Phats and Small’s ‘Turn Around’ remains one of the most distinctive House anthems to have blessed the clubs and airwaves alike for over a decade. But unsatisfied with the instant classic in its purer form, Italian House duo The Cube Guys set out to revisit its unfathomable energy with a 21st century remodel for the approaching summer season.

While the originals unmistakable vocal line was never going to be omitted or desecrated in the processes of remaking this landmark moment in soulful House music for the masses, The Cube Guys respectfully plough an infectious groove-laden backbone into ‘Turn Around’ to give it an unpretentious and ultimately uplifting revamp. Where some previous revisits of instant classics have proven more cringe worthy than awe-inspiring, the daring Italian duo preserve the integrity of Phats and Small’s masterpiece while proving its ongoing resonance within 21st century club music.

Phats & Small vs. The Cube Guys – Turn Around [Ego Music] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

With the Pete Tong-approved ‘Black Eyes & Blue‘ under their belts, longstanding Norwegian tandem Carl Louis and Martin Danielle return to make their debut installment on Amsterdam label group Armada Music. Back on remix duty after their take on GusGus ‘Within You‘, the Scandinavian duo takes on Stockholm producer Mike Shiver’s latest original.

In the same vein as their latest remix, their version of ‘Still Here’ builds a canvas of tactful drum work around London singer Bo Bruce’s delightful top line for yet another heartfelt brew of emotive chords and summerish appeal. With further exploits for their newly launched Up North Recordings on the way, 2012 continues to indicate that as far as promising European DJ and production outfits are concerned, Carl Louis and Martin Danielle appear well and truly at the forefront.

Mike Shiver – Still Here (Carl Louis & Martin Danielle Remix) [Armada Music] – Beatport Link

/Anton

Having shed his new school accolades with the ‘Cool Cat, Hot Dog EP‘ alongside Peter Johansson earlier this year, longserving Swedish producer Niklas Gustavsson steps up to the mark with solo follow-up ‘Natural Thing’ alongside fellow countryman Ludvig Holm for Natura Viva. Mirroring Sweden’s currently potent club movements, their expertly fused outing of deeper House grooves and potent lead work make for an exuberant model for forward thinking club music. While its resolutely hypnotic samples and concise rhythmic persuasions tear it apart from the atypical Swedish anthem, its divergence is enough to hone in on the maximal energy and creative integrity boasted by these two fine specimens of Scandinavian talent.

Niklas Gustavsson & Ludvig Holm – Natural Thing [Natura Viva] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Having laid out several instalment of awe-inspiring cuts from the more forward-thinking division of Electronic Dance Music, Above and Beyond’s infamous sub-label Anjunadeep drop yet another incredible instalment of deep Dance delicacy from melodic Aussie studio wiz Jody Wisternoff.

Breaking away from the cheesier domains of vocal Dance music that have been found ruining a wealth of fine instrumental cuts throughout the year, the formidable top line of eccentric vocal talent Peter Josef reigns as fitting as it does contagious. Prancing between the perky beats and ambiently tuned melodies that make up ‘How You Make Me Smile’, Wisternoff is sure to conjure a few smiles from those utterly tired of the more predictable movements in Electronic music. But with intense instrumental properties and a rare injection of emotive energy, Australia has found itself yet another homeland gem to shout loud and proud about.

Jody Wisternoff feat. Pete Josef – How You Make Me Smile [Anjunadeep] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Liverpool may have had its day in terms of Dance music’s potted history, but the Mersey’s latest emerging House talents Whelan & Di Scala have definitely made some positive noise between their hometown and the White Isle. Stepping back on track to take on fellow Liverpudlian Dada’s collaborative effort ‘Make You Feel’ alongside Surrey’s Mat Frost, the duo proves themselves aptly capable of extending the UK’s promising musical manoeuvres.

Still led by an entourage of sharp keys and stern beats, Whelan & Di Scala’s distinct lead play proves the winning factor in extending the originals already notable energy. Set to provide the summer season in Ibiza with a series of exclusive boat parties, this is yet another promising indicator that the UK is still hosting some formidable new talent.

Dada & Mat Frost – Make You Feel (Whelan & Di Scala Remix) [Destined Records] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Now more often found pushing the melodic realms of Progressive House through his formidable Pryda moniker, Eric Prydz lets lose another countdown release from his highly anticipated debut album for Virgin Records that will see the light of day next Monday.

Formerly told to be a remix of Nephew’s version of German pop band Polarkreis 18’s 2008 break-through single ‘Allein Allein’, ‘Allein’ sees the Swedish mastermind return to the melodic stylings we all have come to associate and love about Eric Prydz’s beloved Pryda moniker. Bringing his A-game in regular Pryda fashion, the Swede merges blissful and somewhat soothing chords with the German band’s vibrant top line and grinding bass for one of the more prominent gems off the forthcoming triple CD album.

Pryda – Allein [Virgin] – Beatport Link

/Anton

Having found himself at close calling with Axwell’s prestigious Axtone imprint, German Progressive pundit Thomas Gold musters yet more excitement on the countdown to his debut compilation for the label with his Pete Tong approved remix of Swedish Electro Pop outfit Miike Snow’s ‘The Wave’.

