COLORJAXX, T MARKAKIS, MANUEL KANE

The third vinyl release of the year from Blur Records sees three distinguished producers - ColorJaxx, T.Markakis and Manuel Kane - sharing duties, each delivering a track each but with the distinctive, music-centred 'deep house fusion' flavour of the Blur label very much at their heart. ColorJaxx's 'I Know You' kicks off proceedings in upbeat mood, goaded along by a skippy garage beat, some beautiful piano work and arresting male vocals. 'Ain't Like That' by T.Markakis rolls slower and deeper, clouds of warm synth giving it a reassuring, dub feel, while Manuel Kane's 'Funk' boasts a cheery, end-of-evening sparkle with its hypnotic vocal samples and gentle sirens. Quality without pretention whichever way you turn.