CO66Y AKA, STEVE COBBY — Ghetto Of Excellence EP

CO66Y aka & Steve Cobby – Ghetto of Excellence EP The new 12-inch from ECLECTIC AVENUE RECORDS (catalogue EAR013) arrives as a deep-house vignette that balances warm summer vibes with a nod to classic break-beat aesthetics. The EP’s three cuts showcase two distinct moods: a sun-kissed vocal groove, a bass-driven house journey, and a retro-flavoured track for the seasoned listener. Its concise format and focused production make it a noteworthy addition for DJs seeking both melodic depth and rhythmic variety. ECLECTIC AVENUE RECORDS has always positioned itself as a platform for music that defies trend-driven expectations, championing releases from artists they admire. While the label’s broader catalogue remains undisclosed here, this EP continues that ethos, presenting a curated blend of deep-house sensibilities and an homage to earlier electronic forms. Side A opens with “Baby I’m 4 Real”, a track that captures the languid feel of late-summer evenings. A deep-house groove underpins a soulful vocal that weaves through the rhythm, delivering a melodic hook that can anchor a warm-up set or provide a breezy interlude in a deeper hour. The production balances subtle swing with a polished low-end, allowing the vocal to sit prominently without overwhelming the dancefloor pulse. Flipping to side B, “That Storied Word” sustains the deep-house mood but shifts focus to a resonant bassline performed by Steve Cobby. The bass drives the track forward, creating a hypnotic loop that invites extended mixing and gradual layering. Its steady progression makes it suitable for building tension in a mid-set, while the understated percussive elements keep the groove moving without clutter. The EP closes with “Juvenile Delinquent”, a cut that deliberately steps back into the realm of break-beat tradition. A heavy baseline anchors the track, while a break-beat rhythm introduces a kinetic energy that contrasts with the smoother house cuts preceding it. A familiar vocal sample, aimed at “heads” of the scene, adds a nostalgic texture that can serve as a bridge between classic rave references and contemporary deep-house aesthetics. Its structure offers DJs a tool for shifting the vibe of a set, injecting a burst of momentum before returning to smoother terrain. Within the limited output documented for CO66Y aka and Steve Cobby, this EP stands out as a collaborative snapshot that merges their respective strengths: CO66Y aka’s affinity for soulful vocal integration and Cobby’s reputation for crafting compelling bass foundations. The record’s three-track layout provides a compact yet versatile toolkit for vinyl-oriented DJs, offering a melodic opener, a deep-house anchor, and a break-beat climax. From a collector’s perspective, the 12-inch format preserves the tactile experience of deep-house vinyl, allowing the nuances of each groove to be felt as well as heard. The pressing adheres to the label’s commitment to quality, delivering a sound that translates well from intimate listening sessions to larger club environments. Its three tracks, each distinct in mood and function, make the EP a practical addition to any deep-house or eclectic set, especially for those who appreciate a blend of contemporary groove and retro flair. CO66Y aka & Steve Cobby – Ghetto of Excellence EP, ECLECTIC AVENUE RECORDS, catalogue EAR013, 12-inch vinyl, three tracks. Tracklist: A1. CO66Y aka & Steve Cobby – Baby I’m 4 Real B1. CO66Y aka & Steve Cobby – That Storied Word B2. CO66Y aka & Steve Cobby – Juvenile Delinquent