night house in the mould of greats like Mike Huckaby and Rick Wade. It’s stripped back but high in class and oozes candle-lit soul for cosy backrooms.
Next is the UK’s Bjika, who always goes deep and blends ambient synth craft with the subtle complexity of dub and techno from Detroit for the likes of Mixcult and Deep Electronics. There is a ‘lush backlit glow to his ‘House On The Hill’ thanks to the balmy pads that swirl while foreground melodies flicker over the dusty kicks, which have frayed edges but bring great depth. It’s a late-night sound for plenty of internal reflection. Troubled Kids Records founder Jesus Gonsev is a prolific producer who has brought great elegance to deep house for the last 20 years on a long list of revered labels while playing plenty of the world’s most quality clubs and festivals. His ‘Cosmic Sand’ is a dense, textured house sound that intertwines painterly pads with long tails and more sharp-edged acid prickles that percolate through the mix. The drums make for an unhurried groove that carries you to the outer edges of our galaxy in what is an increasingly moody voyage.
Codewise comes digitally and on vinyl via Soiree Records International on 29th September 29th2025.
Tracklist
1. Drivetrain – Rachel
2. Blaktony – Alternative Homework
3. Bjika – House On The Hill
4. Jesus Gonsev – Cosmic Sand