Eight volumes in, the sheer quality of Push Communications' My Deep House series shows no sign of letting up. This is that rare thing: a compilation that commands the listener's attention from start to finish, captivating you with its diversity of sounds and moods.
The international line-up is, as we've come to expect, impressive. Big players such as Phonique, Vincenzo and Vince Watson rub shoulders with established names Jay Haze and Andrade and a host of up and coming producers including Alex Blaxx, Josh Winiberg and Brynjolfur.
Cherry-picking highlights is simply impossible. From the moment the resounding piano chords of 'Merry Go Round' seize the baton from the hard-hitting yet soulful 'The Moment' it's clear that standards are going to be exceptionally high. Kasper Bjørke delves into pockets of space that few producers can reach in an exploration of dark and gothic territories. Roberto Rodriguez summons up a purist's house groove that compels you to submit to its pulsing synth riff. Julius Steinhoff gives the rigorously programmed lines of Deo & Z-Man's 'Tales of Love' a spontaneous, improvised feel. No Regular Play conjure up a yearning, late-night groove.
There's a cornucopia of sounds for every earbud: textbook peaks and troughs, stuttering beats, big handclaps, husky vocals, reversed guitars, dubwise and disco grooves, chiming polyrhythms; something for every discerning palette - and for both body and soul.
And, never content to rest on their laurels, Push thrown an exclusive from Bristol's Owain K into the mix, channelling the spirit of classic Larry Heard into a standout example of deep and immersive contemporary house. Irresistible stuff.