It's a bumper week for electronic and dance at Sticky Black Tarmac. From left-field dub, ambient, and electronica in the form of Mad Professor's 'Cuts & Dubs' and Visions of Light's 'Mycelium Bloom', through to dance cuts from Franck Rogers and a couple of mysterious 'unknown artists', there has never been a better week to be a DJ!
Mad Professor – Cuts & Dubs – Volume One
Ariwa Sounds celebrates 40+ years of stellar UK reggae and dub with this fresh, 12-track compilation spanning the label's extensive catalogue.
Founded by Mad Professor in South London in 1980, Ariwa has become one of Britain's most influential reggae labels, bringing together dub, lovers rock, roots, digital dancehall and all associated strands of dub genres.
Featuring tracks from Mad Professor, Jah Shaka, The Robotics, Aisha and more, the collection captures the label's distinctive sound, from heavy soundsystem dub to soulful reggae, and even some boogie influences.
Ultimate bar gig tackle for when you need that injection of groove and spade-out echoes. Don’t sleep on this one!
Larry Heard Presents V/A – Rebirth 10 Selected by Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers
The Godfather of deep house, Larry Heard, takes his pick of the finest Rebirth releases.
Originally curated by house legend Larry Heard back in 2016, this beautiful compilation of house music features tracks and remixes from Mr. Fingers, Motor City Drum Ensemble, Joe Claussell, Andrés, Jamie 3:26 and Ripperton. A quality selection of deep, soulful, and groove-led house from the label's first decade.
Personal favourite - although all 16 tracks are bumpin’ - is Chromatic Filters - Horizon Stripes (Jamie 3:26 Re-Whump) for its off-beat, dubbed-out rhythms.
Pressed on one white and one blue vinyl for a pop of vibrant colour - smashing stuff.
Visions of Light – Mycelium Bloom
We love NuNorthern Soul here at Sticky Black Tarmac. The artists and sounds released on the forward-thinking label always deliver on the Balearic, headsy side of electronic, downtempo, and experimental music.
So naturally, when we got word of the new Visions of Light record, ‘Mycelium Bloom’, we dove straight over to the turntable to have a listen.
Visions of Light are a trio you should get to know, featuring Freebooter Records' Simon Sheldon alongside Muzka and Dan Dub Lounge. Their sound blends laid-back dub grooves, deep bass lines, layered guitars, and psychedelic electronics, creating warm, hypnagogic soundscapes rooted in Balearic and downtempo music.
Weird and wonderful tackle for the sunset, chill-out room, and warm-up DJs.
Franck Roger – Vib'Rayshun EP
We're huge fans of French deep house wizard Franck Roger here at Sticky Black Tarmac and always try to stock his releases, so it's great to see his Home Invasion series reissued. First up is Vib'Rayshun, three cuts of deep, groove-led house packed with warm rhythms and late-night atmosphere.
Essential stuff for deep & tech house fans.
Hannah Holland / The Carry Nation – Paris Acid Ball / This Bitch Is Alive
Jack the groove, vogue, and get lost in the dance.
Here it is, on vinyl for the first time: Hannah Holland's Paris Acid Ball arrives as part of the Batty Bass label relaunch. Originally produced in Berlin in 2010, the track draws on the energy of Panorama Bar, Glasto’s NYC Downlow, and New York's ballroom scene, with a nod to the infamous cultural documentary ‘Paris Is Burning’.
A favourite in London's underground clubs, it also sparked a long-running connection with New York duo The Carry Nation. A welcome vinyl debut for this early Batty Bass favourite. Do not miss!
Unknown – Take A Look In The Mirror / Hold It Down
Heater alert! Just landed in time to tear up Autumn/Winter dance floors.
Mysterious new label Ceiling Chess launches with a two-track 12” of sample-heavy UK garage and house. Rumbling bass lines, chopped-up loops and off-kilter grooves make for two lively, rave-ready cuts. No artist details yet, with plenty of speculation around which London producer is behind the release.
Unknown – Lost Property 5
Cult edit label Lost Property returns after a lengthy hiatus with four killer dancefloor cuts.
Expect a club-ready Björk edit, rare Hi-NRG, dubbed-out funk, and wonky, slowed-down Italo.
Previous volumes went like hot cakes, and with support from DJ Harvey, Bicep and Joe Goddard, this limited white label 12 won't hang about!