V/A - Crosstown Rebels present SPIRITS VIII (2LP) [Crosstown Rebels]

Format: 2x12" in printed sleeve.
CAT: CRMLP058

Damian Lazarus presents the eighth chapter of Crosstown Rebels’ acclaimed annual VA compilation series “SPIRITS”.

This latest installment once again sees the label boss curating a carefully balanced lineup of emerging talent and established names, with an eight-track collection set for release on January 30, 2026.

Since its inception in 2017, Damian Lazarus’ SPIRITS series has become a reliable benchmark for anticipating the musical year, highlighting visionary artists and the avant-garde of global electronic music. With “SPIRITS VIII”, Crosstown Rebels continues this tradition, offering a refined yet adventurous selection that seamlessly transitions between hypnotic house, melodic depth, and nocturnal energy, building on the momentum of previous volumes and capturing the label’s unmistakable essence.

Opening the release, Raz Alon sets the tone with “Hey It’s Me”, a warm and immersive start that captivates with emotional nuances and flowing grooves. Lost Desert follows with “Ultima”, leaning towards trippier and more melodic sensibilities, where cascading rhythms meet expansive atmospheres and subtly evolving motifs. On the flip, TIMANTI embarks on a captivating journey with “Warrior Spirit”, combining enveloping synths with hazy melodies, before STEB delivers “House Of STEB”, a groove-led cut full of personality, swing, and dancefloor-ready energy.

The journey continues with Yuvèe’s “Set The Fire”, featuring FADO, a hypnotic vocal-led track that balances emotional weight with restrained rhythmic pressure. Ekoboy elevates the intensity with “Lose Control”, fusing precise percussion with a contagious drive designed for peak-time moments. In the final stretch, MADI brings a reflective yet playful touch with “Around Me”, weaving rich textures and subtle dynamics into a deeply immersive listen, before JUAAN closes the compilation with “Bass Cliente”, a powerful, bass-driven finish that rounds off the set with raw club energy.

With its consistent ability to champion new talent while integrating established artists into its orbit, Crosstown Rebels remains a key force within electronic music. “SPIRITS VIII” stands as another clear statement of the label’s vision, reaffirming its role in shaping the contemporary sound of house and techno.