DJ LIFE — Moonboots

DJ Life – Moonboots appears as the latest 12-inch offering from Haŵs (catalogue HAWS035), a five-track tech house / progressive house set that stakes a claim with weighty bass and a sly, swinging rhythm. The record’s gritty low end and murky mood promise a dancefloor presence that feels both menacing and buoyant, a balance that makes it stand out in the current underground circuit. Within Haŵs’ recent output, Moonboots follows releases such as Boulderhead’s Sunshine (HAWS034), Wilba’s Kombucha in the Club (HAWS033) and Mutant Volt’s Bona Vista (HAWS032), all sharing the label’s penchant for deep, textured grooves. Earlier entries like Aiden Francis’ Floral Oceans (HAWS031) and Tifra’s Terra Incognita (HAWS028) set a precedent for atmospheric depth, a thread that Moonboots continues to develop. Side A opens with “Ceiling Shift”, a track that immediately drops a gritty bassline under a tight, pocket-driven drum pattern, establishing a tense yet danceable groove. “On The Pilsch” picks up the swing, adding skittering effects that keep the momentum light on its feet while preserving the record’s underlying menace. The side closes with “Tunneler”, which deepens the low-end focus and introduces a restless edge, priming the listener for the B-side’s centerpiece. The title track “Moonboots” on side B expands the record’s moody streak, delivering an electric tension that rides over a solid, swinging foundation. Its structure offers a clear point for DJs to build or release energy, making it suitable for peak-time moments. “Speed Out” follows with a brisk, kinetic feel, retaining the fat low end while injecting a sense of urgency that can propel a set forward or serve as a dynamic transition. DJ Life’s recent discography includes the All Smoke No Mirrors 12-inch on R.A.N.D. Muzik Recordings (RMECR005, 2025) and the Forbidden Space EP on 9FINITY (9FINITY003, 2025), both of which explored similarly dense bass territories. Earlier efforts such as the Guardian EP (Program Earth, 2023) and Quantum Travel (Distant Horizons, 2022) showed a consistent interest in melding progressive structures with tech-house groove, a trajectory that Moonboots extends with added menace and swing. For DJs, Moonboots offers a versatile toolkit: the opening cuts supply deep, swinging foundations ideal for warm-up or mid-set layering, while the title track and “Speed Out” provide heightened tension suitable for peak moments or dramatic exits. Collectors will appreciate the record’s cohesive mood and the way each piece contributes to a unified, yet varied, journey through tech-house territory. The release arrives as a 12-inch vinyl, preserving the tactile experience that complements its heavy, low-frequency focus. Its format supports the full dynamic range needed for the record’s gritty bass and swinging drums, making it a solid addition to any crate that values both sound quality and physical presence. DJ Life – Moonboots, Haŵs, catalogue HAWS035, 12-inch vinyl, five tracks. Tracklist: A1. DJ Life – Ceiling Shift A2. DJ Life – On The Pilsch A3. DJ Life – Tunneler B1. DJ Life – Moonboots B2. DJ Life – Speed Out