Tom2Trax Electronic & Dance - Record Picks 6th May 2026

Midweek is upon is, and with it, another stack of dance and electronic records to keep you ravers, DJs and record collectors satisfied. This week we see the return of Daybreakers - a label I personally can't get enough of this year - with their staple deep house deliveries. We also welcome a much-needed repress of Delano Smith's 'A Message For The DJ' - for the first time since its 2005 release. Throw in some jazz-cross-Afro-cross-soul sounds in 'The Rurals & Shamrock - The Rhythm Of Nature' and some new preorders and you have a happy set of groove and dance music lovers. Special mention to Humble B Flat's 'Indigo Blues' also.

As the weekend is approaching, I couldn't also get through this week's blog without a sneaky shout out for our Room2Move day party featuring North 90. We've secured a wicked new venue just outside of Manchester for a day party featuring the Liverpudlian duo as well as myself and Liam Oliver on resident duties. Dancers - I'll see you there.

For the rest of us, here are my picks of this week:

The Nathaniel X Project - The Resurface EP

Fans of Daybreakers will know by now what to expect: raw, sub-heavy house music that puts you right in the heart of mid 90’s east coast USA.

This latest release from The Nathaniel X Project sticks to the formula we love so much. ‘Scat Pack’ lays on the thick sine bass subs whilst skippy snare drums and chord stabs dance over the top - pure bumping’ garage house bliss. ‘Kwayzar’ ups the melodic elements to build on the blueprint of the A1 with more luscious instrumentation and vocal chops.

'Saturn Ring’ on the b side takes us into more jazzy-led territory, reminiscent of the Detroit influence. ‘Just What You Want’ rounds out the EP with a more subdued approach, but thick, deep, and earthy none the less. It’s difficult to think that these tracks have been locked away since 1993! 

Delano Smith feat. Diamondancer - A Message For The DJ

Delano Smith is a name real deep house heads resonate with. Smith’s releases are marked by a certain deepness that only exists in the hands of a few producers. That said, this 2005 reissue from Delano is deep, warm, but also infinitely groovy and hard hitting.

The title track repeats ‘I’m a house head forever’, whilst a driving beat skips forward, and the colossal bass rumbles throughout - this is a powerhouse of a track. ‘Inception Dub’ takes a more abstract vibe, shuffling along whilst synths and keys punctuate the soundscape.

On the flip, Jimpster remixes the A1 for a more upbeat, sober take on the title track

This reissue is in demand for house DJs, so beat the Discogs sharks - buy now or regret later.

The Rurals & Shamrock - The Rhythm Of Nature

The cross pollination of jazz sensibilities, African music and soul blend beautifully in this record, made for the discerning world music enjoyer who likes their music percussive, deep, and vocally charming.

Vocals are innocent and almost lo-fi on ‘Let The Music Play’, whilst ‘Bunny Chow’ showcases a more rhythmic track, filled with George Benson-esque guitar work and warm, encompassing bass.

‘Endofaya' channels an almost West Coast G-funk feel, encapsulated sublimely in this slice of African soul music. ‘Roga Mziki’ feels funky and expressive, fresh and uplifting. In total 9 tracks make up this vibrant, heartfelt LP ripe for home listening in the sunshine.

Humble B Flat - Indigo Blues

This 2x LP package of proper, deep house by Zinnia Records is sublime, impactful, blissful, and functional. From dub cuts like ‘Egyptian Queen’, to piano workouts in ‘Overcome’, this is equal parts a great home listening album for a coffee session, but also a highly functional DJ tool thanks to its 2 tracks per side cutting and beefy, straightforward production quality.

‘Turquoise Dreams’ leans into jazz territory with a popping bass and horns, ‘Daoud’ whips up a dubbed-out conga frenzy, and standout track ‘Velvet Green’ takes Detroit-esque basslines and pads into a driving, focused track. ‘Navy Darkness’ continues the vibe with skippy drums, finger clicks, and dystopian distorted basslines.

‘Centro Walk and Skank’ is a feel-good excursion through playful house, and LP closer ‘Sweet Sweetness’ drops into dreamy, luscious pads over keys and shakers.

Humble B Flat: a name all house heads will be getting to know.

Mood II Swing / Jovonn / Roy Davis Jr / Osunlade - King Street Sounds Sampler Vol. 7

King Street Sounds can do no wrong at the moment, with their King Street Sounds Sampler Vol. 7 continuing the long-running series that is unearthing forgotten gems and remixes from the legendary label.

Here, Mood ll Swing’s ‘Nafara’ gets a reissue in all its stripped-back, deep glory. Vellcha’s ‘Getaway’ is all horns and diva vocals, proper East Coast house. X Fade feat. Lavette’s ‘Good & Plenty Love’ (Roy’s Believers Dub), continues the classic King Street house sound on the flip side, whilst Osunlade’s ‘The Fifth Dimension (Main Mix) echoes ‘Nafara’ with another ultra deep cut to close the EP.

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Catch you next time - Tom