Amid the collection of original releases and label exclusives that ornament his forthcoming compilation, his remix duties for ‘The Wave’ excentuate Gold’s ability to contain melodic properties and fierce energy within one consolidated track. Relying on the originals distinct top line to drive the track towards its club-induced turning point, Gold’s signature stelar lead play and accomplished beat work make for an impressive first stab at the high-end remix for this rising European player. With a slew of European dates set to launch this landmark release, Germany has yet another reason to boast as far as its club minded assets are concerned.

Miike Snow – The Wave (Thomas Gold Remix) [Axtone Records] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Where their celebrated collaboration ‘Mutfakta’ set in motion a positive pairing of European House entities, Dirty Dutch founder Chuckie and renounced Parisian Gregori Klosman are back with vengeance for 2012. In a low end outing of acidic swirls and the solid beat play to which Klosman has mastered, the more atypical Dutch sound associated with Chuckie’s usual exploits is replaced with a perfect midway between their respective national hallmarks.

Drawing upon deeper melodic Progressive influences alongside an array of grinding Electro hallmarks, ‘The Numb3r5’ is no follow-up to their initial collaborative outing, but certainly a bold collection of prime European club vibes. With successive releases from Chuckie set to drop on the lead-up to summer and a further collaboration with Qulinez on the cards for Klosman, ‘The Numb3r5’ extends this well-suited studio pairing with yet another solid collaboration to their belts.

Words by Dan Carter

Madeon may once have been the ultimate young blood on the European Dance Music circuit, but 16-year-old Dutch up and comer Julian Jordan seems set to redefine the standard of teenage protagonists indefinitely. Joined by likeminded Dutch duo and Martin Solveig worthy remixers TV Noise, formerly known as Les Bros, their collaborative effort for Spinnin Records makes for yet more big noise from the Netherlands.

Pitting impressive melodic leads alongside an affirmative build of heavy-set chords, ‘Oxford’ does not reflect its formal name in the slightest. In a grinding escapade of intense distorted synth work and stern beats, their Acid tinged Electro outing makes for a stunning example of modern Dance music. Proving themselves three of Europe’s fresher House assets, age has certainly not hindered on this eclectic Dutch explosion of formidable talent.

Julian Jordan & TV Noise – Oxford [Spinnin Records] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter

Leeds may not be the home of Britain’s humble Disco heritage, but since successively injecting Erick Morillo & Eddie Thoenick’s summer anthem ‘Live Your Life‘ with a little New York infused soul, Dirty Freek is proving closer to building the bridge than the vast majority of his peers. Batting for the heartfelt Disco Bomb imprint for his latest studio endeavour, the Northern producer returns with a firm extension of his Disco House stylings with ‘Pillow Talk’.

Transitioning from a sleek flare of eccentric beats and sample work, ‘Pillow Talk’ ascends into an all-out affair of sexy trumpet leads and infectious bass grooves, marking an essential throwback to the vintage day of American Disco with a sensational 21st century House twist. Where Nu-Disco and its associated peers may be proving Electronic music’s hit-and-miss sub-genre for 2012, Dirty Freek stirs a sound degree of enthusiasm for the relentlessly uplifting energy that this vintage sound scope musters.

Dirty Freek – Pillow Talk [Disco Bomb Music] – Traxsource Link

Dirty Freek – Pillow Talk

Words by Dan Carter

If his studio output over the past few years has taught us anything, it is that as far as quality music goes, Michael Woods is quite the perfectionist. But in a bid to provide us with a track far more appropriate for the upcoming summer season than the tough beats he is commonly associated with, Stuart Browne, formerly known as one half of English duo Lay & Browne, teams up with Israel-based Flippers to play further testament to Woods’ A&R skills with their debut on Diffused Music. Given a edit by label head Woods himself, ‘Wild Card’ merges blissful synth lines with robust kicks for a solid tune for the summer on this English-Israeli duo’s behalf.

Stuart Browne & Flippers – Wild Card (Michael Woods Edit) [Diffused Music] – Beatport Link

Stuart Browne & Flippers – Wild Card (Michael Woods Edit)

/Anton

Globetrotting Swede and inherent young blood to the EDM throne Alesso has failed to simmer his widespread adoration for 2012. But where his cut of David Guetta’s ‘Titanium’ proved an essential Dance floor asset last year, British soft-rock outfit and personal favourites Keane are next on the agenda to be given remodel by Europe’s latest proud Progressive export.

Playing off the originals staggered piano progressions and divergent top line, his remix duties for ‘Silenced by the Night’ stray from the tougher energy he is more commonly associated with. Adapting to a clean-cut melodic sweep of Keane’s more down-tempo stylings, there is still an impressive pulse to the young Swede’s second mark in 2012. Ahead of his forthcoming solo endeavors ‘Years’ and ‘Clash‘, Alesso produces a divine canvas of emotively tuned floor fuel that remains a testament to the young producer and his rapidly expanding global following.

Keane – Silenced By The Night (Alesso Remix) [Refune Records] – Beatport Link

Words by Dan Carter