CRACKAZAT Vinyl & CDs

Review: Kid Fonque presents the sixth instalment of his label Stay True Sounds' compilation series. Showcasing the best of South Africa's dynamic musical talents, this 15-track volume of intense deep house and Afro house cuts is not to be passed over. Highlights on this 12" sampler edition of the wider comp include 'We R 1', a technologically driven, syncopated, trippy Kalahari jam by China Charmeleon and Hypaphonik; and 'SARS' by Beatsbyhand, a hollering ambient amapiano mystery.

Review: Crackazat's 'In The Sky' EP offers a dynamic blend of jazzy and future house elements, delivering an engaging experience for both the dancefloor and the soul. The title track, 'In The Sky', is an uplifting tune driven by infectious piano breakdowns and jazzy undertones, creating a perfect mood for a carefree night out. It's a track designed to elevate, with its airy vibes and feel-good energy. On Side-2, 'Burnin'' brings a surge of 90s-inspired energy, with a high-octane piano banger that channels classic New York house vibes. The track is a nod to the genre's roots, brimming with nostalgic energy while still feeling fresh and relevant. The closing track, 'Dark', shifts to a deeper, hypnotic groove with rich bass notes and tribal influences. Its deep, pulsing rhythm creates a captivating atmosphere with Crackazat's versatility and range within the deep house spectrum showing brightly. With its compelling mix of energy and soul, this EP is going to be a much needed dancefloor go to.

Review: Following a brief hiatus to recharge his batteries following the release of the genuinely fantastic Evergreen album on Freerange last year, Ben J Worral brings his Crackazat project back to Heist Recordings. With six tracks on show, there's plenty to set the senses tingling, from the jazzy, dreamy and soulful downtempo beats of impeccable opener 'I Need To Know' and the joyous, piano-sporting sunshine house excellence of 'Do You Think About Me', to the rising, subtly jazz-flecked deep house perfection of 'Freddie's Groove' (a kind of Crackazat update of Pepe Bradock's 'Deep Burnt', with added horns) and the broken jazz-house-soul of Potash Twins collaboration 'Phantom'. Jazz-funk flavoured broken beat gem 'Endless Life' and the Guru's Jazzamatazz-esque 'When We Last Met' complete a fantastic EP.