Various Artists - Maintain Altitude EP [Soul Quest]

To celebrate the label's tenth and eleventh release, Soul Quest Records has put together a kind of family reunion that features both new and familiar faces. An encapsulation of the sound the label has promoted since its creation in 2023, this compilation offers a wide range of house-oriented cuts that reflect the label's musical personality and depth, as well as the supreme talent behind each track.

Side A kicks off with three soulful house tracks. First up is "Intentions" by Max Sinàl (label co-founder) alongside King Crowney. A smooth, soul-laden progression, with muted trumpets appearing subtly throughout the track. Liv East's ethereal vocal lines and the gentle breeze of the chords make this track a pure expression of the Soul Quest spirit. Next up is "NYBB" by SIxm Sol, also a co-founder, a percussive groove that once again demonstrates a subtle mastery of melodic layers. Dreamy vocals fit perfectly between atmospheric pads and delicate jazzy notes. Closing side A, Hitch 93 presents "Uno, Dos, Tres, Four", a track with a catchy chord progression that intertwines with a solid percussive base, while vocals resonate in the center and create a deeply hypnotic atmosphere.

Side B opens with Rob Redford's "Garden Party", which revolves around a sample inspired by "Everybody Loves The Sunshine", radiating blue-sky energy and hands-in-the-air moments that spread smiles on the dancefloor.

Then two fine house cuts land. Soul Groove's "The Blues Kitchen" features high-quality drums that grab you from the first moment, while the vocal lines and enveloping melodic section effortlessly seduce. Finally, Flying Moth's "Edith" may be short, but it's a real treat: choppy, agile grooves intertwine with a bassline that beats with the heart, while elevated melodies move with a special delicacy.