DJ AUTOPAY — Bumpers EP

Dj Autopay – Bumpers EP arrives on T4T LUV NRG as catalogue T4T012, a 12-inch vinyl that situates itself between Introspekt’s “Temptation” (T4T010) and a trio of later releases from Bored Lord, Russell E.l. Butler and Octo Octa. The record blends deep house and garage sensibilities, offering a set of four cuts crafted for DJ-centric mixing and the occasional “collision” on the dancefloor. The EP follows the label’s earlier 2023 offering “Temptation” and anticipates forthcoming outings such as “Name It” (T4T013) and “Call Me G” (T4T014). Within this context, “Bumpers” feels like a bridge between the label’s recent homage to classic American house and its forward-looking groove experiments. Side A opens with “More Femme, More Masc”, a queer, non-binary anthem that channels Baltimore-style energy while the producer’s voice cracks with pandemic-era vulnerability. The track weaves references to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and Nice & Smooth’s “Sometimes I Rhyme Slow” into a fresh, emotionally charged groove designed for unexpected set moments. The second cut, “Trope 1”, shifts to a pure house instrumental that recalls the swinging beats of the golden age of American house, filtered through Russell’s distinctive perspective. Side B continues the instrumental journey. “Trope 2” and “Trope 3” maintain the house-focused aesthetic, each delivering a rhythmic pulse reminiscent of early releases on Guidance Records and echoing the vibe of producers such as Callisto, Kerri Chandler and DJ Rasoul. The three “Trope” cuts together reinforce the EP’s commitment to timeless dancefloor function while showcasing a modern interpretive lens. Within Dj Autopay’s output, “Bumpers” stands out as a concise statement that balances nostalgic house references with contemporary emotional depth. Its placement in the T4T LUV NRG catalogue highlights the label’s ongoing dialogue between classic house foundations and present-day club culture. For DJs, the EP offers a versatile toolbox: the vocal-driven opener works as a peak-time centerpiece, while the instrumental “Trope” tracks provide clean, groove-rich layers ideal for mixing, looping or building tension. Collectors will appreciate the concise four-track format that captures a moment of creative synthesis between past and present house aesthetics. The record is pressed as a 12-inch vinyl, matching the format expectations of deep house and garage enthusiasts who value the tactile and sonic qualities of analog playback. Dj Autopay – Bumpers EP, T4T LUV NRG, catalogue T4T012, 12-inch vinyl, four tracks, deep house/garage, released 9 October 2023. Tracklist: A1. Dj Autopay – More Femme, More Masc A2. Dj Autopay – Trope 1 B1. Dj Autopay – Trope 2 B2. Dj Autopay – Trope 3