The predominant mood of my May chart is undeniably deep, with Art Department (above) featuring twice with two exceptional remixes. I can't help feel like Damian Lazarus's return to production duty has been somewhat overshadowed by the Canadian duo's makeover of his 'Different Now', which is by far the stand-out track from the EP. The same can be said of Azari & III's 'Hungry For The Power', a superb track which although isn't tampered with dramatically, is nonetheless moulded into something even more sultry and impressive. The other deep house institutions, Visionquest and Hot Creations, are represented by Benoit & Sergio's dangerously addictive 'Let Me Count The Ways' and Lee Foss's 'Keep My Cool' respectively, the latter a track with enough brooding intensity to seduce even the most cold-hearted listeners. Although unreleased thus far, those who have heard Matthias Tanzmann and David Squillace's DC10 Circo Loco mix will know the latest Italoboyz output, who together with Blind Minded are tearing up dancefloors (including fabric's when Ricardo Villalobos last landed) with 'Bekeke'. It joins the long line of tracks that have my watchful eye over them impatiently for their release. Elsewhere, Paul Kalkbrenner's new album Icke Weider may have been collectively brilliant, but was also individually distinguished. 'Jestruepp', a track I fondly remember from his live set at fabric in March, is possibly my favourite from the album, but it's essential to hear the full-length to appreciate it fully.

1. Damian Lazarus - Different Now (Art Department Remix)


2. Lee Foss - Keep My Cool


3. Benoit & Sergio - Let Me Count The Ways


4. Italoboyz vs. Blind Minded - Bekeke (coming soon...)

5. Paul Kalkbrenner - Jestruepp


6. Azari & III - Hungry For The Power (Art Department Remix)


7. Steve Bug & Clé - Seven Hills


8. Cozzy D & Eric Volta - The Gift (Kevin Griffiths Northern Exposure Remix)


9. Robin Ordell - The Show


10. MANIK (NYC) - Talk To U