Dan Ghenacia - Red or Black [Stratasonic]

Dan Ghenacia's influence on the European underground over the last 25 years cannot be understated. He has run crucial record labels, thrown essential parties, laid down definitive DJ sets and produced seminal sounds, both solo and as part of the influential Apollonia trio alongside pals Shonky and Dyed Soundorom. His understanding of house music across the eras and continents is second to none, and he brings all that experience to this fantastic new solo EP.

'Rouge Ou Noir', with its infectious dance floor rhythm, opens with funky guitar riffs and neon synths that weave through dusty, dynamic drums. Added vocal stabs heighten the sensuality of this elegant party starter. The excellent 'Chilly' features a vibrant mix of laid-back rhythms and rustic synth arpeggios that intertwine in the mix. They drift under engulfing vocal sounds on top with flickers of Metro Area magic and psychedelic colours, making for a groove full of character. Last but not least, 'Chilly' gets a dub treatment, transforming into a more relaxed sound with a meaty bassline holding down a chopped, playful and synth-infused rhythm.