Luuk van Dijk – Body EP – (Roush)

In next to no time, Spanish label Roush has burst out of nowhere and fast became one of the country’s most respected purveyors of clued-in and out-there house music. Their raison d’etre revolved – and continues to revolve – around unlikely sound combinations, and it’s a method of working that’s served them with some distinction over the years. The label’s latest labour of love is an EP from Luuk van Dijk, an up-and-coming producer from Holland with a sound palette that’s perfectly suited to the sounds of the label at hand.

Van Dijk does his reputation no harm whatsoever here via these three anthems, all of which are tailored solely for the dancefloor. The Body EP gets going with “Face”, a fresh, undiluted track that sounds that much different to most of what’s out there. Packed with delicate facets from the off, the lingering melody lines are a real treat, as are the nimble and quick-footed beats that are ingrained in our brains after one listen. Unpredictable and full of gumption, it’s the sort of wondrous monster that’ll find favour in clubs like DC10.

Next track “Arms” is an even more glamourous affair. Boisterous and colourful, the track is a neat deep house affair that’s perfect for summer-time floors. The final flourish is “Legs”, which brings us back towards more distinguished tech-house planes. An EP that truly explores the complexities of modern-day sounds, this is an astounding release from all those involved.

5 out of 5

Reviewed by Ian Fleming