(Tech House, House) VA - Steve Bug – The Deeper Remixes 2009-2015 (Dessous Recordings[DESDD16]) WEB - 2015, MP3, 320 kbps

Drawing on releases from the last five years, Dessous gather together a choice selection of Steve Bug's stellar remixes. It's a compilation that showcases an array of glittering talent and provides a snapshot of the maestro's signature sound. As 'The Long Run' - Bug's collaboration with Victor Font - makes clear, this is house music that sees itself as part of a grand tradition, following in the footsteps of US pioneers from both Chicago and NYC. In line with this, a number of bona fide living legends get the Bug treatment, from the hypnotic vibes of Chez Damier's seminal 'Can You Feel It' to the blue-tinged chords that lift Ron Allen's 'Wordz' to the brittle semiquavers that act as a perfect foil to the soaring vocals on 'Rise' - an undoubted album highlight.

Within the limits of the deep house blueprint, there are surprises at every turn, from the blissful chords of Lovebirds' 'The Rain' to the immersive repetitions of Martin Müller's youAND:THEMACHINES project to the buoyant pulse of Manuel Tur's 'Ara Anam'. For uncompromising lovers of all things deep, there's Simon Baker's 'Grey Area', lifted by dancing cowbells galore, and a hard-hitting version of Ric McClelland's Scope. And for DJs with an eye on the dancefloor there's Bug's rework of 'At Midnight' - his collaboration with Vincenzo from way back in 2000 - an irresistible groove with an incredibly catchy synth riff.

We're also treated to two re-imaginings of contemporary classics. From earlier this year, there's Bug's stripped-back sub bass heavy version of Garnier's 'Whistle for Frankie' while the deeply reflective take on Francis Harris's 'Pensum' provides the perfect comedown to a glorious long night.