Pocket Money records is a vinyl only label with their feet in Manchester but with their minds and hearts firmly in their spiritual homes of Chicago and Detroit. This independent label is focused completely on the release of only the finest modern underground house music. Their most recent offering is due out on the 13th of April in all good records stores.

This EP is a collaboration between 4 of their newest artists to give the listening public a taster of what is yet to come later on in the year. First up is James Johnston, this Glasgow native is no stranger to the house music game. With a string of releases in the last few years he has featured on labels such as Gerd’s 4lux and Kolour’s off shoot Undertones. But not content with releasing music on other peoples labels he decided to set up No Matter What with fellow PMR artist Alex Agore. Alex was featured on Pocket Money Records debut offering “Hustler EP Part 1”. Johnston’s track on the Hustlers EP, “House Sound” is a true house track through and through. A perfect kick drum and hi-hat combo is accompanied by synth chords and a howling vocal sample to give you everything you need to make a great house anthem.

Next up is the Berlin native, Jemaho. Real name Jean Marie Houvenaghel. He is also the brain behind Jazzy Butterfly Records with long time associate Jason Shaw AKA 4TRAK Music. Jemaho’s feature on the record, entitled “Ghosts Inside Me” allows for a smooth transition between tracks with a heavy old school Detroit house feel to it. This track instantly makes you want to move and will be a welcomed addition to dj’s sets.

Then on the B side we are greeted by the Dutchman Robert Reinartz, who’s most recent release was in October of last year. “Tearz EP” was done on freche fruchte recordings. This classic house EP reminds the listener of Strictly Rhythm or a Todd Terry classic. On this record though “Stay With Him” is a faster track to welcome you onto the other side of the wax. While the vibe of old school house continues throughout Roberts track is a harder hitting kick drum lead track which has a strong Kerri Chandler feel to it.

Last but certainly not least is Soul Habitat which is an independent deep house project with its musical roots firmly attached to early garage house style. Based in Poland and with a history of making bass music this is a new direction and one which I have very few complaints about.  “City Lights” is my favourite track on this record, with its bouncing beat and melodic soulfulness its an instant hit and when a saxophone sample is introduced to the equation it takes the record as a whole to a whole other level.

Tracklist:

A1 James Johnston- House Sound

A2 Jemaho- Ghosts Inside Me

B1 Robert Reinartz- Stay With Him

B2 Soul Habitat- City Lights